Nehemiah 9:21

Authorized King James Version

Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים
Yea forty
forty
#2
שָׁנָ֛ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#3
כִּלְכַּלְתָּ֥ם
didst thou sustain
properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)
#4
בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר
them in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
חָסֵ֑רוּ
so that they lacked
to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
#7
שַׂלְמֹֽתֵיהֶם֙
nothing their clothes
a dress
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
בָל֔וּ
waxed not old
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
#10
וְרַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם
and their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#11
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
בָצֵֽקוּ׃
swelled
perhaps to swell up, i.e., blister

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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