Nehemiah 7:4

Authorized King James Version

Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָעִ֞יר

H5892

Now the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

רַֽחֲבַ֤ת

H7342

was large

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

יָדַ֙יִם֙

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וּגְדוֹלָ֔ה

H1419

and great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְהָעָ֥ם

H5971

but the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מְעַ֖ט

H4592

were few

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

בְּתוֹכָ֑הּ

H8432

therein

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

וְאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּתִּ֖ים

H1004

and the houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#10

בְּנוּיִֽם׃

H1129

were not builded

to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?