richmahn_en_tn/en_tn_16-NEH.tsv

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2NEHfrontintrok2y20# Introduction to Nehemiah<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Nehemiah<br><br>1. Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and inspects the walls (1:1-2:20)<br>1. The people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (3:1-4:23)<br>1. Nehemiah helps the poor and provides an unselfish example (5:119)<br>1. Enemies try to slow down the work, but the people finish the walls (6:119)<br>1. Nehemiah lists the people who returned from exile (7:673)<br>1. Ezra reads the Law of Yahweh and the people respond (8:1-10:39)<br>1. Nehemiah lists the people who lived in and around Jerusalem (11:136)<br>1. Nehemiah lists the priests and Levites (12:126)<br>1. The people dedicate the walls of Jerusalem (12:2747)<br>1. Nehemiah corrects problems (13:131)<br><br>### What is the Book of Nehemiah about?<br><br>A Jew named Nehemiah lived in Persia and worked for King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah received a report that the walls around Jerusalem were broken down. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city walls. The walls around the city helped protect the city against armies and invaders.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>The Book of Nehemiah is named for a Jewish leader named Nehemiah. Translators can use the traditional title “Nehemiah.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “The Book about Nehemiah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### Why were Israelites not allowed to marry people from other nations?<br><br>Foreigners worshiped many false gods. Yahweh did not allow his people to marry foreigners. He knew this would cause the people of Israel to worship false gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])<br><br>### Did all of the people of Israel return to their homeland?<br><br>Many of the Jews remained in Babylon instead of returning to the Promised Land. Many of them were successful in Babylon and desired to remain there. However, this meant that they were unable to worship Yahweh in Jerusalem as their ancestors had done. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### How does the Book of Nehemiah use the term “Israel”?<br><br>The Book of Nehemiah uses the term “Israel” to refer to the kingdom of Judah. It was mostly made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The other ten tribes had ended their loyalty to any kings descended from David. God allowed the Assyrians to conquer the other ten tribes and take them into exile. As a result, they mixed with other people groups and did not return to the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/israel]])<br><br>### Are the events in the Book of Nehemiah told in the order that they actually happened?<br><br>Some of the events in the Book of Nehemiah are not told in the order they actually happened. Translators should pay attention to notes that signal when events are probably out of order.
3NEH1introy5jf0# Nehemiah 01 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>### “The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:”<br><br>This phrase serves as an introduction to this entire book.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Repentance<br><br>This chapter is a single long record of Nehemiahs repentance on behalf of the people. (See: \[\[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent\]\])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### I<br><br>In this book, the word “I” always refers to Nehemiah.<br><br>### Israel<br><br>It is uncertain to whom “Israel” refers. It probably does not refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. Neither does it likely refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. Instead, it is probably a reference to Israel in the sense of the surviving people group. At Nehemiahs time, this people group exclusively comprised the tribe of Judah because the other tribes had already been scattered throughout the entire Near East, where they lost their identity, for the most part.
4NEH11bi9htranslate-namesנְחֶמְיָ֖ה בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֑ה1Nehemiah, the son of HakaliahNehemiah is the name of a man, and Hakaliah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
5NEH11abc1writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֤י1Now it happenedThis is a common way of beginning a historical story. Alternate translation: “My story begins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/riting-newevent]])
6NEH11qd3etranslate-hebrewmonthsבְ⁠חֹֽדֶשׁ־כִּסְלֵיו֙1in the month of Kislev**Kislev** is the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
7NEH11hn28figs-explicitשְׁנַ֣ת עֶשְׂרִ֔ים1in the twentieth yearThis is referring to the number of years that Artaxerxes had been reigning as king. Alternate translation: “in the twentieth year of the reign of Artaxerxes, King of Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
8NEH11abc3figs-metonymyבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָֽה1in Susa the citadelThe city in which this palace was located was also called Susa, because the city was associated with the palace. Since this was where the kings of Persia lived, it was the capital city of their empire. Alternate translation: “the capital city of Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
9NEH11abc5translate-namesבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ןin SusaThis was the name of a royal city of the Persian kings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
10NEH11g6dltranslate-unknownהַ⁠בִּירָֽה1the citadelThis means a “castle” or “palace” or “stronghold,” usually inside a city, where a king would live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
11NEH12f2abtranslate-namesחֲנָ֜נִי1HananiThis is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
12NEH12l6cwחֲנָ֜נִי אֶחָ֧ד1one of my brothersThe term **brother** is often used figuratively in this book, but here it most likely means that Hanani was Nehemiahs biological brother.
13NEH12abc7figs-gendernotationsה֥וּא וַ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֖ים1he and menThis was a delegation that had come from one Jewish community to visit another Jewish community in another part of the world. So its possible and even likely that it included women as well as men. Alternate translation: “along with some other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
14NEH12lg14translate-namesמִֽ⁠יהוּדָ֑ה1from JudahJudah was formerly the southern kingdom of the Israelites. It was now a Persian province. Alternate translation: “the province of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
15NEH12abc9figs-parallelismהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֧ים הַ⁠פְּלֵיטָ֛ה אֲשֶֽׁר־נִשְׁאֲר֥וּ מִן־הַ⁠שֶּׁ֖בִי1the Jews who escaped, who were left behind from the captivityThese two phrases mean the same thing. Nehemiah uses them together for clarity to describe one particular group of people, and perhaps also to express his particular concern for them. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Jews who had escaped the exile” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
16NEH12q7zifigs-explicitהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֧ים הַ⁠פְּלֵיטָ֛ה אֲשֶֽׁר־נִשְׁאֲר֥וּ מִן־הַ⁠שֶּׁ֖בִי1the Jews who escaped, who were left behind from the captivityThese two phrases refer to the same group of people. Possible meanings are (1) the few Jews who were taken as exiles to Babylon but escaped and returned to live in Jerusalem or (2) the few Jews who had escaped from those who were trying to take them into exile in Babylon and so remained in Jerusalem. Since it is unclear from where they escaped, it may be best not to specify in the translation. Alternate translation: “the Jews who had escaped the exile and who remained in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17NEH12ab11figs-abstractnounsהַ⁠שֶּׁ֖בִי1the captivity**Captivity** is an abstract noun that refers to the Jews being taken away from their homeland. Judah had been conquered by the Babylonians about 150 years before this. The Babylonians had taken many people away from Judah and relocated them to different parts of their empire. About 50 years later, the Persian Empire conquered Babylon and many Jews, like Nehemiah, came to live in Persia. But some also lived in their former homeland. You can translate this idea with a phrase such as “the time when the Jews were taken away” or “the time when soldiers forced many Jews to go to Babylon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
18NEH12ab13figs-explicitוְ⁠עַל־יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם1and about JerusalemJerusalem had been the capital city of the kingdom of Judah. Nehemiah was asking specifically about the physical condition of the buildings and walls in the city, in addition to asking about the welfare of the Jewish community in Judah. Alternate translation: “about the condition of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
19NEH13igf2figs-parallelismהַֽ⁠נִּשְׁאָרִ֞ים אֲשֶֽׁר־נִשְׁאֲר֤וּ מִן־הַ⁠שְּׁבִי֙1the ones left behind, who were left behind from the captivityThese two statements mean similar things. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show his concern for this group. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “the Jews who escaped the exile and remained” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
20NEH13y1zgfigs-metonymyבַּ⁠מְּדִינָ֔ה1in the provinceHere **province** refers to Judah as an administrative district within the Persian Empire. Hanani is describing Judah by referring to something associated with it, its status as a province. Alternate translation: “in the province of Judah” or “in Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
21NEH13ab15figs-doubletבְּ⁠רָעָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה וּ⁠בְ⁠חֶרְפָּ֑ה1in great evil and in reproach**Evil** and **reproach** mean similar things. Hanani uses them together to emphasize what a desperate situation the people are in. You do not need to repeat both words in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “in a desperate situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
22NEH13ab17figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠רָעָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה וּ⁠בְ⁠חֶרְפָּ֑ה1in great evilThe abstract noun **evil** in this case does not refer to something morally bad, but to a difficult situation. It describes the situation objectively, as bad for the people in it. You can translate this idea with an adjective such as “bad.” Alternate translation: “in a very bad situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
23NEH13ab19figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠בְ⁠חֶרְפָּ֑ה1and in reproach**Reproach** is an abstract noun that describes how other people would see the situation of the Jews. The situation would lead them to say bad things about them. You can translate this idea with a verb such as “mock.” Alternate translation: “people are mocking them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
24NEH13pk3ffigs-activepassiveוְ⁠חוֹמַ֤ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ מְפֹרָ֔צֶת וּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠הָ נִצְּת֥וּ בָ⁠אֵֽשׁ1the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fireThis can be stated in active form. You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “armies have broken open the wall of Jerusalem and have set its gates on fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
25NEH13ab21figs-explicitוְ⁠חוֹמַ֤ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ מְפֹרָ֔צֶת וּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠הָ נִצְּת֥וּ בָ⁠אֵֽשׁ1the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fireThe implication is that the people are now defenseless. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The people living there are defenseless.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
26NEH13ab23נִצְּת֥וּ בָ⁠אֵֽשׁ1burned with fireThis is a more descriptive expression than just “burned.” It means completely burned. Alternate translation: “burned down”
27NEH14ab25writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֞י1And it happened thatNehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next episode in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. Alternate translation: “So the next thing I did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
28NEH14ab27figs-metonymyכְּ⁠שָׁמְעִ֣⁠י ׀ אֶת־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה1as soon as I heard these wordsHere **words** refers to the things that were described by the words. Alternate translation: “when I heard about these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
29NEH14ab29translate-symactionיָשַׁ֨בְתִּי֙ וָֽ⁠אֶבְכֶּ֔ה1I sat down, and I wept**Sitting down** likely means that Nehemiah stopped going about his usual business because he was so overcome by grief. Alternate translation: “I could do nothing else but grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
30NEH14ab31וָ⁠אֶתְאַבְּלָ֖⁠ה יָמִ֑ים1I mourned for daysThis means that Nehemiah kept on grieving. He did not get over being upset. The term “days” here suggests “many days” and it is a figurative expression for “a long time.” Alternate translation: “I could not stop mourning for a long time.”
31NEH14ab33צָם֙ וּ⁠מִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל1fasting and praying**Fasting** means going without food. This was something that Jews often did in connection with prayer. It allowed them to concentrate on their prayers, and it showed how important those prayers were. Alternate translation: “I went without food, and I prayed”
32NEH14ab35bita-hqוּ⁠מִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י1and praying before the face ofHere **face** is a metonym for the action of seeing, which is a figurative way of referring to a persons notice or attention to something. Nehemiah is saying that he prayed in order to bring these matters to Gods notice or attention. Alternate translation: “and I prayed to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
33NEH14ab37אֱלֹהֵ֥י הַ⁠שָּׁמָֽיִם1the God of heavenAlternate translation: “the God who is in heaven”
34NEH15ab39וָ⁠אֹמַ֗ר1Then I saidHere Nehemiah tells what he prayed. Alternate translation: “Then I prayed”
35NEH15ab41figs-exclamationsאָֽנָּ֤א1Ah!Nehemiah uses this word to call on God with strong feeling. Alternate translation: “O” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
36NEH15pf2ltranslate-namesיְהוָה֙1YahwehThis is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
37NEH15ab43figs-youאֱלֹהֵ֣י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֔יִם1the God of heavenSince Nehemiah is addressing God directly, you can use “you” forms in your translation. They should be singular but also respectful. Alternate translation: “you are the God who is in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
38NEH15ab45figs-doubletהָ⁠אֵ֥ל הַ⁠גָּד֖וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָ֑א1the great and fearsome God**Great** and **fearsome** mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together to emphasize how much respect God deserves. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also bring that out in your translation. “Great” refers to how powerful God is objectively. “Fearsome” reflects how people should respond to Gods greatness subjectively. They should “fear” God. This does not mean that they should be afraid of him, but that they should show him respect and reverence. Alternate translation: “the great and awesome God” or “the God who deserves total respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
39NEH15ab47figs-parallelismשֹׁמֵ֤ר הַ⁠בְּרִית֙ וָ⁠חֶ֔סֶד1who keeps the covenant and covenant faithfulness**Covenant** and **covenant faithfulness** mean similar things. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how certain it is that God will keep his promises. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could bring that out in your translation even if you combine the phrases. The “covenant” is Gods promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants. “Covenant faithfulness” is a character quality of God. He is inwardly disposed to keep all of his promises, and so he always does so faithfully. So you could say something like, “Because of who you are, you always keep your promises faithfully.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
40NEH15ab49figs-parallelismלְ⁠אֹהֲבָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠לְ⁠שֹׁמְרֵ֥י מִצְוֺתָֽי⁠ו1to those who love him and to those who keep his commandmentsNehemiah is not describing two different groups. These phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used for clarity and emphasis. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to express that those who love God show this by keeping his commandments. You can translate this so that it is clear that these words describe one group. Alternate translation: “those who love you and keep your commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
41NEH15zc64figs-123personלְ⁠אֹהֲבָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠לְ⁠שֹׁמְרֵ֥י מִצְוֺתָֽי⁠ו1to those who love him and to those who keep his commandmentsSince Nehemiah is speaking to Yahweh, the pronouns “him” and “his” can be translated as “you” and “your.” Alternate translation: “who love you and keep your commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
42NEH16ab51figs-parallelismתְּהִ֣י נָ֣א אָזְנְ⁠ךָֽ־קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת וְֽ⁠עֵינֶ֪י⁠ךָ פְתֻוּח֟וֹת1Please let your ear be attentive and your eyes openedThese two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to urge God to pay attention to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “pay attention to me,” otherwise “please listen to me and look at me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
43NEH16ab53figs-metonymyאָזְנְ⁠ךָֽ־קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת1your ear be attentiveThis request for Gods ear to be attentive refers figuratively to the action of listening. In this context, Nehemiah is asking God to listen to his prayer, with the intention that God would do something about the bad situation in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
44NEH16g947figs-metonymyוְֽ⁠עֵינֶ֪י⁠ךָ פְתֻוּח֟וֹת1and your eyes openedThis request for Gods eyes to be open refers figuratively to the action of seeing. Seeing is a metaphor meaning knowledge, perception, notice, attention, or judgment. In this case, is asking God to pay attention both to him and to the problem in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
45NEH16qjf3figs-123personתְּפִלַּ֣ת עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֡1the prayer of your servantNehemiah uses the word servant to refer to himself. This is how a person would address a superior in order to show humility and respect. Alternate translation: “my prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
46NEH16ab55bita-hqמִתְפַּלֵּ֨ל לְ⁠פָנֶ֤י⁠ךָ1am praying before your faceHere **face** is a metonym for the action of seeing, which is figurative way of referring to a persons notice or attention to something. Nehemiah is repeating the fact that he is praying in order to bring these matters to Gods notice or attention. Alternate translation: “praying to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
47NEH16ab57figs-idiomהַ⁠יּוֹם֙1todayThis does not necessarily mean on this particular day, but at this time. Alternate translation: “right now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
48NEH16v8gxfigs-merismהַ⁠יּוֹם֙ יוֹמָ֣ם וָ⁠לַ֔יְלָה1day and nightWhen Nehemiah says that he has prayed both during the day and during the night, he means that he has also prayed at all times in between, that is, constantly. However, he does not mean that he has prayed non-stop all day long and all night long, without doing any other activities such as sleeping or eating. Alternate translation: “constantly,” otherwise “during the day and at night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
49NEH16ab59figs-gendernotationsבְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל1the sons of IsraelHere **sons** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “on behalf of the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]] and (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
50NEH16ab61figs-metaphorעֲבָדֶ֑י⁠ךָ1your servantsIn this context, the word **servants** refers to the special role that the people of Israel had in the world as a model community of Gods followers. Alternate translation: “your chosen people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
51NEH16ab63figs-gendernotationsוּ⁠מִתְוַדֶּ֗ה עַל־חַטֹּ֤אות בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֣אנוּ לָ֔⁠ךְ1confessing on account of the sins of the sons of Israel that we have sinned against youHere again **sons** means “descendants” and the phrase refers to the people of Israel Alternate translation: “I must confess the sins that we, the people of Israel, have committed against you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
52NEH17ab65figs-abstractnounsחֲבֹ֖ל חָבַ֣לְנוּ לָ֑⁠ךְ1With extreme corruption we have acted corruptly against youThe repetition here is used for emphasis. You can translate the idea of the abstract noun “corruption” with an adverb such as “wickedly.” Alternate translation: “We have acted very wickedly toward you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
53NEH17ab67figs-doubletאֶת־הַ⁠מִּצְוֺ֗ת וְ⁠אֶת־הַֽ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠מִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים1the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgmentsThese three words mean basically the same thing. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how comprehensively the Israelites have disobeyed what God commanded them through Moses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the Law of Moses,” otherwise “the commands and rules and laws” (Note: A doublet can involve the use of more than two words.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
54NEH17brz7figs-explicitאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּ֖יתָ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה עַבְדֶּֽ⁠ךָ1that you commanded Moses, your servantMoses was the great leader who brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt centuries before and gave them Gods law. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that you gave us many years ago through your servant Moses.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
55NEH18pv64figs-idiomזְכָר־נָא֙1Please rememberHere **remember** is an idiom that means to think about someone and consider what action you can take on their behalf. Nehemiah is not suggesting that God has forgotten the promise he made to Moses. Alternate translation: “Please call to mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
56NEH18y5jpfigs-yousingularהַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוִּ֛יתָ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֥ה עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֖1the word that you commanded Moses, your servantThe pronouns **you** and **your** refer to God and so are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
57NEH18ab69הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר1the wordThis refers to a promise that God made while giving the Law to the people of Israel through Moses. Alternate translation: “the promise”
58NEH18b6qhfigs-youאַתֶּ֣ם תִּמְעָ֔לוּ1If you yourselves act unfaithfullyThe pronouns **you** and **yourselves** refer to the Israelite people, and so they are plural. Alternate translation: “If you Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
59NEH18ab71figs-metaphorאַתֶּ֣ם תִּמְעָ֔לוּ1If you yourselves act unfaithfullyHere infidelity in marriage is used as a figurative description of the people of Israel not keeping Gods commandments. Alternate translation: “If you Israelites do not keep my commandments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
60NEH18ab73אָפִ֥יץ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם בָּ⁠עַמִּֽים1I myself will scatter you among the peoplesAlternate translation: “I will take you from your land and make you live among the other nations”
61NEH18evf5figs-explicitאָפִ֥יץ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֖ם בָּ⁠עַמִּֽים1I myself will scatter you among the peoplesThe implication is that God would do this to punish the Israelites for breaking his commandments. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as a punishment, I will take you from your land and make you live among the other nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
62NEH19dqn5figs-youוְ⁠שַׁבְתֶּ֣ם אֵלַ֔⁠י וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ מִצְוֺתַ֔⁠י וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑⁠ם אִם־יִהְיֶ֨ה נִֽדַּחֲ⁠כֶ֜ם1But if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, although your banished ones areThe pronouns **you** and **your** refer to the Israelite people, so they are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
63NEH19ab75figs-metaphorוְ⁠שַׁבְתֶּ֣ם אֵלַ֔⁠י וּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ מִצְוֺתַ֔⁠י וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑⁠ם אִם־יִהְיֶ֨ה נִֽדַּחֲ⁠כֶ֜ם1But if you return to me**Return** is a figurative way of saying “become loyal again.” Alternate translation: “If you become loyal to me again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
64NEH19ab77figs-parallelismוּ⁠שְׁמַרְתֶּם֙ מִצְוֺתַ֔⁠י וַ⁠עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם1and keep my commandments and do themThese two statements mean similar things. They are used together for emphasis. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “start obeying my commandments once more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
65NEH19ab79נִֽדַּחֲ⁠כֶ֜ם1your banished onesThis refers to the exile. Alternate translation: “all of you who were taken away”
66NEH19f8jzfigs-hyperboleבִּ⁠קְצֵ֤ה הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֨יִם֙1at the extremity of heavenThis means “the most distant point under the sky.” In this culture the sky was understood to be a solid dome with a flat earth beneath it. The phrase is describing a point beyond which no one could go any farther because they would have reached the edge of the dome of the sky. This is an overstatement, because even from the perspective of this culture, no one could really reach such a point. Alternate translation: “places very far away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
67NEH19ab81figs-123personאֲקַבְּצֵ֔⁠ם וַהֲבִֽיאוֹתִים֙1I will gather them and bring themSince God is actually addressing the Israelites here, you can say “you” in the plural. Alternate translation: “I will bring you back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
68NEH19ab83figs-parallelismאֲקַבְּצֵ֔⁠ם וַהֲבִֽיאוֹתִים֙1I will gather them and bring themThese two statements mean similar things. They are used together to emphasize that God will definitely keep this promise. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “I will bring you back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
69NEH19ab85figs-personificationאֶל־הַ⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּחַ֔רְתִּי לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֥ן אֶת־שְׁמִ֖⁠י שָֽׁם1to the place where I have chosen to cause my name to dwell thereHere Gods name is spoken of as if it were capable of living in a place. The phrase indicates the place from which God chose to start making himself famous throughout the world. You can say something like that as an alternate translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
70NEH19lgh9figs-explicitאֶל־הַ⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּחַ֔רְתִּי לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֥ן אֶת־שְׁמִ֖⁠י שָֽׁם1to the place where I have chosen to cause my name to dwell thereThis phrase refers initially to Jerusalem, because that was where God chose to put his temple. You could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to Jerusalem, where I have chosen for my name to remain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
71NEH19w4qwfigs-metonymyאֶל־הַ⁠מָּק֔וֹם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּחַ֔רְתִּי לְ⁠שַׁכֵּ֥ן אֶת־שְׁמִ֖⁠י שָֽׁם1to the place where I have chosen to cause my name to dwell thereNehemiah is actually using this phrase to refer to all of Judah. As the book explains later, when the Jews returned there, they each settled in their own former towns, though one in ten of them were recruited to live in Jerusalem. So Judah is being described by something associated with it, the capital city. Alternate translation: “to your homeland of Judah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
72NEH19g88jbita-hqשְׁמִ֖⁠י1my nameHere **name** is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. Their fame is described by something associated with it, how well known their name is and how people react to hearing it. Alternate translation: “reputation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
73NEH110mjx7figs-123personוְ⁠הֵ֥ם עֲבָדֶ֖י⁠ךָ וְ⁠עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ1And they are your servants and your peopleThe word **they** refers to the Israelite people. Since Nehemiah is speaking on their behalf and including himself, you could say “we” in your translation if that would make things clearer for your readers. If your language marks the distinction, “we” should not include the addressee. Alternate translation: “we are your servants, your chosen people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
74NEH110ab87figs-parallelismוְ⁠הֵ֥ם עֲבָדֶ֖י⁠ךָ וְ⁠עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ1And they are your servants and your peopleAs in [1:6](../01/06.md), **servants** refers to the special role that the people of Israel had as a model community of Gods followers. So these two phrases are basically saying the same thing. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “we are your chosen people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
75NEH110ab89figs-explicitאֲשֶׁ֤ר פָּדִ֨יתָ֙1whom you redeemedThis is a reference to the way God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Alternate translation: “you rescued us from slavery in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
76NEH110zu4sfigs-doubletבְּ⁠כֹחֲ⁠ךָ֣ הַ⁠גָּד֔וֹל וּ⁠בְ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠חֲזָקָֽה1by your great power and by your strong handThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize the intensity of Yahwehs power. Alternate translation: “by your very great strength” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
77NEH110ab91bita-hqוּ⁠בְ⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ֖ הַ⁠חֲזָקָֽה1your strong handHere **hand** represents a persons power, strength, or ability. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]])
78NEH111ab93figs-exclamationsאָנָּ֣א1Ah!As in [1:5](../01/05.md), Nehemiah uses this word to call on God with strong feeling. Alternate translation: “O” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
79NEH111ab95אֲדֹנָ֗⁠י תְּהִ֣י נָ֣א אָזְנְ⁠ךָֽ־קַ֠שֶּׁבֶת אֶל־תְּפִלַּ֨ת עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֜1My Lord, please let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servantNehemiah calls himself a **servant** and he calls God his **Lord** because this is how a person in his culture would address a superior in order to show humility and respect. See how you translated this in [1:6](../01/06.md).
80NEH111ab97translate-namesאֲדֹנָ֗⁠י1LordThis term in Hebrew can be understood as either a noun with a pronoun suffix (“My Lord”) or as a simple title (“Lord”). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
81NEH111ab99figs-metonymyתְּהִ֣י נָ֣א אָזְנְ⁠ךָֽ־קַ֠שֶּׁבֶת1let your ear be attentiveAs in [1:6](../01/06.md), this phrase refers figuratively to the action of listening. Alternate translation: “please pay careful attention.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
82NEH111jjm7figs-123personתְּפִלַּ֨ת עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֜1the prayer of your servantAlternate translation: “to my prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
83NEH111j433תְּפִלַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֗י⁠ךָ1the prayer of your servantsHere **servants** refers to the rest of the Israelite people who were also praying for Yahweh to act on behalf of his people and on behalf of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “and to the prayers of my fellow Israelites”
84NEH111hk3zfigs-metonymyהַֽ⁠חֲפֵצִים֙ לְ⁠יִרְאָ֣ה אֶת־שְׁמֶ֔⁠ךָ1the ones who delight to fear your nameHere **name** represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “who are glad to honor you” or “who are eager to uphold your reputation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
85NEH111a11bfigs-idiomהַֽ⁠חֲפֵצִים֙1the ones who delightTo delight in doing something means to be glad to do it and to want to do it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
86NEH111a13bלְ⁠יִרְאָ֣ה1to fearAs in [1:5](../01/05.md), **fear** means to show respect and reverence.
87NEH111a15bfigs-123personוְ⁠הַצְלִֽיחָ⁠ה־נָּ֤א לְ⁠עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם וּ⁠תְנֵ֣⁠הוּ לְ⁠רַחֲמִ֔ים1cause your servant to succeed today and give him merciesOnce again Nehemiah calls himself a **servant** to show respect to a superior. He then refers to himself in the third person (“give him”) to express humility before God. Alternate translation: “make me successful today and let the king be merciful to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
88NEH111a17bfigs-parallelismוְ⁠הַצְלִֽיחָ⁠ה־נָּ֤א לְ⁠עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֙ הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם וּ⁠תְנֵ֣⁠הוּ לְ⁠רַחֲמִ֔ים1cause your servant to succeed today and give him merciesThese two statements mean similar things. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how important it is for him to have Gods help. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “grant that the king will have mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
89NEH111a19bfigs-idiomהַ⁠יּ֔וֹם1todayThis does not necessarily mean on this same day. Rather, Nehemiah is praying that God will give him the opportunity to speak with the king soon about helping the Jews in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
90NEH111kr99figs-123person⁠תְנֵ֣⁠הוּ לְ⁠רַחֲמִ֔ים1give him merciesHere **him** refers to Nehemiah, who refers to himself in the third person to express his humility before God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
91NEH111r7afbita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֖י הָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה1before the face of this manHere **face** is a figurative way of referring to the action of seeing, and seeing is a figurative way of describing knowledge, perception, notice, attention, or judgment. In this context, Nehemiah is asking God to cause the king to make a favorable decision in response to a request he plans to make. Alternate translation: “Please grant that the king will agree to the request that I am going to make.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
92NEH111a21bfigs-explicitהָ⁠אִ֣ישׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה1this manAs we will discover in the next chapter, **this man** refers to Artaxerxes, the king of Persia. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
93NEH111h9hlwriting-backgroundוַ⁠אֲנִ֛י הָיִ֥יתִי מַשְׁקֶ֖ה לַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1Now as for me, I was a cupbearer for the kingThis is background information about Nehemiahs role in the kings court. Your language may have a special way to mark background information. As a “cupbearer,” it was Nehemiahs duty to serve the wine at the king's table, but he was much more than a waiter or butler. When the king gave him this assignment, this showed that he trusted Nehemiah completely to protect him from being poisoned. Nehemiahs work also allowed him to see the king frequently and get to know him. So this was an important office. Alternate translation: “At that time, I was an important official who served the wine at the kings table.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
94NEH2intromj1d0# Nehemiah 02 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins the account of the construction of the wall. Many scholars believe these chapters teach valuable lessons on leadership ([Nehemiah 2-6](./01.md)).<br><br>### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Nehemiahs character<br>Apparently, Nehemiahs character made an impression on the king. It was very unusual for a king to be so concerned with one of his servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### Cultural Customs<br>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.<br><br>### Yahwehs control<br>Yahweh is seen as very powerful. He is able to provide for his people, even through a foreign king. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]])
95NEH21a23bwriting-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֣י1Then it happened thatNehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. Alternate translation: “Then one day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
96NEH21a25bfigs-explicitבְּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֗ן שְׁנַ֥ת עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לְ⁠אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1in the month of Nisan, in year twenty of Artaxerxes the KingSince there were twelve months in the Hebrew calendar, and it was still the same year in the reign of Artaxerxes, this means that four months had gone by since Hanani came and spoke with Nehemiah. The implication is that Nehemiah had been praying all this time, in the way described in chapter 1. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I prayed like this for four months.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
97NEH21h3hutranslate-hebrewmonthsבְּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֗ן1In the month of Nisan**Nisan** is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
98NEH21l63ftranslate-ordinalשְׁנַ֥ת עֶשְׂרִ֛ים לְ⁠אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1in year twenty of Artaxerxes the kingThis is referring to the number of years that Artaxerxes had been reigning as king. Alternate translation: “in year 20 of the reign of Artaxerxes as the king of Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
99NEH21k1vfיַ֣יִן לְ⁠פָנָ֑י⁠ו1wine was before his face**Him** means King Artaxerxes. Alternate translation: “when it was time to serve him the wine”
100NEH21a27bbita-hqיַ֣יִן לְ⁠פָנָ֑י⁠ו1wine was before his faceHere **face** is a figurative way of referring to the presence of a person. This sentence means that a time had come when Nehemiah needed to serve wine to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hqt]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
101NEH21a29bוָ⁠אֶשָּׂ֤א אֶת־הַ⁠יַּ֨יִן֙ וָ⁠אֶתְּנָ֣⁠ה לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1I lifted the wine, and I gave it to the kingAlternate translation: “I poured a cup of wine and gave it to the king.”
102NEH21a31bfigs-idiomוְ⁠לֹא־הָיִ֥יתִי רַ֖ע לְ⁠פָנָֽי⁠ו1and I was not evil before his faceIn this context, **evil** refers to a person looking sad or upset. It does not mean morally bad. Alternate translation: “I did not look sad in his presence.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
103NEH21a33bfigs-explicitוְ⁠לֹא־הָיִ֥יתִי1and I was notThe context suggests that **I was not** actually means “I had never been.” It seems that King Artaxerxes always wanted his officials to be cheerful in his presence. That is why Nehemaiah became afraid when the king asked him why he was sad. If it would make things clearer for your readers, you could say “I had never been.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
104NEH21a35bbita-hqלְ⁠פָנָֽי⁠ו1before his face**Face** is a figurative way of referring to the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
105NEH22n5wyfigs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּאמֶר֩ לִ֨⁠י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ1And the king said to meThe king must have noticed that Nehemiah looked sad because he asked about it. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “But the king noticed that on this day I did look sad. So he asked me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
106NEH22ue51figs-synecdocheמַדּ֣וּעַ׀ פָּנֶ֣י⁠ךָ רָעִ֗ים1Why is your face evil?The king refers to Nehemiah by one part of him, his **face**, because the face shows ones emotions. Alternate translation: “Why are you sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
107NEH22a37bfigs-idiomמַדּ֣וּעַ׀ פָּנֶ֣י⁠ךָ רָעִ֗ים1Why is your face evil?As in verse 1, **evil** does not mean morally bad in this context. It refers to a person looking sad or upset. Alternate translation: “Why are you sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
108NEH22a39bוְ⁠אַתָּה֙ אֵֽינְ⁠ךָ֣ חוֹלֶ֔ה1Now as for you, you are not sickAlternate translation: “I can tell that you are not sick.”
