Nehemiah 9:35

Authorized King James Version

For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵ֣ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
בְּמַלְכוּתָם֩
H4438
thee in their kingdom
a rule; concretely, a dominion
#3
וּבְטֽוּבְךָ֙
H2898
goodness
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
#4
הָרָ֜ב
H7227
and in thy great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נָתַ֥תָּ
H5414
that thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
לָהֶ֗ם
H0
#8
וּבְאֶ֨רֶץ
H776
land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
הָֽרְחָבָ֧ה
H7342
them and in the large
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively
#10
וְהַשְּׁמֵנָ֛ה
H8082
and fat
greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich
#11
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
נָתַ֥תָּ
H5414
that thou gavest
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לִפְנֵיהֶ֖ם
H6440
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
עֲבָד֑וּךָ
H5647
For they have not served
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#16
וְֽלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
שָׁ֔בוּ
H7725
them neither turned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#18
מִמַּֽעַלְלֵיהֶ֖ם
H4611
works
an act (good or bad)
#19
הָֽרָעִֽים׃
H7451
they from their wicked
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection