Nehemiah 8:18

Authorized King James Version

Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יִּקְרָא
H7121
he read
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בְּסֵ֨פֶר
H5612
in the book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#3
תּוֹרַ֤ת
H8451
of the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
H430
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
H3117
Also 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
#6
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
H3117
Also 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
#7
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
H3117
Also 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
#9
הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן
H7223
from the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#10
עַ֖ד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#11
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
H3117
Also 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
#12
הָאַֽחֲר֑וֹן
H314
unto the last
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
#13
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ
H6213
And they kept
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
חָג֙
H2282
the feast
a festival, or a victim therefor
#15
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
H7651
seven
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
#16
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
H3117
Also 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
#17
וּבַיּ֧וֹם
H3117
Also 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
#18
הַשְּׁמִינִ֛י
H8066
and on the eighth
eight
#19
עֲצֶ֖רֶת
H6116
was a solemn assembly
an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday
#20
כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃
H4941
according unto the manner
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection