Nehemiah 9:37

Authorized King James Version

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּתְבֽוּאָתָ֣הּ
increase
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
#2
מַרְבָּ֗ה
And it yieldeth much
to increase (in whatever respect)
#3
לַמְּלָכִ֛ים
unto the kings
a king
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָתַ֥תָּה
whom thou hast set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
עָלֵ֖ינוּ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
בְּחַטֹּאותֵ֑ינוּ
over us because of our sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#8
וְעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
גְּ֠וִיֹּתֵינוּ
over our bodies
a body, whether alive or dead
#10
מֹֽשְׁלִ֤ים
also they have dominion
to rule
#11
וּבִבְהֶמְתֵּ֙נוּ֙
and over our cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#12
כִּרְצוֹנָ֔ם
at their pleasure
delight (especially as shown)
#13
וּבְצָרָ֥ה
distress
transitively, a female rival
#14
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
and we are in great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#15
אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃
we

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection