Nehemiah 9:34

Authorized King James Version

Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
מְלָכֵ֤ינוּ
Neither have our kings
a king
#3
שָׂרֵ֙ינוּ֙
our princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#4
כֹּֽהֲנֵ֣ינוּ
our priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#5
וַֽאֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
H1
nor our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#6
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
עָשׂ֖וּ
kept
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
תּֽוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ
thy law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#9
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
הִקְשִׁ֙יבוּ֙
nor hearkened
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ
unto thy commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#13
וּלְעֵ֣דְוֹתֶ֔יךָ
and thy testimonies
testimony
#14
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
הַֽעִידֹ֖תָ
wherewith thou didst testify
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
#16
בָּהֶֽם׃
H0

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