Nehemiah 8:15

Authorized King James Version

And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
יַשְׁמִ֗יעוּ
H8085
And that they should publish
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
וְיַֽעֲבִ֨ירוּ
H5674
and proclaim
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#4
ק֥וֹל
H6963
a voice or sound
#5
בְּכָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
עָֽרֵיהֶם֮
H5892
in all their cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֣ם
H3389
and in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#8
לֵאמֹר֒
H559
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
צְא֣וּ
H3318
Go forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#10
הָהָ֗ר
H2022
unto the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#11
וְהָבִ֙יאוּ֙
H935
and fetch
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
וַֽעֲלֵ֖י
H5929
and branches
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#13
זַ֙יִת֙
H2132
olive
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
#14
וַֽעֲלֵ֖י
H5929
and branches
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#15
עֵ֣ץ
H6086
branches
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#16
שֶׁ֔מֶן
H8081
and pine
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#17
וַֽעֲלֵ֖י
H5929
and branches
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#18
הֲדַס֙
H1918
and myrtle
the myrtle
#19
וַֽעֲלֵ֖י
H5929
and branches
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#20
תְמָרִ֔ים
H8558
and palm
a palm tree
#21
וַֽעֲלֵ֖י
H5929
and branches
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
#22
עֵ֣ץ
H6086
branches
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#23
עָבֹ֑ת
H5687
of thick
intwined, i.e., dense
#24
לַֽעֲשֹׂ֥ת
H6213
to make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#25
סֻכֹּ֖ת
H5521
booths
a hut or lair
#26
כַּכָּתֽוּב׃
H3789
as it is written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection