Nehemiah 8:2

Authorized King James Version

And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבִ֣יא

H935

brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עֶזְרָ֣א

H5830

And Ezra

ezra, an israelite

הַ֠כֹּהֵן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַתּוֹרָ֞ה

H8451

the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

לִפְנֵ֤י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַקָּהָל֙

H6951

the congregation

assemblage (usually concretely)

מֵאִ֣ישׁ

H376

both of men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#10

אִשָּׁ֔ה

H802

and women

a woman

#11

וְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מֵבִ֣ין

H995

with understanding

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

#13

לִשְׁמֹ֑עַ

H8085

and all that could hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#14

בְּי֥וֹם

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

#15

אֶחָ֖ד

H259

upon the first

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#16

לַחֹ֥דֶשׁ

H2320

month

the new moon; by implication, a month

#17

הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי׃

H7637

of the seventh

seventh

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?