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2NEHfrontintrok2y20

Introduction to Nehemiah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Nehemiah

  1. Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and inspects the walls (1:1-2:20)
  2. The people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (3:1-4:23)
  3. Nehemiah helps the poor and provides an unselfish example (5:119)
  4. Enemies try to slow down the work, but the people finish the walls (6:119)
  5. Nehemiah lists the people who returned from exile (7:673)
  6. Ezra reads the Law of Yahweh and the people respond (8:1-10:39)
  7. Nehemiah lists the people who lived in and around Jerusalem (11:136)
  8. Nehemiah lists the priests and Levites (12:126)
  9. The people dedicate the walls of Jerusalem (12:2747)
  10. Nehemiah corrects problems (13:131)

What is the Book of Nehemiah about?

A Jew named Nehemiah lived in Persia and worked for King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah received a report that the walls around Jerusalem were broken down. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city walls. The walls around the city helped protect the city against armies and invaders.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The Book of Nehemiah is named for a Jewish leader named Nehemiah. Translators can use the traditional title “Nehemiah.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “The Book about Nehemiah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Why were Israelites not allowed to marry people from other nations?

Foreigners worshiped many false gods. Yahweh did not allow his people to marry foreigners. He knew this would cause the people of Israel to worship false gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])

Did all of the people of Israel return to their homeland?

Many of the Jews remained in Babylon instead of returning to the Promised Land. Many of them were successful in Babylon and desired to remain there. However, this meant that they were unable to worship Yahweh in Jerusalem as their ancestors had done. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How does the Book of Nehemiah use the term “Israel”?

The Book of Nehemiah uses the term “Israel” to refer to the kingdom of Judah. It was mostly made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The other ten tribes had ended their loyalty to any kings descended from David. God allowed the Assyrians to conquer the other ten tribes and take them into exile. As a result, they mixed with other people groups and did not return to the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/israel]])

Are the events in the Book of Nehemiah told in the order that they actually happened?

Some of the events in the Book of Nehemiah are not told in the order they actually happened. Translators should pay attention to notes that signal when events are probably out of order.

3NEH1introy5jf0

Nehemiah 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

“The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:”

This phrase serves as an introduction to this entire book.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

This chapter is a single long record of Nehemiahs repentance on behalf of the people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

I

While the author of this book is probably Ezra, the word “I” always refers to Nehemiah.

Israel

It is uncertain to whom “Israel” refers. It probably does not refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. Neither does it likely refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. Instead, it is probably a reference to Israel in the sense of the surviving people group. At Nehemiahs time, this people group exclusively comprised the tribe of Judah because the other tribes had already been scattered throughout the entire Near East, where they lost their identity, for the most part.

4NEH11bi9htranslate-names0Nehemiah…Hakaliah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

5NEH11qd3etranslate-hebrewmonths0in the month of Kislev

“Kislev” is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of November and the first part of December on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

6NEH11hn28figs-explicit0in the twentieth year

Nehemiah is referring to the number of years that Artaxerxes had been reigning as king. Alternate translation: “in the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, King of Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

7NEH11g6dl0fortress of Susa

This was one of the royal cities of Persian kings, located in the country of Elam. It was a large, fortified city with high walls surrounding it.

8NEH12f2abtranslate-names0Hanani

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

9NEH12l6cw0one of my brothers, Hanani

Hanani was Nehemiahs biological brother.

10NEH12lg140Hanani, came with some people from Judah

“Hanani came from Judah with some other people”

11NEH12q7zifigs-explicit0the Jews who had escaped, the remnant of the Jews who were there

These two phrases refer to the same group of people. Possible meanings are 1) the few Jews who were taken as exiles to Babylon but escaped and returned to live in Jerusalem or 2) the few Jews who had escaped from those who were trying to take them into exile in Babylon and so remained in Jerusalem. Since it is unclear from where they escaped, it may be best not to specify in the translation. Alternate translation: “the Jews who had escaped the exile and who remained in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

12NEH13igf20They said to me

Here “They” refers to Hanani and the other people who had come from Judah.

13NEH13y1zgfigs-explicit0the province

Here “province” refers to Judah as an administrative district under the Persian Empire. Alternate translation: “the province of Judah” or “Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

14NEH13pk3ffigs-activepassive0the wall of Jerusalem has been broken open, and its gates have been set on fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “armies have broken open the wall of Jerusalem and have set its gates on fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

15NEH15tzl8figs-explicit0Then I said

Nehemiah tells what he prayed. Alternate translation: “Then I said to Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

16NEH15pf2l0Yahweh

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

17NEH15zc64figs-123person0who love him and keep his commandments

Since Nehemiah is speaking to Yahweh, the pronouns “him” and “his” can be translated as “you” and “your.” Alternate translation: “who love you and keep your commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

18NEH16g947figs-metaphor0open your eyes

“look at me.” Here “open your eyes” is a metaphor that represents paying attention to someone. Alternate translation: “pay attention to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

19NEH16qjf30so you may hear the prayer of your servant

“so that you may hear the prayer that I, your servant, am praying.” The word “servant” refers to Nehemiah. This is how a person would address his superior in order to show humility and respect.

20NEH16v8gxfigs-merism0day and night

By saying that he prays both during the day and during the night, Nehemiah emphasizes the frequency of his prayers. Alternate translation: “all the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

21NEH16bxj6figs-metonymy0Both I and my fathers house

Here the word “house” represents family. Alternate translation: “Both I and my family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

22NEH18brz70Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah continues praying to God.

23NEH18pv64figs-idiom0Please call to mind

To “call to mind” is an idiom that means to remember. Alternate translation: “Please remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

24NEH18y5jpfigs-you0the word you commanded your servant Moses

The pronouns “you” and “your” refer to God and so are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

25NEH18b6qhfigs-you0If you act unfaithfully…scatter you

The pronouns “you” and “your” are plural and refer to the Israelite people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

26NEH18evf5figs-metaphor0I will scatter you among the nations

Yahweh speaks of causing the Israelite people to live in other nations as if he scattered them like one would scatter seeds. Alternate translation: “I will cause you to live among the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

27NEH19dqn5figs-you0if you return…your people

The pronouns “you” and “your” are plural and refer to the Israelite people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

28NEH19cnn2figs-activepassive0though your people were scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “though I scattered your people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

29NEH19f8jzfigs-idiom0under the farthest skies

Yahweh speaks of places on the earth that are very far away as being “under the farthest skies.” Alternate translation: “to places very far away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

30NEH19lgh9figs-explicit0to that place where I have chosen…remain

This phrase refers to Jerusalem, where the temple was located. Alternate translation: “to Jerusalem, where I have chosen…remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

31NEH19g88jfigs-metonymy0where I have chosen to make my name remain

Here the word “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “where I have chosen to dwell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

32NEH110u4a80General Information:

Nehemiah continues his prayer.

33NEH110w4qw0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in Nehemiahs prayer. Here he begins to make his request based on Yahwehs promise.

34NEH110mjx70they are your servants

The word “they” refers to the Israelite people.

35NEH110zu4sfigs-metonymy0by your great power and by your strong hand

Here “hand” represents strength or power. Together, these two phrases form a doublet that emphasizes the intensity of Yahwehs power. Alternate translation: “by your great power and by your mighty strength” or “by your very powerful strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

36NEH111jjm70the prayer of your servant

Here “servant” refers to Nehemiah. This is how a person would address his superior in order to show humility and respect. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 1:6.

37NEH111j4330the prayer of your servants

Here “servants” refers to the rest of the Israelite people who would have been praying for Yahweh to act on behalf of his people and on behalf of Jerusalem.

38NEH111hk3zfigs-metonymy0who delight to honor your name

Here “name” represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “who delight to honor you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

39NEH111kr990grant him mercy in the sight of this man

Here “him” refers to Nehemiah, who refers to himself in the third person to express his humility before God, and “this man” refers to Artaxerxes, the king of Persia.

40NEH111r7affigs-metaphor0in the sight of this man

Nehemiah speaks of the kings attitude or disposition as if it were how the king viewed something. Alternate translation: “grant that the king will have mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

41NEH111h9hlwriting-background0I served as cupbearer to the king

This is background information about Nehemiahs role in the kings court. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

42NEH2intromj1d0

Nehemiah 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter begins the account of the construction of the wall. Many scholars believe these chapters teach valuable lessons on leadership (Nehemiah 2-6).

Special concepts in this chapter

Nehemiahs character

Apparently, Nehemiahs character made an impression on the king. It was very unusual for a king to be so concerned with one of his servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Cultural Customs

In ancient Persia, they thought it was important for their conquered peoples to practice their own cultural customs. It was thought that this independence promoted peace in their vast kingdom. The rebuilding of Jerusalem may have been seen as a way to allow for the Jewish cultural practices.

Yahwehs control

Yahweh is seen as very powerful. He is able to provide for his people, even through a foreign king. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])

43NEH21h3hutranslate-hebrewmonths0In the month of Nisan

“Nisan” is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])

44NEH21l63ftranslate-ordinal0in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king

“in the 20th year that Artaxerxes was king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

45NEH21k1vfwriting-background0Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Nehemiah tells background information about his demeanor before the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

46NEH22n5wy0But the king

“So the king”

47NEH22ue51figs-synecdoche0Why is your face so sad

Here Nehemiah is referred to by his face because the face shows ones emotions. Alternate translation: “Why are you so sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

48NEH22g1k7figs-synecdoche0This must be sadness of heart

This speaks of Nehemiah being sad as if his heart were sad, since the heart is often considered the center of emotions. Alternate translation: “You must be very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

49NEH22eyt80Then I became very much afraid

As Nehemiah prepares to answer, he is afraid because he does not know how the king will respond.

50NEH23qz4ifigs-hyperbole0May the king live forever

Nehemiah is showing honor to King Artaxerxes. Here “forever” is an exaggeration that refers to a long life. Alternate translation: “Long live the king” or “May the king have a long life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

51NEH23klj6figs-rquestion0Why should not my face be sad?

Here Nehemiah uses this rhetorical question to tell the king that he has a reason to be sad. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have very good reasons to be sad.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

52NEH23eh230the place of my fathers tombs

“the place where my ancestors are buried”

53NEH23g7f4figs-activepassive0its gates have been destroyed by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “fire has destroyed its gates” or “our enemy has burned its gates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

54NEH25uv1p0I replied to the king

“Then I replied to the king”

55NEH25u2zy0your servant

Nehemiah refers to himself this way to show his submission to the king.

56NEH25ae4bfigs-metaphor0in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

57NEH25df8l0the city of my fathers tombs

“the city where my ancestors are buried”

58NEH25l6njfigs-synecdoche0that I may rebuild it

Nehemiah does not plan to do all of the building himself, but he will be the leader of the work. Alternate translation: “that I and my people may rebuild it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

59NEH27rgj6figs-activepassive0may letters be given to me

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “may you give letters to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60NEH27qp9n0the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa.

61NEH28ar5vtranslate-names0Asaph

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

62NEH28wl1sfigs-metonymy0the good hand of God was on me

Gods “good hand” represents his “favor.” Alternate translation: “Gods favor was upon me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

63NEH210yz8ptranslate-names0Sanballat the Horonite

Sanballat is the name of a man, and the Horonites were a people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

64NEH210eh4ctranslate-names0Tobiah the Ammonite servant

This man was likely a freed slave now serving as an officer in Ammon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

65NEH210vb3p0heard this

“heard that I had arrived”

66NEH212s7mwfigs-metonymy0had put into my heart

Here Nehemiahs “heart” refers to his thoughts and will. Alternate translation: “had inspired me” or “had led me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

67NEH212wd630There was no animal with me

“There were no animals with me”

68NEH213g1befigs-123person0General Information:

A few men accompanied Nehemiah on this inspection, but he speaks in the first person because he was the primary person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

69NEH213au610I went out by night by the Valley Gate

“At night, I went out through the Valley Gate”

70NEH213pt1h0Jackal

a wild dog

71NEH213mif30Dung Gate

Presumably, refuse was removed from the city through this gate.

72NEH213a8u1figs-activepassive0which had been broken open, and the wooden gates were destroyed by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which Israels enemies had broken open, and the wooden gates which their enemies had destroyed with fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73NEH215l39vfigs-synecdoche0So I went up…and I turned back

The other men with Nehemiah also followed him. Alternate translation: “So we went up…and we turned back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

74NEH215b6370by the Valley Gate

“through the Valley Gate”

75NEH216xd75figs-explicit0the rest who did the work

This refers to the men who would later rebuild the walls. Alternate translation: “the others who would later do the work of rebuilding the walls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

76NEH217we6mfigs-you0You see the trouble

Here “you” is plural, referring to all the people mentioned in Nehemiah 2:16. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

77NEH217f468figs-activepassive0its gates have been destroyed by fire

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “how our enemies destroyed its gates by fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

78NEH217ll6y0so we will no longer be in disgrace

“so we will no longer be ashamed”

79NEH218twi7figs-metonymy0the good hand of my God was on me

Gods “good hand” represents his “favor.” Alternate translation: “my Gods favor was upon me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

80NEH218h3cjfigs-idiom0rise up and build

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “begin building” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

81NEH218y6uifigs-idiom0So they strengthened their hands for the good work

The phrase “strengthened their hands” means to prepare to do something. Alternate translation: “So they prepared do this good work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82NEH219et87translate-names0Sanballat…Tobiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

83NEH219cxe8translate-names0Geshem

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

84NEH219ww1kfigs-rquestion0What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?

These rhetorical questions are used to mock Nehemiah. These can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “You are acting foolishly! You should not be rebelling against the king!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

85NEH219u8ri0the king

This refers to Artaxerses, the king of Persia.

86NEH220iv9xfigs-idiom0will arise and build

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will begin rebuilding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

87NEH220a4e60But you have no share, no right, and no historic claim in Jerusalem

“But you have no share, legal right, or religious claim to Jerusalem”

88NEH3introdfw60

Nehemiah 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Priests

The priests worked on rebuilding the city. Normally, the priests were exempt from this type of work. Because they helped, it emphasizes that this is a holy work and something done for Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Cooperation

Everyone worked on this project. Many names are mentioned to emphasize the cooperation between the different families. Each was given a section of the wall to rebuild.

89NEH31ald80Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brother priests

“Then Eliashib the high priest came forward with his brothers, the priests”

90NEH31g9aztranslate-names0Eliashib

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

91NEH31r9wntranslate-numbers0Tower of the Hundred

“Tower of the 100” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

92NEH31e1thtranslate-names0Tower of Hananel

This is the name of a tower. It is likely named after a man named “Hananel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

93NEH32q84stranslate-names0Zaccur son of Imri

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

94NEH32qf25figs-possession0men of Jericho

This means that the men were from Jericho. Alternate translation: “men from Jericho” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

95NEH33bbm9translate-names0Hassenaah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

96NEH33kxd60set its doors

“installed its doors” or “put its doors in place”

97NEH33kc480its bolts, and its bars

“its locks and bars.” These locked the gates securely.

98NEH34c8hitranslate-names0Meremoth…Uriah…Hakkoz…Meshullam…Berechiah…Meshezabel…Zadok…Baana

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

99NEH34inh2figs-ellipsis0Meremoth repaired the next section…Meshullam repaired…Zadok repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Meremoth repaired the next section of the wall…Meshullam repaired the wall…Zadok repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

100NEH35nn6jfigs-ellipsis0Tekoites repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Tekoites repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

101NEH35j3k4translate-names0the Tekoites

These are people from the town of Tekoa. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

102NEH35r94dfigs-activepassive0ordered by their supervisors

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that their supervisors had ordered them to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

103NEH36i43mtranslate-names0Joiada…Paseah and Meshullam…Besodeiah

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

104NEH36n1wi0set its doors

“installed its doors” or “put its doors in place”

105NEH36ykz80its bolts, and its bars

“its locks and bars.” These locked the gates securely.

106NEH37hu9utranslate-names0Melatiah…Jadon

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

107NEH37ipe7translate-names0Gibeonite…Meronothite

Gibeonites and Meronothites are people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

108NEH37n6xgtranslate-names0Gibeon and Mizpah

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

109NEH37mj92translate-names0the Province Beyond the River

This is the name of the province that was west of the Euphrates River. It was across the river from the city of Susa. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

110NEH38b2yhtranslate-names0Uzziel…Harhaiah…Hananiah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

111NEH38f4p50goldsmiths

A goldsmith is a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold objects.

112NEH38mx88figs-ellipsis0goldsmiths, repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “goldsmiths, repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

113NEH38mm1qfigs-ellipsis0next to him was Hananiah, a maker of perfumes

Hananiah repaired the wall as well. Alternate translation: “next to him Hananiah, a maker of perfumes, repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

114NEH38y25y0perfumes

liquid substances that people put on their body in small amounts to smell pleasant

115NEH39m5attranslate-names0Rephaiah…Hur

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

116NEH39s3jzfigs-ellipsis0Hur repaired

Hur repaired the wall. Alternate translation: “Hur repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

117NEH39avu20ruler

leader or chief administrator

118NEH39rd4itranslate-fraction0half the district

“Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

119NEH310k6g1translate-names0Jedaiah…Harumaph…Hattush…Hashabneiah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

120NEH310v3befigs-ellipsis0Harumaph repaired…Hashabneiah repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Harumaph repaired the wall…Hashabneiah repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

121NEH311g61etranslate-names0Malkijah…Harim…Hasshub…Pahath-Moab

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

122NEH311jy16figs-ellipsis0repaired another section

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired another section of the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

123NEH312e9p4translate-names0Shallum…Hallohesh

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

124NEH312wml3figs-ellipsis0repaired, along with his daughters

These phrase refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired another section of the wall…repaired the wall, along with his daughters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

125NEH312b7iq0Shallum son of Hallohesh, the ruler

Shallum was the ruler, not Hallohesh.

126NEH312l1db0ruler

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

127NEH312b6fxtranslate-fraction0half the district

“Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

128NEH313itt7translate-names0Hanun

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

129NEH313w5le0the inhabitants of Zanoah

“the people from Zanoah”

130NEH313ek5qtranslate-names0Zanoah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131NEH313i9v20the Valley Gate

“the Gate of the Valley” or “the Gate that Leads to the Valley.” Try to translate this expression as a name, not just as a description.

132NEH313d3h90set its doors

“installed its doors” or “put its doors in place”

133NEH313nsg30its bolts, and its bars

“its locks and bars.” These locked the gates securely.

134NEH313l7zcfigs-explicit0They repaired a thousand cubits as far as the Dung Gate

They repaired the portion of the wall between the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate. Alternate translation: “They repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, from the Valley Gate to the Dung Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

135NEH313x484figs-explicit0They repaired a thousand cubits

It is understood that they were repaing the wall of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “They repaired a thousand cubits of the wall” or “They repaired another thousand cubits of the wall beyond the Valley Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

136NEH313kw6htranslate-bdistance0a thousand cubits

“1,000 cubits.” This may be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “460 meters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

137NEH313r9e40the Dung Gate

Presumably, refuse was removed from the city through this gate. Try to translate this expression as a name, not just as a description.

138NEH314w494translate-names0Malkijah…Recab

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

139NEH314u2dk0Malkijah son of Recab, the ruler

Malkijah was the ruler, not Recab.

140NEH314d9dt0ruler

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

141NEH314d8satranslate-names0Beth Hakkerem

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

142NEH314xn3i0He…set its doors

“He installed its doors” or “He put its doors in place”

143NEH314if440its bolts, and its bars

“its locks, and its bars.” These locked the gates securely.

144NEH315bd9jtranslate-names0Shallun…Kol-Hozeh

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

145NEH315l7wu0Shallun son of Kol-Hozeh, the ruler

Shallun was the ruler, not Kol-Hozeh.

146NEH315c8rtfigs-possession0the wall of the Pool of Siloam

This means that the wall was beside the Pool of Siloam. Alternate translation: “the wall that surrounded the Pool of Siloam” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

147NEH316x774translate-names0Nehemiah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

148NEH316shf90Nehemiah son of Azbuk, the ruler

Nehemiah was the ruler, not Azbuk.

149NEH316l3hf0Nehemiah

This is a different man named Nehemiah from the person who authored this book.

150NEH316kmx60ruler

leader or chief administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:9.

151NEH316sc4ctranslate-fraction0half the district

“Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

152NEH316ngr2translate-names0Beth Zur

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

153NEH316c5bsfigs-ellipsis0repaired to the place

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired the wall up to the place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

154NEH316u2s60mighty men

“warriors”

155NEH317str7translate-names0Rehum…Bani…Hashabiah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

156NEH317l6vwtranslate-names0Keilah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

157NEH317a88sfigs-ellipsis0Levites repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Levites repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

158NEH317y3tu0for his district

“representing his district” or “on behalf of his district”

159NEH318h5qzfigs-ellipsis0After him their countrymen repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Next to him their countrymen repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

160NEH318b6sj0After him

“Next to him”

161NEH318gc2htranslate-names0Binnui…Henadad

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

162NEH318ca6t0Binnui son of Henadad, the ruler

Binnui was the ruler, not Henadad.

163NEH318yh3ztranslate-names0Keilah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

164NEH319yt87figs-ellipsis0repaired another section

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired another section of the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

165NEH319f6iftranslate-names0Ezer…Jeshua

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

166NEH319g2y6translate-names0Mizpah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

167NEH319gcc60Ezer son of Jeshua, the ruler

Ezer was the ruler, not Jeshua.

168NEH319c8s50that faced the ascent to the armory

“in front of the steps that went up to the armory”

169NEH319xtj90armory

the place where weapons are kept

170NEH320a7k90After him

“Next to him”

171NEH320r638translate-names0Baruch…Zabbai…Eliashib

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

172NEH320i7kjfigs-ellipsis0repaired another section

This refers to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired another section of the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

173NEH321z4b7translate-names0Meremoth…Uriah…Hakkoz

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

174NEH322m3eyfigs-ellipsis0around Jerusalem, repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “around Jerusalem, repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

175NEH323q2zhfigs-ellipsis0Benjamin and Hasshub repaired…Azariah…repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the wall…Azariah…repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

176NEH323v3frtranslate-names0Benjamin…Hasshub…Azariah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

177NEH323z8p60After them

“Next to them”

178NEH323gv740opposite their own house

“in front of their own house”

179NEH324c3ehfigs-ellipsis0Binnui…repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Binnui…repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

180NEH324ajs6translate-names0Binnui…Henadad

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

181NEH324k7tj0After him

“Next to him”

182NEH325l8jv0Palal…repaired…Parosh repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Palal…repaired the wall…Parosh repaired the wall”

183NEH325q3r3translate-names0Palal…Uzai…Pedaiah…Parosh

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

184NEH325dae60the tower that extends upward

“the tower that rises up”

185NEH325pt6e0upper house of the king

“higher palace of the leader of Israel”

186NEH325isu90the courtyard of the guard

This is the place where the guards stayed.

187NEH325d1jm0After him

“Next to him”

188NEH326l5q40servants…repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “servants…repaired the wall”

189NEH326b53gtranslate-names0Ophel

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

190NEH326ah1b0opposite the Water Gate

“in front of the Water Gate”

191NEH326mz470the projecting tower

“the tall tower.” The phrase “the projecting tower” means a tall tower that juts out from the wall.

192NEH327d7190Tekoites repaired another section

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “the Tekoites repaired another section of the wall”

193NEH327mgm7translate-names0the Tekoites

These are people from the town of Tekoa. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

194NEH327j6gz0the great projecting tower

“the tall tower.” The phrase “the projecting tower” means a tall tower that juts out from the wall. It is likely that this phrase refers to the same tower as “the tall tower” in verse 26.

195NEH328wt87figs-ellipsis0priests repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “priests repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

196NEH328d5qa0above the Horse Gate

The word “above” is used here because the priests houses were likely located at a higher elevation than the Horse Gate.

197NEH328d5uv0opposite his own house

“in front of his own house”

198NEH329q9qbfigs-ellipsis0repaired the section…east gate, repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired the section of the wall…east gate, repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

199NEH329rvu20After them

“Next to them”

200NEH329n271translate-names0Zadok…Immer…Shemaiah…Shecaniah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

201NEH329f74e0Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate

Shemaiah was the keeper of the east gate, not Shecaniah.

202NEH329e9mh0the keeper of the east gate

“the person who looked after the east gate” or “the person who opened and closed the east gate”

203NEH330x9q4figs-ellipsis0repaired another section…repaired opposite

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “priests repaired the wall…repaired the section of the wall…east gate, repaired the wall…repaired another section of the wall…repaired the wall opposite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

204NEH330s2s50After him

“Next to him”

205NEH330r5y4translate-names0Hananiah…Shelemiah…Hanun…Zalaph…Meshullam…Berechiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

206NEH330nn44translate-ordinal0the sixth son

“son 6” or “son number 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

207NEH330bv3t0opposite his living chambers

“in front of the rooms where he stayed.” The word “his” refers to Meshullam.

208NEH331ifp50After him

“Next to him”

209NEH331d33ptranslate-names0Malkijah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

210NEH331uuc70goldsmiths

A goldsmith is a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold objects.

211NEH331lb9zfigs-ellipsis0repaired to the house

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “repaired the wall to the house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

212NEH331ye2u0merchants

“sellers” or “traders”

213NEH331r6sv0upper living chambers

the higher-level rooms where people stayed

214NEH332p1krfigs-ellipsis0merchants repaired

These words refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “merchants repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

215NEH332x1tq0Sheep Gate

This is the name of an entranceway in the wall.

216NEH4introtlj90

Nehemiah 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Dedication

The people were so dedicated to rebuilding the walls that they worked with their weapons ready for battle right next to them. Even when they were threatened with an attack, they continued to trust in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

Sanballat uses a series of rhetorical questions. These are intended to show his intense anger against the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

217NEH41rnw30Now when Sanballat

Here Nehemiah uses the word “now” to signal a new part of the story.

218NEH41vfu4translate-names0Sanballat

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

219NEH41s6tdfigs-metaphor0it burned within him, and he was furiously angry

Here “it” refers to Sanballats realization that the Jews are rebuilding the walls. This speaks of Sanballat becoming very angry as if his anger were a burning fire. Alternate translation: “he became furiously angry” or “he became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

220NEH42v3qv0In the presence of his brothers

“In the presence of his kinsmen” or “In the presence of his clan”

221NEH42d5n2figs-rquestion0What are these feeble…Will they restore…Will they offer…Will they finish the work in a day?

