Nehemiah 9:2

Authorized King James Version

And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּבָּֽדְלוּ֙
separated
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#2
זֶ֣רַע
And the seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
מִכֹּ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
בְּנֵ֣י
themselves from all strangers
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
נֵכָ֑ר
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
#7
וַיַּֽעַמְד֗וּ
and stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#8
וַיִּתְוַדּוּ֙
and confessed
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
חַטֹּ֣אתֵיהֶ֔ם
their sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#11
וַעֲוֺנ֖וֹת
and the iniquities
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#12
אֲבֹֽתֵיהֶֽם׃
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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

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