Nehemiah 8:13

Authorized King James Version

And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבַיּ֣וֹם
H3117
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
הַשֵּׁנִ֡י
H8145
And on the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#3
נֶֽאֶסְפוּ֩
H622
were gathered together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#4
רָאשֵׁ֨י
H7218
the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
הָֽאָב֜וֹת
H1
of the fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
לְכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
הָעָ֗ם
H5971
of all the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
H3548
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#9
וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם
H3881
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#10
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
עֶזְרָ֖א
H5830
unto Ezra
ezra, an israelite
#12
הַסֹּפֵ֑ר
H5608
the scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#13
וּלְהַשְׂכִּ֖יל
H7919
even to understand
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
#14
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
דִּבְרֵ֥י
H1697
the words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#16
הַתּוֹרָֽה׃
H8451
of the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection