Nehemiah 9:20

Authorized King James Version

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרֽוּחֲךָ֙
spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#2
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
also thy good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#3
נָתַ֥תָּה
Thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
לְהַשְׂכִּילָ֑ם
to instruct
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
#5
וּמַנְךָ֙
not thy manna
literally a whatness (so to speak), i.e., manna (so called from the question about it)
#6
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
מָנַ֣עְתָּ
them and withheldest
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
#8
מִפִּיהֶ֔ם
from their mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#9
וּמַ֛יִם
them water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
נָתַ֥תָּה
Thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#12
לִצְמָאָֽם׃
for their thirst
thirst (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 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