Nehemiah 9:10

Authorized King James Version

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֠תִּתֵּן

H5414

And shewedst

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֹתֹ֨ת

H226

signs

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וּמֹֽפְתִ֜ים

H4159

and wonders

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

בְּפַרְעֹ֤ה

H6547

upon Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

עֲבָדָיו֙

H5650

and on all his servants

a servant

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

עַ֣ם

H5971

and on all the people

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

אַרְצ֔וֹ

H776

of his land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

יָדַ֔עְתָּ

H3045

for thou knewest

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

הֵזִ֖ידוּ

H2102

that they dealt proudly

to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent

#14

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

וַתַּֽעַשׂ

H6213

against them So didst thou get

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

לְךָ֥

#17

שֵׁ֖ם

H8034

thee a name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#18

כְּהַיּ֥וֹם

H3117

as it is this 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

#19

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?