Sanballat poses these questions to mock the Jews. These can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “These feeble Jews can accomplish nothing. They will never restore the city for themselves. They will not offer sacrifices. They will not finish the work in a day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

222NEH42r9lb0feeble Jews

“weak Jews”

223NEH42uk3wfigs-metaphor0in a day

This speaks of not finishing something quickly by saying that it cannot be accomplished in a day. Alternate translation: “quickly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

224NEH42ps9nfigs-rquestion0Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned?

Sanballat also poses this question to mock the Jews. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “They will not bring to life again the stones from piles of rubble that were burned.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

225NEH42hr7vfigs-metaphor0bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned

This speaks of the people rebuilding the city as if they were bring it back to life. Alternate translation: “restore the city and rebuild its walls from the useless stones that were burned and turned into rubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

226NEH42b96nfigs-activepassive0from the piles of rubble after they were burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “from piles of rubble that someone had burned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

227NEH43alw5translate-names0Tobiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

228NEH43da2tfigs-hyperbole0If only a fox went up on what they are building, it would break down their stone wall

Sanaballat mocks the wall and exaggerates how weak it is by saying that a fox could knock it down. Alternate translation: “That wall they are building is so weak that even if a little fox climbed up on it, their stone wall would fall to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

229NEH44b24b0Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah begins to pray to God.

230NEH44buk3figs-activepassive0Hear, our God, for we are despised

Here the word “we” refers to the Jews. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Hear, our God, for our enemies despise us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

231NEH44pgh8figs-activepassive0give them up to be plundered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let their enemies rob them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

232NEH44z6nzfigs-synecdoche0Turn back their taunts on their own heads

The phrase “their taunts” refers to Sanballats and Tobiahs insults. Here the word “heads” refers to the whole people. Alternate translation: “Turn their taunts onto themselves” or “Cause their insulting words to mock themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

233NEH45ae620Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah contines the prayer he began in verse 4.

234NEH45mc9p0Do…to anger.

Nehemiah continues the prayer he began with the words “Hear, our God” in verse 4. You may show that this is a prayer by making it a direct quote. “Then I prayed, Hear, our God,…they are prisoners. Do not cover…the builders to anger.’”

235NEH45zz8hfigs-metaphor0Do not cover over

This speaks of a forgiving a persons sins as if they were a object that could be physically hidden. Alternate translation: “Do not forgive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

236NEH45k9rw0do not erase their sin from before you

This speaks of forgetting a persons sins as if they were something written that could be erased. Alternate translation: “do not forget their sins

237NEH45mbi10they have provoked the builders to anger

“they have made the builders become angry”

238NEH46r4750So we built the wall

“So we rebuilt the wall”

239NEH46mhm5figs-activepassive0all the wall was joined together to half its height

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we joined the wall together and it was half its total height” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

240NEH46ef8ptranslate-fraction0half its height

“Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

241NEH47gsb7figs-metaphor0a great anger burned within them

This speaks of the people being very angry as if their anger were something that burned inside them. Alternate translation: “they became very angry” or “they became enraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

242NEH48b6imfigs-metonymy0against Jerusalem

Here “Jerusalem” refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “against the people of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

243NEH49vz1d0set a guard as protection

“put men around the wall to guard the city”

244NEH410vc8h0There is too much rubble

Rubble is “burned stone” or “broken rock” or “unusable stone.”

245NEH411yuc90They will not know or see until we come among them

“They will not see us coming until we are beside them”

246NEH412q1mvfigs-hyperbole0from all directions

This represents many directions. The word “all” is an exaggeration for represents “many.” Alternate translation: “from many directions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

247NEH412t8f2figs-metonymy0spoke to us ten times

Here the number 10 is used to represent “many.” Alternate translation: “spoke to us many times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

248NEH413xc8b0in the exposed areas

“in the vulnerable areas”

249NEH413mj33figs-synecdoche0I positioned each family

This refers to several people from each family, this likely does not include the women and children. Alternate translation: “I positioned people from each family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

250NEH414hh3wfigs-idiom0Call to mind the Lord

the phrase “call to mind” means to remember. Alternate translation: “Remember the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

251NEH415puc10It came about

“It happened that”

252NEH415qxa7figs-activepassive0their plans were known to us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we knew about their plans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

253NEH416gh9g0my servants worked

“my young men worked”

254NEH416f9intranslate-fraction0half of my servants…half of them

“Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

255NEH416gl4t0the leaders stood behind all the people

“the leaders positioned themselves behind all the people”

256NEH417uya2figs-hyperbole0Everyone worked with one hand, and with the other hand he held his weapon

This is an exaggeration. They did not always work with only one hand, but they always had their weapon with them so that they were prepared to protect themselves and those around them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

257NEH419yn7h0I said

Here “I” refers to Nehemiah.

258NEH419xi9g0the nobles…the officials

These are the leaders referred to in Nehemiah 4:16.

259NEH419agy30The work is great

Here the word “great” means “large-scale” or “huge.”

260NEH420tm9sfigs-metonymy0the trumpet sound

This refers to someone blowing a trumpet. Alternate translation: “someone blowing a trumpet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

261NEH421ca45translate-fraction0Half of them

Here “Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

262NEH421w4uu0from the rising of the dawn until the coming out of the stars

This refers to the whole day, while it is light outside. Alternate translation: “from the first light of day until the very beginning of the night”

263NEH421jl3hfigs-metonymy0the rising of the dawn

It is the point in time that the sun rises that is “dawn.” Here the sun rising is spoken of as if the “dawn” rose. Alternate translation: “the rising of the sun” or “dawn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

264NEH422r87p0in the middle of Jerusalem

“within Jerusalem”

265NEH423v2e10changed our clothes

“took off our clothes”

266NEH5introk7pb0

Nehemiah 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Equality

The rich made money from the poor. The rich oppressed the poor by charging interest on loans. Because Nehemiah wanted to treat everyone fairly, he did not collect any taxes from them. This chapter also emphasizes that it was wrong to enslave a fellow Jew. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]])

Governor

Nehemiah was a governmental leader in Jerusalem, but he was not a king. Jerusalem had a great deal of independence, but it was under the authority of the Persian king. The term “governor” reflects this idea, but a different term may be used in translation.

267NEH51za4ufigs-explicit0Then the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews

Since they were working on the wall, the workers did not have enough time to work to buy and grow food for their families. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

268NEH51czx50the men and their wives

This refers to the men who were working on building the wall.

269NEH51zmb8figs-abstractnouns0raised a great outcry

The word “outcry” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “cried out loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

270NEH53dt2m0We are mortgaging our fields

“We are having to pledge” or “We are having to give in pledge”

271NEH55z4rufigs-explicit0Yet now our flesh and blood is the same as our brothers, and our children are the same as their children

Here the Jews are implying that they are of the same Jewish descent as the other Jews and that they of the same importance as the others. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yet our families are Jews just like the other Jews families, and our children are just as important to us as their children are to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

272NEH55k19bfigs-idiom0our flesh and blood

This is an idiom which refers to their family members. Alternate translation: “our family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

273NEH55rdp9figs-activepassive0Some of our daughters have already been enslaved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We have already sold some of our daughters into slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

274NEH55z783figs-explicit0But it is not in our power to help it because other men now own our fields and our vineyards

Since the mens fields and vineyards are not in their possession, they are unable to produce the money they need to support their families. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “But we are unable to change this situation because other men now own our fields and our vineyards which we need to support our lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

275NEH55jr7jfigs-idiom0it is not in our power

This is an idiom which means that they do not have the resources to do something. Alternate translation: “we are unable” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

276NEH56ryx1figs-abstractnouns0when I heard their outcry

The word “outcry” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “when I heard them cry out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

277NEH57sn56figs-explicit0You are exacting interest, each from his own brother

Every Jew would have known that it is wrong under the Law to charge interest to another Jew. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you is charging interest to your own brother, and that is wrong under the Law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

278NEH57r7ylfigs-explicit0I held a great assembly against them

This means that he brought together a large group of people and brought these charges against them. The meaning of statement this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “I held a great assembly and brought these charges against them” or “I held them on trial in front of the assembly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

279NEH58pzy8figs-explicit0but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold back to us

This means that they are selling their family members, both men and women, as slaves to their fellow Jews. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Now you are selling your own people to be slaves of your fellow Jews, so that they might later sell them back to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

280NEH58kn82figs-activepassive0who had been sold to the nations

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who people had sold as slaves to the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

281NEH59lm7c0Also I said

The pronoun “I” refers to Nehemiah.

282NEH59ecd10What you are doing

“You” here refers to the Jewish nobles.

283NEH59kr1tfigs-rquestion0Should you not walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies?

This is a rhetorical question that Nehemiah is using to scold the nobles. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

284NEH59v6uxfigs-idiom0walk in the fear of our God

This is and idiom. Here “walk” refers to a persons behavior and the way he lives. Alternate translation: “live your life in a way that honors God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

285NEH59s7qtfigs-abstractnouns0the taunts of the nations that are our enemies

The word “taunt” means “slander” or “mockery” and it can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “the nations who are our enemies from taunting us” or “the enemy nations from mocking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

286NEH510xbp50lending

borrowing or giving something to someone expecting repayment

287NEH510j3dq0loans

This is any money, food, or property that one person could let another person borrow in order to repay debts. The borrower would then be indebted to the lender.

288NEH511vkz70percentage

A part of the value of the loan that the borrower was charged in interest.

289NEH511dim50you exacted from them

“you charged them” or “you made them pay”

290NEH512e9y20Then they said

Here “they” refers to the Jewish leaders.

291NEH512q7t50We will return what we took from them

The Jewish leaders are saying they will return the money which the poorer Jews paid in interest charges.

292NEH512i1gi0made them swear

Here the word “them” refers to the Jewish leaders.

293NEH512e2yv0Then I called

“I” refers to Nehemiah.

294NEH513neg1translate-symaction0I shook out the fold of my robe

“I shook out the pockets of my robe.” Many times in the Old Testament, oaths were physically demonstrated as a witness to what was promised. Nehemiah is demonstrating to the Jewish leaders what will happen if they break the promise they had made. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

295NEH513f5p4figs-metaphor0So may God shake out of his house…So may he be shaken out and emptied

Here Nehemiah speaks of God taking away all of a mans possessions as if God were shaking him out of his home and possessions like Nehemiah shook out his robe. Alternate translation: “So may God take away from every man who does not keep his promise all of his possessions and his home like I have taken everything out of the fold of my robe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

296NEH514zur10from the time I was appointed

Here “I” refers to Nehemiah.

297NEH514ri8ltranslate-ordinal0from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year

“from the 20th year until the 32 year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

298NEH514i31d0of Artaxerxes the king

“that Artaxerxes was king”

299NEH514ga6utranslate-numbers0twelve years

“12 years” or “during those 12 years.” Nehemiah is restating the number of years to emphasize that he did this continually for the full time he was governor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

300NEH514nqt20the food provided for the governor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “ate the food that the people provided for the governor”

301NEH515iv6q0for their daily

“every day for their”

302NEH515uu9k0former governors

“previous governors” or “governors from the past.” Nehemiah was not the first governor of Judah.

303NEH515w4zktranslate-numbers0forty shekels

“40 shekels” or “40 silver coins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

304NEH515egg70But I did not do so because of the fear of God

“But because my fear of God I did not take the food” or “But I did not take the food because I feared God”

305NEH516gx420I also continued

“I” refers to Nehemiah.

306NEH516lm7t0we bought

The word “we” refers to Nehemiah and his servants.

307NEH516xpb3figs-activepassive0all my servants were gathered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I gathered all of my servants there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

308NEH516m3s90for the work

“to work on the wall”

309NEH517a1g4translate-numbers0150 men

“one hundred and fifty men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

310NEH517q9x7figs-explicit0At my table were the Jews…from among the nations who were around us

Nehemiah was responsible for providing food for all of these people. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Also, every day I was responsible to feed at our table the Jews and the officials, 150 people; and we also fed the visitors who came from other countries around us (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

311NEH517w7i40my table

This refers to the governors table. It was a communal table for the community and for discussion of issues.

312NEH517j2af0officials

government leaders

313NEH518fa32figs-activepassive0Now what was prepared each day was

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Each day I told my servants to prepare” or “Each day I told my servants to serve us the meat from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

314NEH518l6matranslate-numbers0six choice…ten days

“6 choice…10 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

315NEH518gqe20wine in abundance

“enough wine for everyone”

316NEH518sp6n0yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor

“yet I never asked for the governors food allowance”

317NEH519ny8lfigs-idiom0Call me to mind

This is an idiom. It is a request for God to think about him and remember him. Alternate translation: “Remember me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

318NEH519mil3figs-idiom0for good

This idiom is a request for God to reward him with good things because of the good that he has done for the people. Alternate translation: “and reward me” or “cause good to happen to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

319NEH6introk4df0

Nehemiah 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The building of the wall is completed in this chapter.

The ULT sets the lines in 6:6-7 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.

Special concepts in this chapter

Miracle

Completing this city wall in only fifty-two days was considered proof that God had helped the Jews, especially given the opposition that they had experienced from the people in surrounding areas.

320NEH61gd7ctranslate-names0Sanballat…Tobiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in Nehemiah 2:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

321NEH61bxn2translate-names0Geshem

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

322NEH61vi6vfigs-synecdoche0I had rebuilt the wall…I had not yet

Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall and did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: “we had rebuilt the wall…we had not yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

323NEH61ap2qfigs-ellipsis0any sections

This refers to sections of the wall. Alternate translation: “any sections of the wall” or “any gaps in the city wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

324NEH62n5nufigs-idiom0sent to me

This means that they sent a messenger with a message. Alternate translation: “sent a messenger to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

325NEH62rbv9translate-names0Ono

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

326NEH63d84vfigs-synecdoche0I am doing a great work

Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall. He did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: “We are doing a great work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

327NEH63ee8ifigs-rquestion0Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?

This rhetorical question is used to challenge Sanballats request. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot let the work stop and come down to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

328NEH63t9gf0down to you

The word “down” is used here because the plain of Ono where they were requesting Nehemiah to come is at a lower elevation than Jerusalem.

329NEH65r8xctranslate-ordinal0Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way the fifth time

Identifying this message separately means it is distinct in some way from the previous four messages and, therefore, should be noted. Alternate translation: “ Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way yet again” or “Sanballat sent his servant to me to deliver a fifth message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

330NEH65s6ag0an open letter

The letter was an unsealed diplomatic communication. This was an insult to the recipient because the courier was free to read it and spread its contents among the people of the region.

331NEH65rx5jfigs-metonymy0in his hand

This means he had the letter in his possession, but he did not necessarily carry it in his hand at all times. Alternate translation: “in his possession” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

332NEH66wy84figs-activepassive0It is reported among the nations

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The rumor in the region is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

333NEH66z81qfigs-explicit0are planning to rebel

This means that they are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes, the Persian king, who was currently ruling the Jews. Alternate translation: “are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

334NEH67n1rj0the king will hear

“King Artaxerxes will hear”

335NEH67u1850Therefore come

“Therefore come meet with us”

336NEH68ei6j0Then I sent word to him

Here “I” refers to Nehemiah and “him” to Sanballat.

337NEH68ab7x0No such things have occurred as you say

“None of the things you have written have occurred”

338NEH68ds1yfigs-metonymy0for within your heart you invented them

Here the “heart” refers to the “mind,” that is, to ones desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: “for within your mind you invented them” or “for you have made this up in your own imagination” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

339NEH69p45k0For they all wanted to make us afraid

Here “they” refers to Nehemiahs enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their followers. The word “us” refers to the Jews.

340NEH69b5ijfigs-explicit0They will drop their hands from doing the work

This is a descriptive phrase that means that they are stopping their work on the wall. Alternate translation: “The workers on the wall will stop doing the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

341NEH69j1djfigs-synecdoche0strengthen my hands

Here Nehemiah requests for God to strengthen him by asking him to strengthen his “hands.” Alternate translation: “strengthen me” or “give me courage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

342NEH610ybj6translate-names0Shemaiah…Delaiah…Mehetabel

These are mens names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

343NEH610k8xdfigs-activepassive0who was confined in his home

The writer does not give the reason for him being confined, so it is best to say that he was staying at home using the most general words possible. Alternate translation: “who could not leave his house” or “whom the authorities had ordered to stay in his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

344NEH611syw3figs-rquestion0Would a man like me run away? Would a man like me go into the temple just so he could save his own life?

Nehemiah uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he will not do what Shemaiah has suggested. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “A man like me would not run away. A man like me would not go into the temple just to hide to stay alive.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

345NEH612s2sf0but that he had prophesied against me

“but that he had prophesied in order to oppose me”

346NEH613b27k0and sin

Using the temple as a place to hide was sinful. It may be helpful to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “and sin by misusing the temple”

347NEH613ji1gfigs-idiom0a bad name

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “so that they could give me a bad reputation” or “so that they could give a bad report about me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

348NEH614nau40Call to mind

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember”

349NEH614g3chtranslate-names0Noadiah

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

350NEH615m52sfigs-activepassive0So the wall was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We finished the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

351NEH615g17xtranslate-hebrewmonths0the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul

“day 25 of the month of Elul.” Elul is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

352NEH615ara3translate-numbers0fifty-two days

“52 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

353NEH616t54c0they fell greatly in their own eyes

“they thought much less of themselves” or “they lost confidence in themselves”

354NEH616py4cfigs-activepassive0the work was done with the help of our God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it was our God who helped us complete this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

355NEH617zw37figs-metonymy0sent many letters

The nobles sent messengers to bring these letters to Tobiah. Alternate translation: “sent many messengers with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

356NEH617rx81figs-personification0Tobiahs letters came

Here Tobiahs letters are personified as coming by themselves, when they were actually brought by messengers. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent letters” or “Tobiah sent many messengers with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

357NEH617rcx8translate-names0Tobiah

See how you translated this mans name in Nehemiah 2:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

358NEH618z2uqfigs-metaphor0who were bound by an oath to him

This speaks of people being loyal to Tobiah because they had pledged an oath to him as if their oath were a rope that bound their bodies. Alternate translation: “who had sworn an oath to him” or “who had made an oath and were loyal to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

359NEH618rn1qtranslate-names0he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah

This means that Tobiah was married to the daughter of Shecaniah. See how you translated “Shecaniah” in Nehemiah 3:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

360NEH618id1xtranslate-names0Arah…Jehohanan

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

361NEH618y3lgtranslate-names0Meshullam…Berechiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

362NEH619mj720They also spoke to me about his good deeds and reported my words back to him

“The Jewish nobles told me about Tobiahs good deeds and then told him about my responses”

363NEH619e3ztfigs-activepassive0Letters were sent to me from Tobiah

This can be stated in active form. Tobiah sent messengers to bring the letters to Nehemiah. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent letters to me” or “Tobiah sent messengers to bring letters to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

364NEH7introqk4v0

Nehemiah 07 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Genealogy

The people who returned from Persia were counted according to their families. Nehemiah ensured that those who lived in Jerusalem had a completely Jewish ancestry.

Different lists

This list is paralleled in Ezra 2. The lists do contain some differences in numbers. This is probably due to the timing of their counting. They were likely counted at different times.

365NEH71g3zzfigs-activepassive0When the wall was finished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When we had finished the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

366NEH71fk6lfigs-synecdoche0I had set up the doors in place

This was done with help. Alternate translation: “I and others hung the doors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

367NEH71wkp3figs-activepassive0the gatekeepers and singers and Levites had been appointed

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are: 1) Nehemiah appointed them. Alternate translation: “I assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks” or 2) Someone else appointed them. Alternate translation: “they assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

368NEH71lk9v0gatekeepers

people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator

369NEH71f8ks0singers

vocal musicians who led in worship, in processions, and ceremonies, producing music and chants that emphasized and enhanced the occasion

370NEH72ykr9translate-names0Hanani…Hananiah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

371NEH72zy5q0I gave my brother Hanani charge

“I gave the order for my brother Hanani to be the manager”

372NEH72iqf30who had oversight of the fortress

“who was in charge of the fortress”

373NEH72dx6d0feared God more than many

“feared God more than many other people”

374NEH73y2jk0I said to them

The word “them” refers to Hanani and Hananiah.

375NEH73n55g0Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are on guard, you may shut the doors and bar them

Possible meanings are 1) these actions were done by Hanani and Hananiah or 2) these actions were done by Hanani and Hananiah with the help of the gatekeepers or 3) the gatekeepers did these actions under the direction of Hanani and Hananiah.

376NEH73w3hi0the sun is hot

“the sun is high in the sky”

377NEH73b2es0While the gatekeepers are on guard, you may shut the doors and bar them

“Shut the doors and bar them while the gatekeepers are still on guard”

378NEH73mir90gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1

379NEH73ed9m0shut the doors and bar them

“close the gates and lock them”

380NEH73he4e0Appoint guards from those who live in Jerusalem

“Assign guards from those people who live in Jerusalem”

381NEH73wf260guard station

“guard post” or “guard duty place”

382NEH74y6y8figs-activepassive0no houses had yet been rebuilt

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people had not yet rebuilt the houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

383NEH75wjd3figs-metonymy0put into my heart

Here Nehemiahs “heart” refers to his thoughts and will. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:12. Alternate translation: “inspired me” or “led me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

384NEH75pzu60to enroll them

“to list and register them”

385NEH75avw20the book of the genealogy

This was a book that no longer exists.

386NEH75bz2pfigs-activepassive0found the following written in it

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “found that someone had written the following in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

387NEH76ud5m0These are the people of the province

“These are the descendants of this region”

388NEH76vx130went up out of

“returned from” or “came back from”

389NEH76r578figs-idiom0went up

This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

390NEH76hb7vfigs-metonymy0whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon took into exile

“whom Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon, took away from their home country.” The army of Babylon did this under the command of Nebuchadnezzar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

391NEH77mu5htranslate-names0Zerubbabel…Jeshua…Nehemiah…Azariah…Raamiah…Nahamani…Mordecai…Bilshan…Mispereth…Bigvai…Nehum…Baanah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

392NEH77fz510The number of the men

A census had been taken when the Israelites first returned to Jerusalem after the exile. The numbers represent how many men belonged to each family group. This sentence introduces the information in the following verses.

393NEH78r3xatranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is recounting the number of people who returned from exile. The people were grouped by families according to the name of their patriarchs. The number represents the number of men in each family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

394NEH78l98vtranslate-names0Parosh

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

395NEH79gy8ktranslate-names0Shephatiah

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

396NEH710nq9etranslate-names0Arah

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

397NEH711jc4atranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

398NEH711v6jntranslate-names0Pahath-Moab…Jeshua…Joab

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

399NEH711my8s0through the descendants of Jeshua and Joab

“that is, the descendants of Jeshua and Joab”

400NEH712d7wftranslate-names0Elam

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

401NEH713sbz7translate-names0Zattu

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

402NEH714v5zrtranslate-names0Zakkai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

403NEH715a26atranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

404NEH715x1bdtranslate-names0Binnui

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

405NEH716ay45translate-names0Bebai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

406NEH717h84ytranslate-names0Azgad

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

407NEH718b95ktranslate-names0Adonikam

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

408NEH719lhq4translate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

409NEH719iy74translate-names0Bigvai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

410NEH720d5wktranslate-names0Adin

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

411NEH721mxg1translate-names0Ater

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

412NEH721l797figs-ellipsis0The descendants of Ater, of Hezekiah

The writer has shortened this sentence. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Ater, who is a descendant of Hezekiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

413NEH722r3eetranslate-names0Hashum

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

414NEH723yyf7translate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

415NEH723v6ehtranslate-names0Bezai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

416NEH724j9rbtranslate-names0Hariph

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

417NEH725sj6ptranslate-names0Gibeon

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

418NEH726sde6translate-names0Bethlehem and Netophah

These are the names of places in Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

419NEH727xmr1translate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

420NEH727v2tbtranslate-names0Anathoth

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

421NEH728b1sdtranslate-names0Beth Azmaveth

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

422NEH729y9ektranslate-names0Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

423NEH730ncc2translate-names0Ramah and Geba

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

424NEH731i39dtranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

425NEH731ty2qtranslate-names0Michmas

This is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

426NEH732b4qwtranslate-names0Bethel and Ai

This is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

427NEH733dbu1translate-names0Nebo

This is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

428NEH734d1vytranslate-names0Elam

This is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

429NEH735wz53translate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

430NEH735s9ektranslate-names0Harim

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

431NEH736avk6translate-names0Jericho

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

432NEH737b9f2translate-names0Lod, Hadid, and Ono

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

433NEH738rla1translate-names0Senaah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

434NEH739x7hbtranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

435NEH739xwy8translate-names0Jedaiah…Jeshua

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

436NEH739mk8gfigs-metonymy0of the house of Jeshua

The word “house” is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: “from the family of Jeshua” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

437NEH740kd29translate-names0Immer

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

438NEH741xd2ztranslate-names0Pashhur

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

439NEH742ias1translate-names0Harim

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

440NEH743h37etranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

441NEH743v5s3translate-names0Jeshua…Kadmiel…Binnui…Hodevah

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

442NEH744ht7ltranslate-names0Asaph

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

443NEH744v68g0singers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

444NEH745wy4ptranslate-names0Shallum…Ater…Talmon…Akkub…Hatita…Shobai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

445NEH745b7ne0gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

446NEH746t2j50General Information:

These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.

447NEH746st75translate-names0Ziha…Hasupha…Tabbaoth

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

448NEH747d6nptranslate-names0Keros…Sia…Padon

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

449NEH747mn220Sia

This is the same man known by the name Siaha in Ezra 2:44.

450NEH748ln8ltranslate-names0Lebana,…Hagaba…Shalmai

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

451NEH749zpn7translate-names0Hanan…Giddel…Gahar

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

452NEH750s8hz0General Information:

These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.

453NEH750cd4ktranslate-names0Reaiah…Rezin…Nekoda

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

454NEH751u8eatranslate-names0Gazzam…Uzza…Paseah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

455NEH752i1ddtranslate-names0Besai…Meunim…Nephushesim

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

456NEH753h78b0General Information:

These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.

457NEH753u7qntranslate-names0Bakbuk…Hakupha…Harhur

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

458NEH754jat5translate-names0Bazluth…Mehida…Harsha

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

459NEH755w15ptranslate-names0Barkos…Sisera…Temah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

460NEH756i1b4translate-names0Neziah…Hatipha

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

461NEH757w9sxtranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

462NEH757ma7vtranslate-names0Sotai…Sophereth…Perida

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

463NEH757xb5j0Sophereth

This is the name of a man who is called Hassophereth in Ezra 2:55.

464NEH757ei9x0Perida

This is the name of a man who is also called Peruda in Ezra 2:55.

465NEH758y1jltranslate-names0Jaala…Darkon…Giddel

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

466NEH759vwg5translate-names0Shephatiah…Hattil…Pochereth Hazzebaim…Amon

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

467NEH761a15htranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

468NEH761bgx3figs-idiom0went up

This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area. Alternate translation: “returned” or “came back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

469NEH761c7tatranslate-names0Tel Melah…Tel Harsha…Kerub…Addon…Immer

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

470NEH762np4htranslate-names0Delaiah…Tobiah…Nekoda

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

471NEH763i59atranslate-names0Habaiah…Hakkoz…Barzillai

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

472NEH764m2qd0These sought their records among those enrolled by their genealogy

“They sought their written genealogical records” or “They searched their written genealogical records”

473NEH764n9vy0These sought

“These” refers to the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (Nehemiah 7:63).

474NEH764bl4nfigs-activepassive0but they could not be found

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “but they could not find their records” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

475NEH764iyy1figs-activepassive0they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean

This can be translated in active form. The abstract noun “priesthood” can be translated as the verb “work as priests.” Alternate translation: “the governor treated them as if they were unclean and did not allow them to work as priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

476NEH765qnn2figs-activepassive0until there rose up a priest with Urim and Thummim

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “until a priest with Urim and Thummim approved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

477NEH765cij9translate-unknown0Urim and Thummim

These were sacred stones that the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine Gods will. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

478NEH766t4xjtranslate-numbers0

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

479NEH766j9fe0The whole assembly together

“The whole group together”

480NEH766av510was 42,360

“was 42,360 people”

481NEH767se3x0singing men and women

“male singers and female singers”

482NEH768hmw2translate-numbers0736…245

“seven hundred and thirty-six…two hundred and forty-five.” These are numbers of animals brought back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

483NEH769d72qtranslate-numbers0435…6,720

“four hundred and thirty-five…six thousand seven hundred and twenty.” These are numbers of animals brought back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

484NEH770e1e90the heads of ancestors families

“the chief patriarchs” or “the leaders of the clans”

485NEH770le3g0gave to the treasury

“put into the treasury”

486NEH770wf3atranslate-numbers0one thousand darics

“1,000 darics” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

487NEH770c7ugtranslate-bmoney0darics of gold

A daric was a small gold coin that people in the Persian Empire used. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

488NEH770bu8ptranslate-numbers050 basins

“fifty basins.” These are large bowls. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

489NEH770bu22translate-numbers0530 priestly garments

“five hundred thirty priestly garments.” These are items of clothing worn by the priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

490NEH771kzg2translate-numbers0twenty thousand darics

“20,000 darics” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

491NEH771jxn7translate-numbers02,200 minas of silver

“two thousand two hundred minas of silver.” A mina is about one half of a kilogram in weight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])

492NEH772zg2vtranslate-numbers0two thousand minas

“2,000 minas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

493NEH772g529translate-numbers0sixty-seven priestly garments

“67 priestly garments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

494NEH773e7np0gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

495NEH773a2ub0singers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

496NEH773jaj3figs-explicit0some of the people

The implied information is that this refers to some of the Israelites who were not priests or other temple workers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

497NEH773znc40all Israel

Possible meanings are: 1) all the groups of Israelites that are listed in this verse or 2) the rest of the Israelites who did not work in the temple.

498NEH773n26rtranslate-ordinal0the seventh month

“month 7.” This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])

499NEH773gdj20were settled in their cities

“lived in their own cities”

500NEH8introw38v0

Nehemiah 08 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Reading of the law

During the exile, the Hebrew language was no longer spoken. Only the priests and Levites still understood it. Ezra read the book of the law to the people in Hebrew and the Levites walked among the crowd translating it into Aramaic for the people to understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Festival of Shelters

After they heard Ezra read the law of Moses, the people obeyed it by making temporary shelters for themselves with tree branches. They did this to remember that their ancestors slept in shelters when they came out of slavery in Egypt.

501NEH81q5ihfigs-hyperbole0All the people gathered as one man

The word “all” is a generalization that indicates the people as a whole came together. Alternate translation: “The people gathered all together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

502NEH81f6t80Water Gate

This was the name of a large opening or doorway in the wall.

503NEH81fdh40the book of the law of Moses

This would have been all or part of the first five books of the Old Testament.

504NEH82id7qtranslate-hebrewmonths0On the first day of the seventh month

This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day of the seventh month is near the middle of September on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “On day 1 of month 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

505NEH82e89a0brought the law

“brought The Book of the Law”

506NEH82j8yl0all who could hear and understand

This would include children who were old enough to understand what was being read.

507NEH83iv9y0He faced the open area

“He turned towards the open area”

508NEH83pkz70he read from it

Here “it” refers to the Book of the law of Moses.

509NEH84lk8ktranslate-names0Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah…Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

510NEH85t5lffigs-abstractnouns0Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people

The abstract noun “sight” can be expressed with the verb “see.” Alternate translation: “Everyone saw Ezra open the book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

511NEH85wqg80the book

“The Book of the Law”

512NEH85ln1z0he was standing above the people

“he was standing higher than the people”

513NEH85yv2ufigs-explicit0when he opened it all the people stood up

The people stood up out of respect for Gods word. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

514NEH86x9v8figs-abstractnouns0Ezra gave thanks to Yahweh

The abstract noun “thanks” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “Ezra thanked Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

515NEH88s5er0They read in the book

The word “They” here refers to the Levites.

516NEH88vsq9figs-abstractnouns0making it clear with interpretation and giving the meaning

The abstract nouns “interpretation” and “meaning” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “clearly interpreting and explaining it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

517NEH88iw1y0the reading

“what was read”

518NEH89wky3figs-hyperbole0For all the people wept

This is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. Alternate translation: “For the people wept greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

519NEH810smq2figs-explicit0eat the fat and have something sweet to drink

The implied information is that the people were told to feast on rich food and sweet drinks. Alternate translation: “eat rich food and drink something sweet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

520NEH810ach1figs-activepassive0Do not be grieved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

521NEH810sni7figs-abstractnouns0for the joy of Yahweh is your strength

The abstract nouns “joy” and “strength” can be expressed as verbs or adjectives. Alternate translation: “rejoicing in Yahweh will protect you” or “being joyful in Yahweh will be your strong refuge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

522NEH811sxx60Hush!

“Be quiet!” or “Be silent!”

523NEH811fjz6figs-activepassive0Do not be grieved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

524NEH812z1gcfigs-abstractnouns0celebrate with great joy

The abstract noun “joy” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “rejoice greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

525NEH812xsf5figs-activepassive0the words that were made known to them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the words that he declared to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

526NEH813uj5jtranslate-ordinal0On the second day

“On day 2” or “On the next day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

527NEH813y48ufigs-abstractnouns0to gain insight from

The abstract noun “insight” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

528NEH814ur1h0should live in shelters

These were temporary shelters that people made out of branches and leaves.

529NEH814efg4translate-ordinal0the seventh month

“month 7.” This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])

530NEH815rq6s0They should make a proclamation

“They should announce”

531NEH815f9c2translate-unknown0myrtle

a kind of small tree with colorful flowers (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

532NEH815es8r0shade trees

“leafy trees”

533NEH815jb2sfigs-activepassive0as it is written

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

534NEH816dl2y0made themselves shelters

“each built their own shelters”

535NEH816krx40Water Gate…Gate of Ephraim

These are names of large openings or doorways in the wall.

536NEH816b74m0in the square at the Gate of Ephraim

“in the open place by the Gate of Ephraim”

537NEH817n31n0For since the days of Joshua

“From the days of Joshua”

538NEH817e32utranslate-names0son of Nun

“Nun” here is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

539NEH817wyd6figs-abstractnouns0their joy was very great

The abstract noun “joy” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the people were very joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

540NEH818g9rlfigs-idiom0day by day

This idiom means “each day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

541NEH818j9ajfigs-explicit0from the first day to the last

The implied information is that it was during the entire week of the festival. Alternate translation: “from the first day to the last day of the week” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

542NEH818c1cp0They kept the festival

“They made a feast” or “They celebrated the festival”

543NEH818er1utranslate-ordinal0on the eighth day

“on day 8” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

544NEH818sfx40solemn assembly

This was a special religious gathering.

545NEH818cey3figs-explicit0in obedience to the decree

The implied information is that “the decree” was the command of Yahweh about how the Festival of Shelters was to end. Alternate translation: “as God had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

546NEH9introsj1h0

Nehemiah 09 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter and the next one form a single section.

Special concepts in this chapter

Prayer to God

The people prayed and thanked God for his care for them and the blessings he gave to them. They also confessed their sin of disobeying him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/confess]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Learning from their ancestors mistakes

This chapter teaches that the Jews learned from the mistakes of their ancestors. They became determined to worship Yahweh alone, to not intermarry with other peoples, and to worship Yahweh as the law of Moses instructed them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Recalling the great power of God

It was common to recall the great things God did for Israel. This is a reminder to Israel of Gods power. It is intended to bring the people to repentance and proper worship of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

547NEH91w8w8translate-hebrewmonths0the twenty-fourth day of the same month

“the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month” This is near the middle of October on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

548NEH91lm7m0the people of Israel were assembled

“the people of Israel came together”

549NEH91irv4figs-explicit0they were wearing sackcloth, and they put dust on their heads

This was in order to show how sorry they were for the wrong things they and their ancestors had done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

550NEH92xbs10The descendants of Israel

“The Israelites”

551NEH92qx580separated themselves from all the foreigners

“no longer had anything to do with those who were not Israelites”

552NEH92vhc60They stood and confessed their own sins and the evil actions of their ancestors

“They admitted the wrong things that they had done and also the wrong things their forefathers had done”

553NEH93q5p10They stood up

All the Israelites stood up

554NEH93je9t0they were confessing

“they were admitting the wrong things they had done”

555NEH93qe6e0bowing down before

“worshiping” or “praising”

556NEH94bc940The Levites, Jeshua, Bani…stood on the stairs

Some versions translate, “Jeshua, Bani…stood on the stairs built for the Levites”

557NEH94zl5jtranslate-names0Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani

mens names (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

558NEH95j96x0Then the Levites…said, “Stand up…ever.”

Here the Levites are speaking to the people of Israel.

559NEH95u4pu0give praise to Yahweh

“bless Yahweh”

560NEH95yk5btranslate-names0Jeshua…Kadmiel…Bani…Sherebiah…Shebaniah

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

561NEH95m3eutranslate-names0Hashabneiah…Hodiah…Pethahiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

562NEH95tve40May they bless your glorious name

the Levites are speaking to Yahweh. “May the people of Judah bless your glorious name, Yahweh”

563NEH96k5l3figs-metaphor0the highest heavens, with all their host…the host of heaven worship you

A host is an army. The “host of heaven” speaks in a metaphor of the many stars as if they were an army. The stars in turn are a metaphor for the many angels. The stars worshiping Yahweh is a metaphor for the angels worshiping Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

564NEH97id6f0Connecting Statement:

The Levites continue their prayer before all the people.

565NEH97us450Ur of the Chaldees

“Ur, where the Chaldean people group lived”

566NEH98ej7efigs-synecdoche0You found his heart was faithful before you

The heart, the inner being of the person, represents the person. Alternate translation: “You saw that he was completely faithful to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

567NEH98vbx8translate-names0Canaanites…Hittites…Amorites…Perizzites…Jebusites…Girgashites

people group names (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

568NEH99p3f40Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

569NEH99vp1y0You saw

Yahweh saw

570NEH99j256figs-explicit0you heard their cry

The implied information is that God was moved to action because of the Israelites cries for help. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

571NEH910ge61figs-explicit0signs and wonders against Pharaoh

The plagues tested Pharaohs heart, and they became a witness against his hardness of heart. Alternate translation: “signs and wonders that testified against Pharaoh” or “signs and wonders that condemned Pharaoh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

572NEH910i7c30all the people of his land

“all the Egyptians”

573NEH910s54a0acted with arrogance against them

“were arrogant toward the Israelites” or “mistreated Gods chosen people”

574NEH910m6zrfigs-metonymy0you made a name for yourself which stands to this day

Here “name” represents a reputation. Alternate translation: “you made yourself famous and even now people still remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

575NEH911n7jm0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

576NEH911d1kp0you divided the sea

God divided

577NEH911l5arfigs-simile0you…threw those who pursued them into the depths, as a stone into deep waters

In this simile, the writer describes God throwing the Egyptians into the sea as easily as a person would throw a stone into water, and the stone would disappear under the water completely. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

578NEH912n4i20Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

579NEH912m7vx0You led them

Yahweh led the Israelites.

580NEH913z2dsfigs-idiom0you came down

When God talks with his people, he is often described as “coming down” or “coming down from heaven.” This is a descriptive way of saying that God appeared to that person. Alternate translation: “you appeared” or “you came down from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

581NEH913zut5figs-parallelism0righteous decrees and true laws, good statutes and commandments

Both of these double phrases describe the same thing, the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

582NEH914w3q60Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

583NEH914h9f4figs-doublet0commandments…statutes…law

Each of these three words refers to the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

584NEH916g6tt0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

585NEH916m7530they and our ancestors

the Israelites at the time of Moses and the people of Israel after the time of Moses

586NEH916t1hefigs-idiom0they were stiff-necked

This is an idiom that means that they were stubborn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

587NEH917v9ibfigs-idiom0were stiff-necked

This is an idiom that means that they were stubborn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

588NEH917f1m10the wonders that you had done among them

“the miracles that you had done among them”

589NEH917gd2bfigs-explicit0they appointed a leader to return to their slavery

The Israelites would know that this referred to their ancestors wanting to return to Egypt. Alternate translation: “they appointed a leader to take them back to Egypt where they had been slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

590NEH917p6nmfigs-metaphor0who is full of forgiveness

The desire to forgive is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could fill a container. Alternate translation: “who is ready to forgive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

591NEH917c986figs-metaphor0abounding in steadfast love

Love is spoken of as if it were a food crop that Yahweh could share with people. Alternate translation: “loves his people very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

592NEH918hw320Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

593NEH918ind60cast a calf out of molten metal

melted metal and molded it in the shape of a calf

594NEH919eqh40you…did not abandon them

Yahweh did not abandon the Israelites.

595NEH919x6bf0The pillar of cloud…the pillar of fire

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:12.

596NEH920buh10Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

597NEH920e7m40Your good Spirit…your manna…water

The writer changes the usual word order to emphasize the good things Yahweh gave his people. Your language may have another way of emphasizing these items.

598NEH920ncd60instruct

teach

599NEH920gyd6figs-litotes0your manna you did not withhold from their mouths

This litotes can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “you generously gave them manna” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

600NEH920qka1figs-synecdoche0from their mouths

The mouth is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “from them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

601NEH922f4620Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

602NEH922xc6v0You gave them kingdoms

Yahweh gave the Israelites kingdoms.

603NEH922kgg10gave them kingdoms and peoples

“enabled them to conquer kingdoms and peoples”

604NEH922zt5p0assigning to them every corner of the land

“enabling them to possess every part of the land”

605NEH922xf4vtranslate-names0Sihon…Og

These are the names of kings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

606NEH922bkk3translate-names0Heshbon…Bashan

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

607NEH923w96j0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

608NEH923t5pb0You made their children

Yahweh made the descendants of the Israelites at the time of Moses

609NEH924vz5vfigs-metaphor0gave them into their hands

The Canaanites are spoken of as if they were small objects that a person could place in the hand of another person. To give something into a persons hand is to give that person complete control over that thing. Alternate translation: “enabled the Israelites to have complete control over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

610NEH925v4540Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

611NEH925yzu60They captured

The Israelites at the time of Moses captured

612NEH925gs7a0a productive land

“a fertile land”

613NEH925ke4u0cisterns

holes in the ground where people store water

614NEH925s544figs-metaphor0grew fat

This might be a metaphor for “stopped thinking about Yahweh” or “became complacent.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

615NEH926t19v0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

616NEH926q9szfigs-metaphor0They threw your law behind their backs

The law is spoken of as if it were a worthless item that a person could throw away. Alternate translation: “They considered your law worthless and paid no attention to it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

617NEH926vbj50They threw your law

The Israelites threw Yahwehs law.

618NEH927v5lzfigs-metonymy0you gave them into the hand of their enemies, who made them suffer

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “you allowed their enemies to defeat them and cause them to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

619NEH927z213figs-metonymy0you sent them rescuers who rescued them out of the hand of their enemies

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “you sent people to stop their enemies from harming them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

620NEH928u77m0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

621NEH928ds4w0they had rest, they did evil again before you

Here “they” refers to the Israelites and “you” to Yahweh.

622NEH928puz2figs-metonymy0you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies

Here “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “you abandoned them and allow their enemies to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

623NEH929pm9h0did not listen to your commands

If your language has a word for “listen” that also means “obey,” use it here.

624NEH929una2figs-metonymy0your decrees which give life to anyone who obeys them

Yahweh himself is spoken of as if he were the decrees themselves. Alternate translation: “you even though you give life to everyone who obeys your decrees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

625NEH929k1ewfigs-metaphor0They gave the stubborn shoulder-blade and stiffened their neck

These are images of an ox refusing to allow its owner to put a yoke on its shoulders. Here they are a metaphor that represents the people being stubborn. Alternate translation: “They became stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

626NEH930sj6k0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

627NEH930tqa5figs-metonymy0you gave them into the hand of the neighboring peoples

Here “hand” represents power or control. See how you translated these words in Nehemiah 9:27. Alternate translation: “you allowed the neighboring peoples to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

628NEH930ym8i0you gave

Yahweh gave

629NEH931cl3n0you did not make a complete end of them

“you did not destroy them”

630NEH932j1rz0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

631NEH932j5fk0do not let all this hardship seem little to you that has come on us…until today

It is possible to divide this into two sentences. “Do not let all this hardship seem little to you. The hardship has come upon us…until today”

632NEH932u6i9figs-personification0hardship…has come on us

The phrase “come on us” speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate translation: “harm…we have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

633NEH933pl1ffigs-personification0everything that has come on us

The phrase “come on us” speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate translation: “everything we have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

634NEH935af8m0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

635NEH935nxv90while they enjoyed your great goodness to them

“while they enjoyed the good things you gave them”

636NEH935ibf90they did not serve you

“they were not obedient to your law or teaching”

637NEH936q7xj0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

638NEH936qh7f0its good gifts

“all the good things in it” or “all the good things we can get from it”

639NEH937q3dz0The rich yield from our land goes to the kings

“We pay tribute to kings for working our own land”

640NEH937x15l0They rule

The kings rule.

641NEH938g7s30Connecting Statement:

In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.

642NEH938t4ag0Because of all this

because the people had disobeyed and Yahweh had punished them

643NEH938xee90On the sealed document are the names

The reader should understand that the men wrote their names on the document before it was sealed.

644NEH10introm17y0

Nehemiah 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9.

Special concepts in this chapter

The vow

By signing this document, the people vowed or agreed to obey God, not to buy things on the Sabbath and to pay their temple tax. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])

645NEH101ijh70Connecting Statement:

Here begins a list of the people whose names were on the sealed document.

646NEH101jc8xfigs-explicit0On the sealed documents were Nehemiah…Zedekiah

The names of these people were written on the documents. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “On the sealed documents were the names of Nehemiah…Zedekiah” or “On the sealed documents were the names of the following people: Nehemiah…Zedekiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

647NEH101j4ny0sealed documents

The documents were sealed after the names had been signed on the documents.

648NEH101mu7ufigs-pronouns0Nehemiah

Some people believe that Nehemiah wrote this book and is speaking of himself as if he were someone else because this is an official list. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])

649NEH101r4sgtranslate-names0Hakaliah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 1:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

650NEH102wj7b0Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.

651NEH102l6qatranslate-names0Seraiah…Jeremiah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

652NEH102huw8translate-names0Azariah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

653NEH103b2lc0Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.

654NEH103d5crtranslate-names0Pashhur, Amariah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

655NEH103lw6utranslate-names0Malkijah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

656NEH104uqt40Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

657NEH104g6hstranslate-names0Hattush

See how you translated this mans name in Nehemiah 3:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

658NEH104bdr6translate-names0Shebaniah

See how you translated this mans name in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

659NEH104xzc8translate-names0Malluk

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

660NEH105qbj90Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

661NEH105qai2translate-names0Harim

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

662NEH105z9wltranslate-names0Meremoth

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

663NEH105gdm7translate-names0Obadiah

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

664NEH106del40Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

665NEH106z2vdtranslate-names0Daniel, Ginnethon

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

666NEH106h9n5translate-names0Baruch

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

667NEH107yd6rtranslate-names0Meshullam

This is a mans name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

668NEH107x4lctranslate-names0Abijah, Mijamin

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

669NEH108mt1stranslate-names0Maaziah, Bilgai

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

670NEH108iv3ctranslate-names0Shemaiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:29. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

671NEH108ppp7figs-explicit0These were the priests

This refers to the previous list of men who signed the document. Alternate translation: “These were the names of the priests who signed the document” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

672NEH109b29e0Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues. Nehemiah begins here to list the names of the Levies who signed the sealed document.

673NEH109i6e3figs-ellipsis0The Levites were

This refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. Alternate translation: “The Levites who put their names on the sealed documents were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

674NEH109si66translate-names0Jeshua…Henadad

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in Nehemiah 3:18-19. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

675NEH109pi28translate-names0Azaniah

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

676NEH109j952translate-names0Binnui

This is a mans name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 3:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

677NEH109km8etranslate-names0Kadmiel

This is a mans name. See how you translated it in Nehemiah 7:43. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

678NEH1010yg6htranslate-names0Shebaniah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

679NEH1010cfy7translate-names0Hodiah…Kelita…Pelaiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

680NEH1010z9gdtranslate-names0Hanan

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:49. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

681NEH1011x5wd0Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

682NEH1011fh22translate-names0Rehob

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

683NEH1011w8h1translate-names0Mika

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 10:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

684NEH1011z3i5translate-names0Hashabiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

685NEH1012vuf70Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

686NEH1012ac1stranslate-names0Zaccur

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

687NEH1012ctq5translate-names0Sherebiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

688NEH1012r5hatranslate-names0Shebaniah

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

689NEH1013t4nx0Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

690NEH1013q7fmtranslate-names0Hodiah…Beninu

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

691NEH1013f7a5translate-names0Bani

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

692NEH1014uar6figs-ellipsis0The leaders of the people were

This refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. Alternate translation: “The leaders of the people who put their names on the sealed documents were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

693NEH1014c75btranslate-names0Parosh

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:25. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

694NEH1014d729translate-names0Pahath-Moab

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

695NEH1014ta8ytranslate-names0Elam…Zattu

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

696NEH1015nkt20General Information:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.

697NEH1015r379translate-names0Bunni

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

698NEH1015d4hqtranslate-names0Azgad, Bebai

These are the names of men. See how you translated them in Nehemiah 7:16-17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

699NEH1016dda20Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

700NEH1016m4l9translate-names0Adonijah…Adin

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

701NEH1016xk1stranslate-names0Bigvai

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

702NEH1017ybp40Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

703NEH1017neh8translate-names0Azzur

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

704NEH1017l7xwtranslate-names0Ater, Hezekiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

705NEH1018ssa20Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

706NEH1018n169translate-names0Hodiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:7. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

707NEH1018k9y7translate-names0Hashum

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

708NEH1018f3letranslate-names0Bezai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

709NEH1019rbs70Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

710NEH1019qpd4translate-names0Nebai

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

711NEH1019it8atranslate-names0Hariph

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

712NEH1019l77qtranslate-names0Anathoth

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:27. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

713NEH1020xbs60Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

714NEH1020gf8rtranslate-names0Magpiash…Hezir

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

715NEH1020hbe9translate-names0Meshullam

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

716NEH1021bjm20Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

717NEH1021gh1mtranslate-names0Jaddua

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

718NEH1021x7eptranslate-names0Meshezabel, Zadok

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

719NEH1022rm3j0General Information:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.

720NEH1022n3zktranslate-names0Pelatiah

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

721NEH1022e4dttranslate-names0Hanan

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:49. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

722NEH1022un5itranslate-names0Anaiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

723NEH1022l1pztranslate-names0Anaiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:8. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

724NEH1023kcs60Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

725NEH1023ku2mtranslate-names0Hoshea…Hananiah

These are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

726NEH1023rr76translate-names0Hasshub

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

727NEH1024p99a0Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

728NEH1024t9wxtranslate-names0Hallohesh

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

729NEH1024y9f7translate-names0Pilha…Shobek

These are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

730NEH1025t6u90Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

731NEH1025ml8wtranslate-names0Rehum

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

732NEH1025s2tctranslate-names0Hashabnah

These are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

733NEH1025tz5atranslate-names0Maaseiah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

734NEH1026ab18translate-names0Ahiah…Anan

These are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

735NEH1026k998translate-names0Hanan

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

736NEH1027w9x40Connecting Statement:

The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents Nehemiah 10:1 continues.

737NEH1027ac3rtranslate-names0Malluk, Harim

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 10:4. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

738NEH1027y6gxtranslate-names0Baanah

This is a mans name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:6. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

739NEH1028w2rt0gatekeepers

This refers to the people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

740NEH1028f1n8figs-explicit0singers

You may need to make explicit that these are those who sang in the temple. Alternate translation: “temple singers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

741NEH1028qej9figs-explicit0all who have knowledge and understanding

This phrase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “all who were old enough to understand what promising to obey God meant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

742NEH1029l6ns0their brothers, their nobles

“their fellow brothers the nobles” or “their brothers the leaders.” These phrases refer to the same people.

743NEH1029x6i9figs-metaphor0bound themselves with both a curse and an oath

This speaks of the people taking an oath and a curse as if the oath and the curse were a rope that physically bound them. Alternate translation: “swore themselves to an oath and a curse” or “they took an oath and called for a curse to come on themselves if they failed to keep it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

744NEH1029k971figs-idiom0to walk in Gods law

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to live by Gods law” or “to obey Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

745NEH1029p6ryfigs-activepassive0which was given by Moses the servant of God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which Moses the servant of God had given to Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

746NEH1029ny6b0to observe

“to follow”

747NEH1030t8sp0General Information:

In these verses, the people describe the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

748NEH1030s4sxfigs-explicit0would not give our daughters to the people of the land or take their daughters for our sons

This means that they would not allow their sons and daughters to marry them. Alternate translation: “would not give our daughters to marry the people of the land, and we would not take their daughters to marry our sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

749NEH1030iqq1figs-explicit0the people of the land

This refers to the people who live in their land who do not worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the people of this land who do not worship Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

750NEH1030lx8cfigs-exclusive0We promised…we would not give… or take

The pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

751NEH1031m39ffigs-exclusive0We also promised…we would not buy…we will let…we will cancel

The pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

752NEH1031ek18translate-ordinal0seventh year

“year 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

753NEH1031hf7zfigs-idiom0we will let our fields rest

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “we will not plow our fields” or “we will not grow anything in our fields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

754NEH1031ur3t0we will cancel all debts

This means that they will not require that people pay them what they owe. Alternate translation: “we will cancel all debts that people owe us” or “we will tell people that they no longer have to pay us back”

755NEH1032bh3h0General Information:

In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

756NEH1032h9gt0We accepted the commands

“We promised to obey the command”

757NEH1032ljm2figs-exclusive0We accepted

The pronoun “we” here includes all the Israelites including Nehemiah except for the priest and Levites, and does not include the reader of this book (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

758NEH1032ad47translate-bmoney0a third of a shekel

“1/3 of a shekel.” “A third” means one part out of three equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “5 grams of sliver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

759NEH1032pw6w0for the service of

“to pay for the care of”

760NEH1033ehf40the bread of the presence

This refers to the 12 loaves of bread baked without yeast kept in the temple and used to symbolize Gods presence with His people.

761NEH1033xu3y0the new moon festivals

These were celebrations held when the moon was just a small crescent in the sky.

762NEH1034s6yz0General Information:

In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

763NEH1034l42kfigs-activepassive0to be burned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Levites to burn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

764NEH1034ph9qfigs-activepassive0as it is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as it states” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

765NEH1035vp1p0from our soil

“in our soil” or “on our land”

766NEH1037j9sj0General Information:

In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah verse 29.

767NEH1037s7s2figs-exclusive0We will bring…We will bring

The pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and the Israelites except for the priests and the Levites, and also does not include the reader of this book (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

768NEH1037rk7x0our dough

Possible meanings are that this refers to 1) dough made from coarse flour, 2) coarse flour, or 3) ground grain.

769NEH1037uc2wfigs-ellipsis0the new wine and the oil

The words “first of” are understood from the begininng of the sentnces. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: “the first of the new wine and of the oil” or “the best of the new wine and of the oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

770NEH1037e92l0the storerooms of the house of our God

“the places where things are stored in the temple”

771NEH1037r776figs-synecdoche0the tithes from our soil

Here “our soil” refers to everything that is grown in the ground. Alternate translation: “the tithes of what we grow in the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

772NEH1038by9zfigs-activepassive0they receive the tithes

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people give them the tithes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

773NEH1038eb51translate-fraction0a tenth

This means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])

774NEH1038zl4a0the storerooms of the treasury

“the storerooms in the temple”

775NEH1039qzf80General Information:

In these verses, the people finish describing the content of the oath they were making in Nehemiah 10:29.

776NEH1039ss5hfigs-activepassive0the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the rooms where the priests keep the things that are used in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

777NEH1039u1sq0We will not neglect the house of our God

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “We will care for the temple”

778NEH1039b23hfigs-exclusive0We will

The pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and all the people of Israel but does not include the reader of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

779NEH11introxja10

Nehemiah 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The places where the Jews lived

Some people lived in Jerusalem, but most people lived in villages and towns away from Jerusalem. They lived there in order to farm the land raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them.

780NEH111e2yg0the people cast lots

“the people threw marked stones”

781NEH111beq50to bring one of ten

“to bring one family out of every ten families”

782NEH113l7mb0on his own land, including some Israelites

“on his own land: Israelites”

783NEH114n2a70some of the descendants of Judah and some of the descendants of Benjamin

“some of the people of Judah and some of the people of Benjamin”

784NEH114nm8y0The people from Judah included:

“From the descendants of Judah:”

785NEH114wl7rtranslate-names0Judah…Benjamin…Athaiah…Uzziah…Zechariah…Amariah…Shephatiah…Mahalalel…Perez

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

786NEH114vx6k0a descendant of Perez

“from the descendants of Perez”

787NEH115l7270Connecting Statement:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.

788NEH115ml8btranslate-names0Maaseiah…Baruch…Kol-Hozeh…Hazaiah…Adaiah…Joiarib…Zechariah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

789NEH115dxb80Shilonite

This refers to a person who comes from the town of Shiloh.

790NEH116y8t2translate-names0Perez

This is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

791NEH116hcr6translate-numbers0All…were 468

“All…were four hundred and sixty-eight.” Perez had 468 descendants who lived in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

792NEH116ej3g0They were outstanding men

“They were courageous men” or “They were valiant men”

793NEH117m8mp0Connecting Statement:

In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.

794NEH117md670These are the descendants

“These are some of the descendants.” Your language may need to specify that this is not a list of every descendant.

795NEH117w8c5translate-names0Benjamin…Sallu…Meshullam…Joed…Pedaiah…Kolaiah…Maaseiah…Ithiel…Jeshaiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

796NEH118bzh9translate-names0Gabbai…Sallai

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

797NEH118z37gtranslate-numbers0928 men

“nine hundred and twenty-eight men.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

798NEH119z3xltranslate-names0Joel…Zichri…Judah…Hassenuah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

799NEH1110ft7mtranslate-names0Jedaiah…Joiarib…Jakin

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

800NEH1111d8phtranslate-names0Seraiah…Hilkiah…Meshullam…Zadok

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

801NEH1112j7vptranslate-names0Adaiah…Jeroham…Pelaliah…Amzi…Zechariah…Pashhur…Malkijah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

802NEH1112nl7h0their associates

“their brothers” or “their kinsmen”

803NEH1112z6pc0who did the work for the house

“who worked in the temple.” The “house” referred to here is the “house of God” mentioned in the previous verse.

804NEH1112kq8ytranslate-numbers0822 men

“eight hundred and twenty-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

805NEH1113wd9q0His brothers

the brothers of Adaiah, the son of Jeroham (Nehemiah 11:12).

806NEH1113u4gnfigs-metaphor0brothers

This word is a metaphor for 1) fellow Israelites or 2) people who did the same work. Alternate translation: “associates” or “fellow workers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

807NEH1113gd6gtranslate-numbers0242 men

“two hundred and forty-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

808NEH1113l51btranslate-names0Amashsai…Azarel…Ahzai…Meshillemoth…Immer

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

809NEH1114jrq7translate-names0Zabdiel…Haggedolim

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

810NEH1114p9qwtranslate-numbers0128 courageous fighting men

“one hundred and twenty-eight courageous fighting men.” These were “valiant warriors” or “courageous warriors.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

811NEH1115f71ntranslate-names0Shemaiah…Hasshub…Azrikam…Hashabiah…Bunni

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

812NEH1116q6zjtranslate-names0Shabbethai…Jozabad

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

813NEH1116if3q0who were from the leaders of the Levites and were in charge

“from the leaders of the Levites, were in charge”

814NEH1117ix77translate-names0Mattaniah…Mika…Zabdi…Asaph…Bakbukiah…Abda…Shammua…Galal…Jeduthun

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

815NEH1117sm9t0who began the thanksgiving in prayer

That is, who directed the singers.

816NEH1117djg70Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers

Possible meanings are 1) Bakbukiah was Mattaniahs kinsman and second in authority to Mattaniah or 2) “Bakbukiah, who led a second group of singers.”

817NEH1117dy1v0brothers

Another possible meaning is “associates” or “fellow workers.”

818NEH1118di190the holy city

This expression refers to the city of Jerusalem.

819NEH1118hk8itranslate-numbers0numbered 284

“numbered two hundred and eighty-four.” There were 284 Levites in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

820NEH1119i92r0gatekeepers

people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

821NEH1119j7b3translate-names0Akkub…Talmon

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

822NEH1119kaz4translate-numbers0172 men

“one hundred and seventy-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

823NEH1121eu4gtranslate-names0Ziha…Gishpa

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

824NEH1121vct4translate-names0Ophel

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

825NEH1122l3ba0The chief officer over

“The overseer of”

826NEH1122rr5etranslate-names0Uzzi…Bani…Hashabiah…Mattaniah…Mika…Asaph

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

827NEH1123km8l0They were under orders from the king

“The king had told them what to do”

828NEH1123a9fzfigs-activepassive0firm orders were given for the singers

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king had told them specifically what to do about the singers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

829NEH1124aee9translate-names0Pethahiah…Meshezabel…Zerah…Judah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

830NEH1124dqa40at the kings side in all matters concerning the people

“at the Persian kings side as an adviser in all matters concerning the Jewish people”

831NEH1125rg1ftranslate-names0Kiriath Arba…Dibon…Jekabzeel

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

832NEH1126d9f4translate-names0Jeshua…Moladah…Beth Pelet

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

833NEH1127nu5ztranslate-names0Hazar Shual…Beersheba

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

834NEH1128dl5vtranslate-names0Ziklag…Mekonah

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

835NEH1129t41atranslate-names0Enrimmon…Zorah…Jarmuth

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

836NEH1130vn2ztranslate-names0Zanoah…Adullam…Lachish…Azekah…Beersheba…Valley of Hinnom

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

837NEH1130mzq10they lived

Here “they” refers to the people of Judah.

838NEH1131n61t0The people of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Mikmash and Aija

“The people of Benjamin lived in Geba, Mikmash and Aija”

839NEH1131uha3translate-names0Geba…Mikmash…Aija…Bethel

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

840NEH1131lm1q0Aija

This is possibly another name for the town of Ai.

841NEH1132ucv8translate-names0Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

842NEH1133jwf7translate-names0Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

843NEH1134e1lstranslate-names0Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

844NEH1135qu5ntranslate-names0the valley of craftsmen

Possible meanings are 1) this is a description of Ono or 2) it is “Craftsmens Valley” or “the Valley of Craftsmen,” another name for Ono, or 3) it is a different place from Ono, “and the Valley of Craftsmen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

845NEH1136y212figs-activepassive0Some of the Levites who lived in Judah were assigned to the people of Benjamin

It is not clear who assigned these Levites to live with the people of Benjamin. Alternate translation: “They assigned some of the Levites who lived in Judah to serve the people of Benjamin” or “The officials assigned some of the Levites who lived in Judah to serve the people of Benjamin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

846NEH12introxmt30

Nehemiah 12 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Dedication of the wall

In the ancient Near East, it was common to dedicate an important structure to a god. When it was completed, the wall was dedicated to Yahweh. Long lists of people are present, indicating that “everyone” was present for this and praised Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])

847NEH121ixs50who came up

“who arrived from Babylonia”

848NEH121b4x70with Zerubbabel

“under the leadership of Zerubbabel”

849NEH121b8rytranslate-names0Zerubbabel…Shealtiel…Jeshua…Seraiah…Jeremiah…Ezra

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

850NEH121myj6figs-explicit0Jeshua

The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. Alternate translation: “Jeshua the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

851NEH122p4mltranslate-names0Amariah…Malluk…Hattush

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

852NEH123gwk1translate-names0Shecaniah…Rehum…Meremoth

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

853NEH124cd2t0Connecting Statement:

The list that began in Nehemiah 12:1 continues.

854NEH124k1zn0There were

These words have been added for this translation. If you continue the list that began in Nehemiah 12:1, you can omit these words.

855NEH124qt5ntranslate-names0Iddo…Ginnethon…Abijah

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

856NEH125x3ritranslate-names0Mijamin…Moadiah…Bilgah

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

857NEH126udm2translate-names0Shemaiah…Joiarib…Jedaiah

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

858NEH127g43ptranslate-names0Sallu…Amok…Hilkiah…Jedaiah…Jeshua

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

859NEH128xy1htranslate-names0Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah,…Mattaniah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

860NEH129nnn1translate-names0Bakbukiah…Unni

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

861NEH129nhn40stood opposite them during the service

Possible meanings are 1) this was during a worship service and these were two groups of singers or other worshipers, or 2) these groups guarded the temple at different times, or “took turns guarding the temple.”

862NEH1210ri33translate-names0Jeshua…Joiakim…Eliashib…Joiada

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

863NEH1210xd69figs-explicit0Jeshua was the father of Joiakim

This is the same Jeshua named in Nehemiah 12:1. The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. Alternate translation: “Jeshua the high priest was the father of Joiakim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

864NEH1211a7yvtranslate-names0Joiada…Jonathan…Jaddua

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

865NEH1212j9qvtranslate-names0Joiakim…Meraiah…Hananiah

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

866NEH1212vv32translate-names0Seraiah…Jeremiah

These are names of families named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

867NEH1213uwn8translate-names0Meshullam…Jehohanan

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

868NEH1213hm77translate-names0Ezra…Amariah

These are names of families named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

869NEH1214vig4translate-names0Jonathan…Joseph

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

870NEH1214tum7translate-names0Malluk…Shebaniah

These are names of families named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

871NEH1215l4u90Connecting Statement:

The list that began in Nehemiah 12:12 continues.

872NEH1215z68btranslate-names0Adna…Helkai

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

873NEH1215a64ptranslate-names0Harim…Meremoth

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

874NEH1215hw8d0was the leader of

“was the leader of the family of” or “was the leader of the descendants of”

875NEH1216hb4ytranslate-names0Zechariah…Meshullam

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

876NEH1216u64utranslate-names0Iddo…Ginnethon

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

877NEH1216uae60Meshullam was the leader of Ginnethon

Ginnethon may be another form of the name Ginnethoi.

