Nehemiah 9:30

Authorized King James Version

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּמְשֹׁ֤ךְ
H4900
didst thou forbear
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
#2
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שָׁנִ֣ים
H8141
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#4
רַבּ֔וֹת
H7227
Yet many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#5
וַתָּ֨עַד
H5749
them and testifiedst
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
#6
בָּ֧ם
H0
#7
בְּרֽוּחֲךָ֛
H7307
against them by thy spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#8
בְּיַ֖ד
H3027
in
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#9
נְבִיאֶ֖יךָ
H5030
thy prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#10
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
הֶֽאֱזִ֑ינוּ
H238
yet would they not give ear
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
#12
וַֽתִּתְּנֵ֔ם
H5414
therefore gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
בְּיַ֖ד
H3027
in
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#14
עַמֵּ֥י
H5971
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#15
הָֽאֲרָצֹֽת׃
H776
of the lands
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection