Nehemiah 9:7

Authorized King James Version

Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַתָּה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
הוּא֙
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
Thou art the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
H430
the God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
בָּחַ֙רְתָּ֙
H977
who didst choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#7
בְּאַבְרָ֔ם
H87
Abram
abram, the original name of abraham
#8
וְהֽוֹצֵאת֖וֹ
H3318
and broughtest him forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
מֵא֣וּר
H218
out of Ur
ur, a place in chaldaea
#10
כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
H3778
of the Chaldees
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#11
וְשַׂ֥מְתָּ
H7760
and gavest
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#12
שְּׁמ֖וֹ
H8034
him the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#13
אַבְרָהָֽם׃
H85
of Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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