878NEH1217pa3ktranslate-names0Zichri…Piltai

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

879NEH1217em6ctranslate-names0Abijah…Miniamin…Moadiah

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

880NEH1217e7rx0…of Miniamin

The people who made the copies of Hebrew text mistakenly left out the name of the leader of the family of Miniamin. Translators may supply a footnote explaining this. The ULT uses “…” to show that the name of the leader is missing. Alternate translation: “Someone was the leader of Miniamin”

881NEH1217h3jl0Moadiah

Maadiah may be another form of the name Moadiah.

882NEH1218zd3ptranslate-names0Shammua…Jehonathan

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

883NEH1218t8yytranslate-names0Bilgah…Shemaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

884NEH1219u373translate-names0Mattenai…Uzzi

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

885NEH1219s8n3translate-names0Joiarib…Jedaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

886NEH1220y23ctranslate-names0Kallai…Eber

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

887NEH1220p8dgtranslate-names0Sallu…Amok

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

888NEH1221v16dtranslate-names0Hashabiah…Nethanel

These are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

889NEH1221vwp6translate-names0Hilkiah…Jedaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

890NEH1222snj3translate-names0Eliashib…Joiada, Johanan…Jaddua

names of men (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

891NEH1222cr6d0during the reign of Darius

Another possible meaning is “until the reign of Darius”

892NEH1223q9hz0recorded in the book of the annals

This may refer to the Book of Chronicles. The scribes wrote the words in the verses above in a book that recorded the events of each day.

893NEH1223d2rp0up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib

The records in the temple recorded only up until Johanan.

894NEH1224kx4ztranslate-names0Hashabiah, Sherebiah…Jeshua…Kadmiel

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

895NEH1224d3730who stood opposite them to give praise and to give thanks, responding section by section

This refers to how they sang some of their songs in worship. A leader or one group would sing a phrase, then one or two groups that “stood opposite them” would sing a phrase in response.

896NEH1224dl8r0obedience to the command of David

King David had commanded the Levites how they were to organize and lead worship.

897NEH1225p55ltranslate-names0Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

898NEH1226wk2ztranslate-names0Joiakim…Jeshua…Jozadak…Nehemiah…Ezra

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

899NEH1226k9bk0in the days of Joiakim…Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra…scribe

The date was fixed by listing those who were leading the Jews at the time. “when Joiakim…Jozadak was high priest, and when Nehemiah was governor and Ezra…was the scribe”

900NEH1227e63y0At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem

Possible meanings are 1) “At the time when they dedicated the wall of Jerusalem” or 2) “So that the dedication of Jerusalems wall could take place.”

901NEH1227s6xvtranslate-unknown0cymbals

two thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

902NEH1229lnm1translate-names0Beth Gilgal…Geba and Azmaveth

These are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

903NEH1231zsj60the leaders of Judah

the leaders of the people who lived in the region of Judah

904NEH1232ni9qtranslate-names0Hoshaiah

These are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

905NEH1233x16dtranslate-names0Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam

These are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

906NEH1233sjp80after them went

“behind them followed”

907NEH1234t5untranslate-names0Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah

These are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

908NEH1235h1hmtranslate-names0Zechariah…Jonathan…Shemaiah…Mattaniah…Micaiah…Zaccur…Asaph

These are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

909NEH1235cp3q0some of the priests sons with trumpets, and Zechariah

Some versions read, “from among the priests with trumpets, Zechariah”

910NEH1235q33v0Zechariah son of Jonathan son of Shemaiah son of Mattaniah son of Micaiah son of Zaccur son of Asaph

All of the names after “Zechariah” are the ancestors of Zechariah. This list connects Zechariah with the famous singer Asaph. “Zechariah who was the son of Jonathan, who was the son of Shemaiah, who was the son of Mattaniah, who was the son of Micaiah, who was the son of Zaccur son of Asaph”

911NEH1236h9u70There also were

“Along with them were”

912NEH1236kmk3translate-names0Zechariah…Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, Hanani…David…Ezra

These are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

913NEH1236n2tl0Ezra the scribe was in front of them

“Ezra the scribe was leading them”

914NEH1237c38r0Fountain Gate…Water Gate

These are the names of openings in the wall.

915NEH1238fbi30choir

group of singers

916NEH1238t11k0I followed them

Nehemiah followed them.

917NEH1238j2zntranslate-names0Tower of Ovens

This is the name of a tall structure where people kept watch for danger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

918NEH1238a5ww0Broad Wall

This is a name for part of the wall.

919NEH1239v1nitranslate-names0Tower of Hananel…Tower of the Hundred

These are the names of tall structures where people kept watch for danger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

920NEH1239v2640Gate of Ephraim…Old Gate…Fish Gate…Sheep Gate…Gate of the Guard

These are the names of openings in the wall.

921NEH1240ai1v0I also took my place

Nehemiah is speaking here. Alternate translation: “I, Nehemiah, also took my place”

922NEH1241s4t8translate-names0Eliakim…Maaseiah…Miniamin…Micaiah…Elioenai…Zechariah…Hananiah

These are the names of males who were the priests at that time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

923NEH1241bnz50with the trumpets

Possible meanings are 1) only the first seven priests listed from Eliakim to Hananiah carried trumpets or 2) all 15 priests listed from Eliakim to Ezer carried trumpets.

924NEH1242gqe1translate-names0Maaseiah…Shemaiah…Eleazar…Uzzi…Jehohanan…Malkijah…Elam…Ezer

These are the names of males who were the priests at that time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

925NEH1242tdc80Jezrahiah

This is the name of a male who was the leader of the singers.

926NEH1242y2qj0made themselves heard

“sang loudly”

927NEH1243jgp90rejoice with great joy

“rejoice greatly”

928NEH1243p5fefigs-metonymy0So the joy of Jerusalem could be heard far away

“The joy of Jerusalem” here is a metonym for “the sound that the people of Jerusalem made.” This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people far away from Jerusalem could hear the sound that the people of Jerusalem made as they celebrated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

929NEH1244fsb6figs-activepassive0men were appointed to be in charge

This can be stated in active form. It is not clear who appointed the men. Alternate translation: “they appointed men to be in charge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

930NEH1244bnw20the contributions

things the people gave to the priests

931NEH1244g3470For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites

It seems that the people appointed the men because the people of Judah were grateful for the priests and Levites who were serving.

932NEH1244g9pgfigs-explicit0who were standing before them

The Levites and priests were not just standing, they were serving in their roles. The meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “who were standing before them serving God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

933NEH1245lm4j0gatekeepers

These were people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

934NEH1246py1c0there were directors of singers

This sentence tells why the people did what they did in Nehemiah 12:45 and gives us more information about the time when David told people how to worship at the temple.

935NEH1247flz70In the days of Zerubbabel

Zerubbabel was a descendant of King David and one of the governors in the region of Judah.

936NEH1247mu9s0They set aside the portion

“All Israel set aside the portion”

937NEH1247e72p0the descendants of Aaron

the priests in Israel, who descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses

938NEH13introtm5a0

Nehemiah 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem

Nehemiah was eager to make sure that the Jews kept their promise to obey the law. When he returned from Persia, he found many things wrong: one of the store rooms in the temple had been converted into a guest room for Tobiah, the Levites had not received their portions for working in the temple, people were working on the Sabbath, and many had married heathen wives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])

939NEH131k9za0in the hearing of the people

“so that the people could hear it”

940NEH131j6si0should come into the assembly of God, forever

“should ever come into the assembly of God”

941NEH132tf8z0This was because

“They could not come into the assembly because”

942NEH134bq8kfigs-activepassive0Eliashib the priest was appointed

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they appointed Eliashib the priest” or “the leaders appointed Eliashib the priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

943NEH134adq90He was related to Tobiah

“Eliashib and Tobiah worked closely together”

944NEH134c9hf0Eliashib…Tobiah

These are the names of men.

945NEH135xi140Eliashib prepared for Tobiah a large storeroom

“Eliashib prepared a large storeroom for Tobiah to use”

946NEH135v2in0gatekeepers

people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

947NEH136hxp80But in all this time I was not in Jerusalem

“During the time all this was happening, I was away from Jerusalem”

948NEH136dpk40I was not

Here “I” refers to Nehemiah.

949NEH137up8j0a storeroom in the courts of the house of God

This was a room which had previously been purified to store offering supplies (Nehemiah 13:5).

950NEH1310k9k6figs-explicit0the Levites portions had not been given to them

The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people had not been bringing into the storerooms their tithes and offerings of food for the temple priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

951NEH1310f2ng0they had run away, each to his own field, the Levites and the singers who did the work

“the Levites and the singers who did the work had left the temple, each one going to his own field”

952NEH1311mx4vfigs-rquestion0Why is the house of God neglected?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to challenge or even ridicule the officials who had not done their work. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have neglected the house of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

953NEH1312a9uxfigs-metonymy0all Judah

The name of the land is a metonym for the people of the land. This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: “all the people who lived in Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

954NEH1313mu7ftranslate-names0Shelemiah…Zadok…Pedaiah…Hanan…Zaccur…Mattaniah

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

955NEH1313e8x3figs-activepassive0they were counted as trustworthy

This can be translated in active form. The abstract noun “trustworthy” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “I knew that I could trust them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

956NEH1314v8610Call me to mind, my God, concerning this

“My God, remember me concerning this”

957NEH1315cp44figs-metonymy0treading winepresses

The word “winepresses” is a metonym for the grapes that were in the winepresses. The people were walking on grapes to get the juice out of them to make wine. Alternate translation: “walking on grapes in winepresses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

958NEH1315z3xh0treading

walking on something to crush or press it

959NEH1316yvh1translate-names0Tyre

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

960NEH1317w5nrfigs-rquestion0What is this evil thing you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?

Nehemiah is using a rhetorical question to scold the leaders of Judah. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are doing an evil thing by profaning the Sabbath day.” or “God will punish you for doing this evil thing, for profaning the Sabbath day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

961NEH1318ge49figs-rquestion0Did not your fathers do this? Did not our God bring all this evil on us and on this city?

Nehemiah is using these rhetorical questions to scold the leaders of Judah. These questions can be combined and translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that your fathers did this, and that is why God brought all this evil on us and on this city.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

962NEH1319p31h0As soon as it became dark…before the Sabbath

“When the sun went down…and it was time for the Sabbath to begin”

963NEH1319vk4tfigs-activepassive0that the doors be shut and that they should not be opened until

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the guards shut the doors and not open them until” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

964NEH1319wy3qfigs-activepassive0no load could be brought in

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one could bring in things they wanted to sell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

965NEH1320s2hv0sellers of all kinds of wares

“people who had brought many different things they wanted to sell”

966NEH1321hi84figs-rquestion0Why do you camp outside the wall?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to rebuke merchants and to emphasize his command. This question can be translated as a statement. The full meaning of this statement can also be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You are camping outside the wall against what I commanded.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

967NEH1321hfv7figs-metonymy0I will lay hands on you!

The word “hands” is a metonym for forceful action. Alternate translation: “I will send you away by force!” or “I will remove you by force!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

968NEH1322mis60Call me to mind for this also, my God

“My God, remember me concerning this also.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.

969NEH1323zxc20Connecting Statement:

These verses introduce the action that follows.

970NEH1323jp2wfigs-explicit0Jews that had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab

“Jews that had married foreign women.” God had forbidden intermarriage. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

971NEH1323l9c2translate-names0Ashdod

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

972NEH1323b4nttranslate-names0Ammon…Moab

These are the names of nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

973NEH1324w2470Half of their children

“As a result, half of their children”

974NEH1325dzu50I confronted them

“I spoke directly to them about what they had done”

975NEH1325hg440I hit some of them

Nehemiah hit some of them with his hands.

976NEH1325gzx60I made them swear by God

“I made them say a promise before God”

977NEH1326l9xmfigs-rquestion0Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of these women?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that Solomon king of Israel sinned on account of these women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

978NEH1327vp56figs-rquestion0Should we then listen to you and do all this great evil, and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?

Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We will not listen to you or do this great evil or act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

979NEH1328dft4translate-names0Joiada…Eliashib…Sanballat

These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

980NEH1328f8aktranslate-names0the Horonite

This refers to a person from the city of Beth Horon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

981NEH1328rhs80I caused him to flee from my presence

“I chased him away” or “I made him leave Jerusalem”

982NEH1329pa210Call them to mind

“Think about them” or “Remember what they have done.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.

983NEH1329mn8kfigs-metaphor0they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites

Causing the priesthood to be dishonored and breaking the covenant is spoken of as if they made the priesthood and covenant physically unclean. Alternate translation: “they have dishonored the priesthood and broken the covenant you made with the priests and Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

984NEH1330gd160Thus I cleansed them

“In this way I purified them”

985NEH1330s3y90established the duties of the priests and the Levites

“told the priests and Levites what they were to do”

986NEH1331vl4a0I provided for the wood offering

“I arranged for a supply of wood for the wood offerings”

987NEH1331sh910for the firstfruits

“for the offering of firstfruits at harvest time”

988NEH1331ae940Call me to mind, my God, for good

“Think about all I have done, my God, and bless me because of the good things I have done.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.