Nehemiah

Nehemiah front

Nehemiah front:intro

Introduction to Nehemiah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Nehemiah

Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem
- How Nehemiah receives permission to return to Jerusalem (1:1–2:8)
- Nehemiah begins to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (2:9–2:20)
Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
- Beginning at the Sheep Gate and attracting notice of enemies (3:1–32)
- Sanballat and Tobiah threaten to stop the work on the walls (4:1–12)
- The work proceeds under Nehemiah's leadership (4:13–23)
Nehemiah addresses mistreatment of the poor and provides an example of unselfishness (5:1–19)
Samaritans seek to slow the work of rebuilding the walls, but the walls are completed in fifty-two days (6:1–19)
A repeat of the counting of the people (7:6–70)
The renewal of the covenant with Yahweh (10:1–39)
A counting of the Jewish leaders in the region (11:1–36)
A counting of the priests and Levites (12:1–26)
The dedication of the walls of Jerusalem (12:27–47)
Correcting abuses and bringing reforms (13:1–31)

What is the Book of Nehemiah about?

The book of Nehemiah is about a Jew named Nehemiah. He lived in Persian and worked for the king. Nehemiah received a report about the condition of the wall around Jerusalem. In those times, the city wall was essential to the protection of the city against armies and invaders. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city walls.

How should the title of this book be translated?

It is suggested that translators use a self-explanatory title or follow the regional or the national language versions of the Bible. "Nehemiah" is named for the events of the book which focus on the leadership of Nehemiah. One possible title is "The Book about Nehemiah." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

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 because he knew this would cause the people of Israel to worship other gods. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])

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 had become successful in Babylon and desired to remain there. However, this meant that they were unable to participate in the temple worship as their ancestors had done. . (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promisedland.md]])

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, which was composed mostly of the two 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 became a part of other ethnic groups and did not return to the land of Israel. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/israel.md]])

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 with each other.

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah 1:intro-0

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 Nehemiah's repentance on behalf of the people. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

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 Nehemiah's 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.

Nehemiah 1:1-2

Nehemiah ... Hakaliah ... Hanani

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

in the twentieth year

Nehemiah is referring to the number of years that Artaxerxes had been reigning as king. AT: "in the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, King of Persia" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

fortress 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.

one of my brothers, Hanani

Hanani was Nehemiah's biological brother.

Hanani, came with some people from Judah

"Hanani came from Judah with some other people"

the 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. AT: "the Jews who had escaped the exile and who remained in Jerusalem" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:3

They said to me

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

the province

Here "province" refers to Judah as an administrative district under the Persian Empire. AT: "the province of Judah" or "Judah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

the wall of Jerusalem has been broken open, and its gates have been set on fire

This can be stated in active form. AT: "armies have broken open the wall of Jerusalem and have set its gates on fire" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:4-5

Then I said

Nehemiah tells what he prayed. AT: "Then I said to Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Yahweh

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.

who love him and keep his commandments

Since Nehemiah is speaking to Yahweh, the pronouns "him" and "his" can be translated as "you" and "your." AT: "who love you and keep your commandments" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:6-7

open your eyes

"look at me." Here "open your eyes" is a metaphor that represents paying attention to someone. AT: "pay attention to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

so 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.

day and night

By saying that he prays both during the day and during the night, Nehemiah emphasizes the frequency of his prayers. AT: "all the time" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md]])

Both I and my father's house

Here the word "house" represents family. AT: "Both I and my family" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:8-9

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah continues praying to God.

Please call to mind

To "call to mind" is an idiom that means to remember. AT: "Please remember" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the word you commanded your servant Moses

The pronouns "you" and "your" refer to God.

If you act unfaithfully ... scatter you ... if you return ... your people

The pronouns "you" and "your" are plural and refer to the Israelite people.

I 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. AT: "I will cause you to live among the nations" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

though your people were scattered

This can be stated in active form. AT: "though I scattered your people" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

under the farthest skies

Yahweh speaks of places on the earth that are very far away as being "under the farthest skies." AT: "to places very far away" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

to that place where I have chosen ... remain

This phrase refers to Jerusalem, where the temple was located. AT: "to Jerusalem, where I have chosen ... remain" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

where I have chosen to make my name remain

Here the word "name" represents Yahweh himself. AT: "where I have chosen to dwell" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:10-11

General Information:

Nehemiah continues his prayer.

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in Nehemiah's prayer. Here he begins to make his request based on Yahweh's promise.

they are your servants

The word "they" refers to the Israelite people.

by 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 Yahweh's power. AT: "by your great power and by your mighty strength" or "by your very powerful strength" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

the 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.

the 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.

who delight to honor your name

Here "name" represents Yahweh himself. AT: "who delight to honor you" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

grant 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.

in the sight of this man

Nehemiah speaks of the king's attitude or disposition as if it were how the king viewed something. AT: "grant that the king will have mercy on me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

I served as cupbearer to the king

This is background information about Nehemiah's role in the king's court. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah 2:intro-0

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. (See: Nehemiah 2-6)

# Special concepts in this chapter

# Nehemiah's character

Apparently, Nehemiah's character made an impression on the king. It was very unusual for a king to be so concerned with one of his servants. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

# 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.

# Yahweh's control

Yahweh is seen as very powerful. He is able to provide for his people, even through a foreign king. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/peopleofgod.md]])

Nehemiah 2:1-2

In the month of Nisan

"Nisan" is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]])

in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king

"in the 20th year that Artaxerxes was king" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

Now

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/writing-background/01.md]])

But the king

"So the king"

Why is your face so sad

Here Nehemiah is referred to by his face because the face shows one's emotions. AT: "Why are you so sad" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

This 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. AT: "You must be very sad" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Then I became very much afraid

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

translationWords

Nehemiah 2:3

May the king live forever

Nehemiah is showing honor to King Artaxerxes. Here "forever" is an exaggeration that refers to a long life. AT: "Long live the king" or "May the king have a long life" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Why 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. AT: "I have very good reasons to be sad." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the place of my fathers' tombs

"the place where my ancestors are buried"

its gates have been destroyed by fire

This can be stated in active form. AT: "fire has destroyed its gates" or "our enemy has burned its gates" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 2:4-6

I replied to the king

"Then I replied to the king"

your servant

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

in your sight

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. AT: "in your judgment" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

the city of my fathers' tombs

"the city where my ancestors are buried"

that I may rebuild it

Nehemiah does not plan to do all of the building himself, but he will be the leader of the work. AT: "that I and my people may rebuild it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 2:7-8

may letters be given to me

This may be stated in active form. AT: "may you give letters to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the 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.

Asaph

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the good hand of God was on me

God's "good hand" represents his "favor." AT: "God's favor was upon me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 2:9-10

Sanballat the Horonite

Sanballat is the name of a man, and the Horonites were a people group. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Tobiah the Ammonite servant

This man was likely a freed slave now serving as an officer in Ammon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

heard this

"heard that I had arrived"

translationWords

Nehemiah 2:11-12

had put into my heart

Here Nehemiah's "heart" refers to his thoughts and will. AT: "had inspired me" or "had led me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 2:19-20

Sanballat ... Tobiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 02:9-10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Geshem

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?

These rhetorical questions are used to mock Nehemiah. These can be written as statements. AT: "You are acting foolishly! You should not be rebelling against the king!" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

the king

This refers to Artaxerses, the king of Persia.

will arise and build

This is an idiom. AT: "will begin rebuilding" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

But you have no share, no right, and no historic claim in Jerusalem

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

translationWords

Nehemiah 3

Nehemiah 3:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/priest.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/holy.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

# 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.

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

goldsmiths

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

goldsmiths, repaired ... Hur repaired ... Harumaph repaired ... Hashabneiah repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "goldsmiths, repaired the wall ... Hur repaired the wall ... Harumaph repaired the wall ... Hashabneiah repaired the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

next to him was Hananiah, a maker of perfumes

Hananiah repaired the wall as well. AT: "next to him Hananiah, a maker of perfumes, repaired the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

perfumes

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

ruler

leader or chief administrator

half the district

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:11-12

Malchijah ... Harim ... Hasshub ... Pahath-Moab ... Shallum ... Hallohesh

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

repaired another section ... repaired, along with his daughters

These phrase refer to repairing the wall. AT: "repaired another section of the wall ... repaired the wall, along with his daughters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Shallum son of Hallohesh, the ruler

Shallum was the ruler, not Hallohesh.

ruler

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

half the district

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:13

Hanun

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the inhabitants of Zanoah

"the people from Zanoah"

Zanoah

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the 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.

set its doors

"installed its doors" or "put its doors in place"

its bolts, and its bars

"its locks and bars." These locked the gates securely.

They 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. AT: "They repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, from the Valley Gate to the Dung Gate" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

They repaired a thousand cubits

It is understood that they were repaing the wall of Jerusalem. AT: "They repaired a thousand cubits of the wall" or "They repaired another thousand cubits of the wall beyond the Valley Gate" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

a thousand cubits

"1,000 cubits." This may be written in modern measurements. AT: "460 meters" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bdistance/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

the 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.

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:14-15

Malchijah ... Recab ... Shallun ... Kol-Hozeh

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Malchijah son of Recab, the ruler

Malchijah was the ruler, not Recab.

ruler

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

Beth Hakkerem

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

He ... set its doors

"He installed its doors" or "He put its doors in place"

its bolts, and its bars

"its locks, and its bars." These locked the gates securely.

Shallun son of Kol-Hozeh, the ruler

Shallun was the ruler, not Kol-Hozeh.

the wall of the Pool of Siloam

This means that the wall was beside the Pool of Siloam. AT: "the wall that surrounded the Pool of Siloam" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-possession/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:16-17

Nehemiah ... Azbuk ... Rehum ... Bani ... Hashabiah

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Nehemiah son of Azbuk, the ruler

Nehemiah was the ruler, not Azbuk.

Nehemiah

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

ruler

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

half the district

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

Beth Zur ... Keilah

These are names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

repaired to the place ... Levites repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "repaired the wall up to the place ... Levites repaired the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

mighty men

"warriors"

for his district

"representing his district" or "on behalf of his district"

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:18-19

After him their countrymen repaired ... repaired another section

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "Next to him their countrymen repaired the wall ... repaired another section of the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

After him

"Next to him"

Binnui ... Henadad ... Ezer ... Jeshua

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Binnui son of Henadad, the ruler

Binnui was the ruler, not Henadad.

Keilah ... Mizpah

These are names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ezer son of Jeshua, the ruler

Ezer was the ruler, not Jeshua.

that faced the ascent to the armory

"in front of the steps that went up to the armory"

armory

the place where weapons are kept

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:20-21

After him

"Next to him"

Baruch ... Zabbai ... Eliashib ... Meremoth ... Uriah ... Hakkoz

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

repaired another section

This refers to repairing the wall. AT: "repaired another section of the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:22-24

around Jerusalem, repaired ... Benjamin and Hasshub repaired ... Azariah ... repaired ... Binnui ... repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "around Jerusalem, repaired the wall ... Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the wall ... Azariah ... repaired the wall ... Binnui ... repaired the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Benjamin ... Hasshub ... Azariah ... Maaseiah ... Ananiah ... Binnui ... Henadad

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

After them ... After him

"Next to them ... Next to him"

opposite their own house

"in front of their own house"

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:25-27

Palal ... repaired ... Parosh repaired ... servants ... repaired ... repaired another section

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "Palal ... repaired the wall ... Parosh repaired the wall ... servants ... repaired the wall ... repaired another section of the wall"

Palal ... Uzai ... Pedaiah ... Parosh

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the tower that extends upward

"the tower that rises up"

upper house of the king

"higher palace of the leader of Israel"

the courtyard of the guard

This is the place where the guards stayed.

After him

"Next to him"

Ophel

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

opposite the Water Gate

"in front of the Water Gate"

the projecting tower ... the great projecting tower

"the tall tower ... the tall tower." The phrase "the projecting tower" means a tall tower that juts out from the wall. It is likely that both of these phrases refer to the same tower.

the Tekoites

These are people from the town of Tekoa. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:5. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:28-30

priests repaired ... repaired the section ... east gate, repaired ... repaired another section ... repaired opposite

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

above the Horse Gate

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

opposite his own house

"in front of his own house"

After them ... After him

"Next to them ... Next to him"

Zadok ... Immer ... Shemaiah ... Shecaniah ... Hananiah ... Shelemiah ... Hanun ... Zalaph ... Meshullam ... Berechiah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate

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

the keeper of the east gate

"the person who looked after the east gate" or "the person who opened and closed the east gate"

the sixth son

"son 6" or "son number 6" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

opposite his living chambers

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

translationWords

Nehemiah 3:31-32

After him

"Next to him"

Malchijah

This is the name of a man. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

goldsmiths

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

repaired to the house ... merchants repaired

These phrases refer to repairing the wall. AT: "repaired the wall to the house ... merchants repaired the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

merchants

"sellers" or "traders"

upper living chambers

the higher-level rooms where people stayed

Sheep Gate

This is the name of an entranceway in the wall.

translationWords

Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah 4:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/trust.md]])

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Nehemiah 4:1-3

Now when Sanballat

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

Sanballat ... Tobiah

These are the names of a men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

it burned within him, and he was furiously angry

Here "it" refers to Sanballat's realization that the Jews are rebuilding the walls. This speaks of Sanballat becoming very angry as if his anger were a burning fire. AT: "he became furiously angry" or "he became very angry" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

In the presence of his brothers

"In the presence of his kinsmen" or "In the presence of his clan"

What 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. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

feeble Jews

"weak Jews"

in a day

This speaks of not finishing something quickly by saying that it cannot be accomplished in a day. AT: "quickly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

Will 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. AT: "They will not bring to life again the stones from piles of rubble that were burned." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

bring 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. AT: "restore the city and rebuild its walls from the useless stones that were burned and turned into rubble" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

from the piles of rubble after they were burned

This can be stated in active form. AT: "from piles of rubble that someone had burned" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

If 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. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 4:4-6

Hear, our God, ... for they have provoked the builders to anger. So

Here Nehemiah is praying to God. This can be stated clearly and written with quotation marks. AT: "Then I prayed, 'Hear, our God, ... for they have provoked the builders to anger.' So" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Hear, our God, for we are despised

Here the word "we" refers to the Jews. This can be stated in active form. AT: "Hear, our God, for our enemies despise us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

give them up to be plundered

This can be stated in active form. AT: "let their enemies rob them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

Turn back their taunts on their own heads

The phrase "their taunts" refers to Sanballat's and Tobiah's insults. Here the word "heads" refers to the whole people. AT: "Turn their taunts onto themselves" or "Cause their insulting words to mock themselves" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

Do not cover over

This speaks of a forgiving a person's sins as if they were a object that could be physically hidden. AT: "Do not forgive" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

do not erase their sin from before you

This speaks of forgetting a person's sins as if they were something written that could be erased. AT: "do not forget their sins

they have provoked the builders to anger

"they have angered the builders"

So we built the wall

"So we rebuilt the wall"

all the wall was joined together to half its height

This can be stated in active form. AT: "we joined the wall together and it was half its total height" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

half its height

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

Call to mind the Lord

the phrase "call to mind" means to remember. AT: "Remember the Lord" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 4:15-16

It came about

"It happened that"

their plans were known to us

This can be stated in active form. AT: "we knew about their plans" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

my servants worked

"my young men worked"

half of my servants ... half of them

"Half" means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

the leaders stood behind all the people

"the leaders positioned themselves behind all the people"

translationWords

Nehemiah 4:17-18

Everyone 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 4:19-20

I said

Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.

the nobles ... the officials

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

The work is great

Here the word "great" means "large-scale" or "huge."

the trumpet sound

This refers to someone blowing a trumpet. AT: "someone blowing a trumpet" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 4:21-23

Half of them

Here "Half" means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-fraction/01.md]])

from the rising of the dawn until the coming out of the stars

This refers to the whole day, while it is light outside. AT: "from the first light of day until the very beginning of the night"

the 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. AT: "the rising of the sun" or "dawn" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

in the middle of Jerusalem

"within Jerusalem"

changed our clothes

"took off our clothes"

translationWords

Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah 5:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/oppress.md]])

# 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.

The pronoun "I" refers to Nehemiah.

What you are doing

"You" here refers to the Jewish nobles.

Should 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. AT: "You should walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

walk in the fear of our God

This is and idiom. Here "walk" refers to a person's behavior and the way he lives. AT: "live your life in a way that honors God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

the taunts of the nations that are our enemies

The word "taunt" means "slander" or "mockery" and it can be expressed as a verb. AT: "the nations who are our enemies from taunting us" or "the enemy nations from mocking us" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

lending

borrowing or giving something to someone expecting repayment

loans

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.

percentage

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

you exacted from them

"you charged them" or "you made them pay"

translationWords

Nehemiah 5:12-13

Then they said

Here "they" refers to the Jewish leaders.

We 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.

made them swear

Here the word "them" refers to the Jewish leaders.

Then I called

"I" refers to Nehemiah.

I 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-symaction/01.md]])

So 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 man's possessions as if God were shaking him out of his home and possessions like Nehemiah shook out his robe. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 5:14-15

from the time I was appointed

Here "I" refers to Nehemiah.

from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year

"from the 20th year until the 32 year" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

of Artaxerxes the king

"that Artaxerxes was king"

twelve 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

the food provided for the governor

This can be stated in active form. AT: "ate the food that the people provided for the governor"

for their daily

"every day for their"

former governors

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

forty shekels

"40 shekels" or "40 silver coins" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-bmoney/01.md]])

But 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"

translationWords

Nehemiah 5:16-17

I also continued

"I" refers to Nehemiah.

we bought

The word "we" refers to Nehemiah and his servants.

all my servants were gathered

This can be stated in active form. AT: "I gathered all of my servants there" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for the work

"to work on the wall"

150 men

"one hundred and fifty men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

At 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. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

my table

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

officials

"government leaders"

translationWords

Nehemiah 5:18-19

Now what was prepared each day was

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Each day I told my servants to prepare" or "Each day I told my servants to serve us the meat from" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

six choice ... ten days

"6 choice ... 10 days" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

wine in abundance

"enough wine for everyone"

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

"yet I never asked for the governor's food allowance"

Call me to mind

This is an idiom. It is a request for God to think about him and remember him. AT: "Remember me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

for 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. AT: "and reward me" or "cause good to happen to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 6:intro-0

Nehemiah 06 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The building of the wall is completed in this chapter.

The ULB indents the lines in 6:6-7 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.

Nehemiah 6:1-2

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:9-10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I had rebuilt the wall ... I had not yet

Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall and did not build it by himself. AT: "we had rebuilt the wall ... we had not yet" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

any sections

This refers to sections of the wall. AT: "any sections of the wall" or "any gaps in the city wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

sent to me

This means that they sent a messenger with a message. AT: "sent a messenger to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

Ono

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 6:3-4

I am doing a great work

Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall. He did not build it by himself. AT: "We are doing a great work" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 6:10-11

Shemaiah ... Delaiah ... Mehetabel

These are men's names. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Meshullam ... Berechiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

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

"The Jewish nobles told me about Tobiah's good deeds and then told him about my responses"

Letters were sent to me from Tobiah

This can be stated in active form. Tobiah sent messengers to bring the letters to Nehemiah. AT: "Tobiah sent letters to me" or "Tobiah sent messengers to bring letters to me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7

Nehemiah 7:intro-0

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 Esra 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.

Nehemiah 7:1-2

When the wall was finished

This can be stated in active form. AT: "When we had finished the wall" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

I had set up the doors in place

This was done with help. AT: "I and others hung the doors" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-synecdoche/01.md]])

the gatekeepers and singers and Levites had been appointed

This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are: 1) Nehemiah appointed them. AT: "I assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks" or 2) Someone else appointed them. AT: "they assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

gatekeepers

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

singers

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

Hanani ... Hananiah

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I gave my brother Hanani charge

"I gave the order for my brother Hanani to be the manager"

who had oversight of the fortress

"who was in charge of the fortress"

feared God more than many

"feared God more than many other people"

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:3-4

I said to them

The word "them" refers to Hanani and Hananiah.

Do 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.

the sun is hot

"the sun is high in the sky"

While 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"

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1

shut the doors and bar them

"close the gates and lock them"

Appoint guards from those who live in Jerusalem

"Assign guards from those people who live in Jerusalem"

guard station

"guard post" or "guard duty place"

no houses had yet been rebuilt

This can be stated in active form. AT: "the people had not yet rebuilt the houses" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:5

put into my heart

Here Nehemiah's "heart" refers to his thoughts and will. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 2:12. AT: "inspired me" or "led me" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

to enroll them

"to list and register them"

the book of the genealogy

This was a book that no longer exists.

found the following written in it

This can be expressed in active form. AT: "found that someone had written the following in it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:6-7

These are the people of the province

"These are the descendants of this region"

went up out of

"returned from" or "came back from"

went up

This is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]])

whom 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

Zerubbabel ... Jeshua ... Nehemiah ... Azariah ... Raamiah ... Nahamani ... Mordecai ... Bilshan ... Mispereth ... Bigvai ... Nehum ... Baanah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

The 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.

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:8-10

Connecting Statement:

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Parosh ... Shephatiah ... Arah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/descendant.md]]

Nehemiah 7:11-14

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

through the descendants of Jeshua and Joab

"that is, the descendants of Jeshua and Joab"

Pahath-Moab ... Jeshua ... Joab ... Elam ... Zattu ... Zakkai

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:15-18

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Binnui ... Bebai ... Azgad ... Adonikam

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/descendant.md]]

Nehemiah 7:19-22

Anathoth ... Beth Azmaveth ... Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth ... Ramah and Geba

These are all names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Nehemiah 7:31-34

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Michmas ... Bethel and Ai ... Nebo ... Elam

These are all names of places. (See [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:35-38

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Harim ... Jericho ... Lod, Hadid, and Ono ... Senaah

These are all names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/jericho.md]]

Nehemiah 7:39-42

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jedaiah ... Jeshua ... Immer ... Pashhur ... Harim

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

of the house of Jeshua

The word "house" is a metonym for family. AT: "from the family of Jeshua" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:43-45

Connecting Statement:

Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Jeshua ... Kadmiel ... Binnui ... Hodevah ... Asaph ... Shallum ... Ater ... Talmon ... Akkub ... Hatita ... Shobai

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

singers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:46-49

General Information:

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

Ziha ... Hasupha ... Tabbaoth ... Keros ... Sia ... Padon ... Lebana, ... Hagaba ... Shalmai ... Hanan ... Giddel ... Gahar

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Sia

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

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

Perida

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

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:61-63

two thousand minas

"2,000 minas" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

sixty-seven priestly garments

"67 priestly garments" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 7:73

gatekeepers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

singers

See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

some of the people

The implied information is that this refers to some of the Israelites who were not priests or other temple workers. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

all 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.

the 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]])

were settled in their cities

"lived in their own cities"

translationWords

Nehemiah 8

Nehemiah 8:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/priest.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])

# 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.

Nehemiah 8:1-3

All the people gathered as one man

The word "all" is a generalization that indicates the people as a whole came together. AT: "The people gathered all together" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

Water Gate

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

the Book of the Law of Moses

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

On 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. AT: "On day 1 of month 7" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

brought the law

"brought The Book of the Law"

all who could hear and understand

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

He faced the open area

"He turned towards the open area"

he read from it

Here "it" refers to the Book of the Law of Moses.

translationWords

Nehemiah 8:4-5

Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah ... Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people

The abstract noun "sight" can be expressed with the verb "see." AT: "Everyone saw Ezra open the book" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the book

"The Book of the Law"

he was standing above the people

"he was standing higher than the people"

when he opened it all the people stood up

The people stood up out of respect for God's word. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 8:6-8

Ezra gave thanks to Yahweh

The abstract noun "thanks" can be translated as a verb. AT: "Ezra thanked Yahweh" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

They read in the book

The word "They" here refers to the Levites.

making it clear with interpretation and giving the meaning

The abstract nouns "interpretation" and "meaning" can be translated as verbs. AT: "clearly interpreting and explaining it" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the reading

"what was read"

translationWords

Nehemiah 8:9-10

For all the people wept

This is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. AT: "For the people wept greatly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-hyperbole/01.md]])

eat 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. AT: "eat rich food and drink something sweet" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

Do not be grieved

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Do not grieve" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

for the joy of Yahweh is your strength

The abstract nouns "joy" and "strength" can be expressed as verbs or adjectives. AT: "rejoicing in Yahweh will protect you" or "being joyful in Yahweh will be your strong refuge" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 8:11-12

Hush!

"Be quiet!" or "Be silent!"

Do not be grieved

This can be stated in active form. AT: "Do not grieve" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

celebrate with great joy

The abstract noun "joy" can be expressed as a verb. AT: "rejoice greatly" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

the words that were made known to them

This can be stated in active form. AT: "the words that he declared to them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 8:13-15

On the second day

"On day 2" or "On the next day" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

to gain insight from

The abstract noun "insight" can be expressed as a verb. AT: "to understand" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md]])

should live in shelters

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

the seventh month

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/bless.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/confess.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sin.md]])

# Learning from their ancestor's 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]])

# 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 God's power. It is intended to bring the people to repentance and proper worship of Yahweh. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/repent.md]])

Nehemiah 9:1-2

the 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-hebrewmonths/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-ordinal/01.md]])

the people of Israel were assembled

"the people of Israel came together"

they 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

The descendants of Israel

"The Israelites"

separated themselves from all the foreigners

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

They 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"

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:3-4

They stood up

All the Israelites stood up

they were confessing

"they were admitting the wrong things they had done"

bowing down before

"worshiping" or "praising"

The Levites, Jeshua, Bani ... stood on the stairs

Some versions translate, "Jeshua, Bani ... stood on the stairs built for the Levites"

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:11

Connecting Statement:

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

you divided the sea

God divided

you ... 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-simile/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:12-13

Connecting Statement:

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

You led them

Yahweh led the Israelites.

you 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. AT: "you appeared" or "you came down from heaven" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

righteous decrees and true laws, good statutes and commandments

Both of these double phrases describe the same thing, the law of Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-parallelism/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:14-15

Connecting Statement:

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

commandments ... statutes ... law

Each of these three words refers to the law of Moses. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-doublet/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:16-17

Heshbon ... Bashan

These are names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:23-24

Connecting Statement:

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

You made their children

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

gave 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 person's hand is to give that person complete control over that thing. AT: "enabled the Israelites to have complete control over them" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 9:25

translationWords

Nehemiah 10

Nehemiah 10:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/vow.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sabbath.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]])

Nehemiah 10:1-3

On the sealed documents were Nehemiah ... Malchijah

The names of these people were written on the documents. This can be stated clearly. AT: "On the sealed documents were the names of Nehemiah ... Malchijah" or "On the sealed documents were the names of the following people: Nehemiah ... Malchijah" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

sealed documents

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

Nehemiah

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-pronouns/01.md]])

Hakaliah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 1:1. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Zedekiah, Seraiah ... Jeremiah, Pashhur, Amariah

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Azariah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Malchijah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 10:4-8

General Information:

In these verses, Nehemiah lists the names of the priests who signed the sealed document. (See: Nehemiah 10:1)

Hattush

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:10. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Shebaniah ... Meshullam

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Malluk ... Obadiah, Daniel, Ginnethon ... Abijah, Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Harim

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Meremoth

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Baruch

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:20. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Shemaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:29. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

These were the priests

This refers to the previous list of men who signed the document. AT: "These were the names of the priests who signed the document" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 10:9-14

General Information:

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

The Levites were

This refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. AT: "The Levites who put their names on the sealed documents were" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Jeshua ... Henadad

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:18-19. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Azaniah ... Rehob ... Beninu

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Binnui

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:24. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Kadmiel

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:43. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Shebaniah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hodiah ... Kelita ... Pelaiah ... Sherebiah

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:7. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hanan

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:49. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Mika

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 10:11. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hashabiah ... Bani

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Zaccur

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:2. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

The leaders of the people were

This refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. AT: "The leaders of the people who put their names on the sealed documents were" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md]])

Parosh

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:25. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Pahath-Moab

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Elam ... Zattu

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:12. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 10:15-21

General Information:

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

Bunni

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 9:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Azgad, Bebai

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:16-17. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Adonijah ... Azzur ... Nebai, Magpiash ... Hezir ... Jaddua

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Bigvai

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:7. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Adin, Ater, Hezekiah ... Hashum

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:20. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hodiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:7. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Bezai, Hariph

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:23. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Anathoth

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:27. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Meshullam ... Meshezabel, Zadok

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/zadok.md]]

Nehemiah 10:22-27

General Information:

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

Pelatiah ... Hoshea ... Pilha ... Shobek ... Hashabnah ... Ahiah ... Anan ... Harim ... Baanah

These are the name of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hanan

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:49. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Anaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 8:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Anaiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:8. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Hasshub ... Hallohesh

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:11. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Rehum

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:17. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Maaseiah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 3:23. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Malluk, Harim

These are the names of men. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 10:4. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Baanah

This is a man's name. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:6. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Nehemiah 10:28-29

We will not neglect the house of our God

This can be stated in positive form. AT: "We will care for the temple"

We will

The pronoun "we" here includes Nehemiah and all the people of Israel but does not include the reader of this book. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-exclusive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 11

Nehemiah 11:intro-0

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 and raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them.

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

928 men

"nine hundred and twenty-eight men." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 11:10-12

Jedaiah ... Joiarib ... Jakin ... Seraiah ... Hilkiah ... Meshullam ... Zadok ... Meraioth ... Ahitub ... Adaiah ... Jeroham ... Pelaliah ... Amzi ... Zechariah ... Pashhur ... Malchijah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

their associates

"their brothers" or "their kinsmen"

translationWords

Nehemiah 11:19-21

gatekeepers

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.

Akkub ... Talmon ... Ziha ... Gishpa

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

172 men

"one hundred and seventy-two men" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-numbers/01.md]])

Ophel

This is the name of a place. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 11:22-24

The chief officer over

"The overseer of"

Uzzi ... Bani ... Hashabiah ... Mattaniah ... Mika ... Asaph ... Pethahiah ... Meshezabel ... Zerah ... Judah

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

They were under orders from the king

"The king had told them what to do"

firm orders were given for the singers

This can be translated in active form. AT: "the king had told them specifically what to do about the singers" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

at the king's side in all matters concerning the people

"at the Persian king's side as an adviser in all matters concerning the Jewish people"

translationWords

Nehemiah 11:25-27

Kiriath Arba ... Dibon ... Jekabzeel ... Jeshua ... Moladah ... Beth Pelet ... Hazar Shual ... Beersheba

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 11:28-30

Ziklag ... Mekonah ... Enrimmon ... Zorah ... Jarmuth ... Zanoah ... Adullam ... Lachish ... Azekah ... Beersheba ... Valley of Hinnom

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

they lived

Here "they" refers to the people of Judah.

translationWords

Nehemiah 11:31-36

The people of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Mikmash and Aija

"The people of Benjamin lived in Geba, Mikmash and Aija"

Geba ... Mikmash ... Aija ... Bethel ... Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, Lod ... Ono ... Judah

These are the names of places. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Aija

This is possibly another name for the town of Ai.

the valley of craftsmen

Possible meanings are 1) this is a description of Ono or 2) it is "Craftsmen's 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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Some of the Levites who lived in Judah were assigned to the people of Benjamin

"Some of the Judean divisions of Levites were assigned to live with the people of Benjamin"

translationWords

Nehemiah 12

Nehemiah 12:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/falsegod.md]])

Nehemiah 12:1-3

who came up

"who arrived from Babylonia"

with Zerubbabel

"under the leadership of Zerubbabel"

Zerubbabel ... Shealtiel ... Jeshua ... Seraiah ... Jeremiah ... Ezra ... Amariah ... Malluk ... Hattush ... Shecaniah ... Rehum ... Meremoth

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeshua

The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. AT: "Jeshua the high priest" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 12:4-7

Connecting Statement:

The list that began in Nehemiah 12:1 continues.

There 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.

Iddo ... Ginnethon ... Abijah ... Mijamin ... Moadiah ... Bilgah ... Shemaiah ... Joiarib ... Jedaiah ... Sallu ... Amok ... Hilkiah ... Jedaiah ... Jeshua.

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Ginnethon

Ginnethoi may be another form of the name "Ginnethon."

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/priest.md]]

Nehemiah 12:8-9

Jeshua ... Binnui ... Kadmiel ... Sherebiah ... Judah ... Mattaniah ... Bakbukiah ... Unni

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

stood 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."

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/names/levite.md]]

Nehemiah 12:10-11

Jeshua ... Joiakim ... Eliashib ... Joiada ... Jonathan ... Jaddua

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Jeshua was the father of Joiakim

This was the same Jeshua named in Nehemiah 12:1. The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. AT: "Jeshua the high priest was the father of Joiakim" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

translationWords

[[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/other/father.md]]

Nehemiah 12:12-14

Joiakim ... Meraiah ... Hananiah ... Meshullam ... Jehohanan ... Jonathan ... Joseph

These are names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Seraiah ... Jeremiah ... Ezra ... Amariah ... Malluk ... Shebaniah

These are names of families named after men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 12:15-21

Connecting Statement:

The list that began in Nehemiah 12:12 continues.

Adna ... Helkai ... Zechariah ... Meshullam ... Zichri ... Piltai ... Shammua ... Jehonathan ... Mattenai ... Uzzi ... Kallai ... Eber ... Hashabiah ... Nethanel

These are all names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

Harim ... Meremoth ... Iddo ... Ginnethon ... Abijah ... Miniamin ... Moadiah ... Bilgah ... Shemaiah ... Joiarib ... Jedaiah ... Sallu ... Amok ... Hilkiah ... Jedaiah

These are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

was the leader of

"was the leader of the family of" or "was the leader of the descendants of"

Meshullam was the leader of Ginnethon

Ginnethon may be another form of the name Ginnethoi.

... 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 ULB uses "..." to show that the name of the leader is missing. AT: "Someone was the leader of Miniamin"

Moadiah

Maadiah may be another form of the name Moadiah.

Some versions read, "from among the priests with trumpets, Zechariah"

Zechariah 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"

rejoice with great joy

"rejoice greatly"

So 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. AT: "people far away from Jerusalem could hear the sound that the people of Jerusalem made as they celebrated" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 12:44-45

men were appointed to be in charge

This can be stated in active form. It is not clear who appointed the men. AT: "they appointed men to be in charge" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

the contributions

things the people gave to the priests

For 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.

who were standing before them

The Levites and priests were not just standing, they were serving in their roles. The meaning can be made explicit. AT: "who were standing before them serving God" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-explicit/01.md]])

gatekeepers

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.

translationWords

Nehemiah 12:46-47

there 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.

In the days of Zerubbabel

Zerubbabel was a descendant of King David and one of the governors in the region of Judah.

They set aside the portion

"All Israel set aside the portion"

the descendants of Aaron

the priests in Israel, who descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses

translationWords

Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 13:intro-0

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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/promise.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/lawofmoses.md]], [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/temple.md]] and [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_tw/src/master/bible/kt/sabbath.md]])

Nehemiah 13:1-3

in the hearing of the people

"so that the people could hear it"

should come into the assembly of God, forever

"should ever come into the assembly of God"

This was because

"They could not come into the assembly because"

translationWords

Nehemiah 13:4-5

Eliashib the priest was appointed

This can be translated in active form. AT: "they appointed Eliashib the priest" or "the leaders appointed Eliashib the priest" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-activepassive/01.md]])

He was related to Tobiah

"Eliashib and Tobiah worked closely together"

Eliashib ... Tobiah

These are the names of men.

Eliashib prepared for Tobiah a large storeroom

"Eliashib prepared a large storeroom for Tobiah to use"

Nehemiah 13:15

treading 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. AT: "walking on grapes in winepresses" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metonymy/01.md]])

treading

walking on something to crush or press it

translationWords

Nehemiah 13:16-18

Tyre

This is the name of a city. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

What 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. AT: "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: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Did 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. AT: "You know that your fathers did this, and that is why God brought all this evil on us and on this city." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

Should 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. AT: "We will not listen to you or do this great evil or act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women." (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 13:28-29

Joiada ... Eliashib ... Sanballat

These are the names of men. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

the Horonite

This refers to a person from the city of Beth Horon. (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/translate-names/01.md]])

I caused him to flee from my presence

"I chased him away" or "I made him leave Jerusalem"

Call them to mind

"Think about them" or "Remember what they have done." See how you translated a similar phrase in Nehemiah 13:14.

they 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. AT: "they have dishonored the priesthood and broken the covenant you made with the priests and Levites" (See: [[https://git.door43.org/Door43/en_ta/src/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md]])

translationWords

Nehemiah 13:30-31

Thus I cleansed them

"In this way I purified them"

established the duties of the priests and the Levites

"told the priests and Levites what they were to do"

I provided for the wood offering

"I arranged for a supply of wood for the wood offerings"

for the firstfruits

"for the offering of firstfruits at harvest time"

Call 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.

open-licensed biblical content

Nehemiah

Nehemiah front

Nehemiah front:intro

Introduction to Nehemiah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Nehemiah

What is the Book of Nehemiah about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

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

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How does the Book of Nehemiah use the term "Israel"?

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

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah 1:intro-0

Nehemiah 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

# "The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:"

Special concepts in this chapter

# Repentance

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

# I

# Israel

Links:

Nehemiah 1:1-2

Nehemiah ... Hakaliah ... Hanani

in the month of Kislev

in the twentieth year

fortress of Susa

one of my brothers, Hanani

Hanani, came with some people from Judah

the Jews who had escaped, the remnant of the Jews who were there

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:3

They said to me

the province

the wall of Jerusalem has been broken open, and its gates have been set on fire

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:4-5

Then I said

Yahweh

who love him and keep his commandments

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:6-7

open your eyes

so you may hear the prayer of your servant

day and night

Both I and my father's house

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:8-9

Connecting Statement:

Please call to mind

the word you commanded your servant Moses

If you act unfaithfully ... scatter you ... if you return ... your people

I will scatter you among the nations

though your people were scattered

under the farthest skies

to that place where I have chosen ... remain

where I have chosen to make my name remain

translationWords

Nehemiah 1:10-11

General Information:

Now

they are your servants

by your great power and by your strong hand

the prayer of your servant

the prayer of your servants

who delight to honor your name

grant him mercy in the sight of this man

in the sight of this man

I served as cupbearer to the king

translationWords

Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah 2:intro-0

Nehemiah 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

# Special concepts in this chapter

# Nehemiah's character