109NEH22g1k7bita-hqאֵ֣ין זֶ֔ה כִּי־אִ֖ם רֹ֣עַֽ לֵ֑ב1This is nothing except evil of heartThis phrase means “sadness of heart.” The king speaks as if Nehemiahs heart were a living thing capable of having emotions. Alternate translation: “You must be very sad inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
110NEH22a41bfigs-doublenegativesאֵ֣ין זֶ֔ה כִּי־אִ֖ם רֹ֣עַֽ לֵ֑ב1This is nothing except evil of heartYou can state this in a positive form: Alternate translation: “This can only be sadness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
111NEH22eyt8figs-explicitוָ⁠אִירָ֖א הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹֽד1Then I was extremely much afraidThe implication is that Nehemiah was very afraid because no one was supposed to look unhappy in the kings presence. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This made me very afraid, because no one was supposed to look unhappy in the kings presence.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
112NEH23qz4ifigs-hyperboleהַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ לְ⁠עוֹלָ֣ם יִחְיֶ֑ה1May the king live to eternity!Nehemiah is showing honor to King Artaxerxes. Here **to eternity** is an exaggeration that refers to a long life. Alternate translation: “Long live the king” or “May you have a long life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
113NEH23a43bfigs-123personהַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ לְ⁠עוֹלָ֣ם יִחְיֶ֑ה1May the king live to eternity!Nehemiah addresses the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can indicate this respect by adding an expression such as “Your Majesty.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
114NEH23klj6figs-rquestionמַדּ֜וּעַ לֹא־יֵרְע֣וּ פָנַ֗⁠י1Why should not my face be evilNehemiah is making a statement, not asking a question. He does not expect the king to give him reasons why he should not be sad. Instead, he is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am sorry, but I cannot help being sad.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
115NEH23a45bfigs-synecdocheמַדּ֜וּעַ לֹא־יֵרְע֣וּ פָנַ֗⁠י1Why should not my face be evilNehemiah refers to himself by one part of him, his **face**, because the face shows ones emotions. Alternate translation: “I have very good reasons to be sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
116NEH23a47bfigs-idiomמַדּ֜וּעַ לֹא־יֵרְע֣וּ פָנַ֗⁠י1Why should not my face be evil**Evil** does not mean morally bad in this context. It refers to a person looking sad or upset. Alternate translation: “I have very good reasons to be sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
117NEH23a49bfigs-explicitהָ⁠עִ֜יר…חֲרֵבָ֔ה1the city…is desolate**The city** means Jerusalem. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the city of Jerusalem … lies in ruins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
118NEH23eh23bita-manmadeבֵּית־קִבְר֤וֹת אֲבֹתַ⁠י֙1the house of the graves of my fathers**House** here is a figurative way of referring to a place. Alternate translation: “the place where my ancestors are buried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
119NEH23a51bbita-hqבֵּית־קִבְר֤וֹת אֲבֹתַ⁠י֙1the house of the graves of my fathers**Fathers** here figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “the place where my ancestors are buried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
120NEH23g7f4figs-activepassiveוּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠הָ אֻכְּל֥וּ בָ⁠אֵֽשׁ1its gates have been consumed by fireIf it would be clearer in your language, you can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “fire has destroyed its gates” or “our enemies have burned its gates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
121NEH24a53bעַל־מַה־זֶּ֖ה אַתָּ֣ה מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ1For what is this you are seeking?Alternate translation: “What do you want me to do for you?”
122NEH24a55bfigs-explicitוָֽ⁠אֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל1And I prayedThe implication is that Nehemiah prayed to God before he answered the king. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Before I answered him, I prayed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
123NEH24a57bאֱלֹהֵ֖י הַ⁠שָּׁמָֽיִם1the God of heavenAlternate translation: “the God who is in heaven”
124NEH25uv1pוָ⁠אֹמַ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1And I said to the kingAlternate translation: “Then I replied to the king”
125NEH25a59bfigs-idiomאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב1If it is good to the kingThis is an idiom that means, “If it seems good in your judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
126NEH25a61bfigs-123personאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב1If it is good to the kingNehemiah speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “If it seems good in your judgment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
127NEH25ae4bbita-hqוְ⁠אִם־יִיטַ֥ב עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֖ לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ1and if your servant is good before your faceHere **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. So this could mean, “As I stand here before you.” But “face” could also be referring figuratively to the king himself by naming one part of him. What he thought and felt about Nehemiahs request would become evident in his face first, so that would be an appropriate part of him to use to represent all of him. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
128NEH25u2zyfigs-123personוְ⁠אִם־יִיטַ֥ב עַבְדְּ⁠ךָ֖ לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ1your servantNehemiah refers to himself as **your servant** to show his submission to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
129NEH25a63bfigs-idiomאֲשֶׁ֧ר תִּשְׁלָחֵ֣⁠נִי אֶל־יְהוּדָ֗ה1that you would send me to JudahNehemiah is really asking for permission to go, rather than asking the king to send him. But as a sign of respect, he speaks as if the king would be taking the initiative. Alternate translation: “please allow me to go to Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
130NEH25df8lעִ֛יר קִבְר֥וֹת אֲבֹתַ֖⁠י1the city of the graves of my fathersThis is similar to [2:3](../02/03.md). Alternate translation: “the city where my ancestors are buried”
131NEH25l6njfigs-synecdocheוְ⁠אֶבְנֶֽ⁠נָּה1and I will build itNehemiah does not plan to do all of the building himself, but he will be the leader of the work. Alternate translation: “that I and my people may rebuild it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
132NEH26a65bfigs-explicitוְ⁠הַ⁠שֵּׁגַ֣ל ׀ יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת אֶצְל֗⁠וֹ1with the queen sitting beside himThis detail indicates that this was a private meal, since the queen probably did not attend public banquets with the king. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This was a private meal, with the queen sitting next to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
133NEH26a67bfigs-explicitוְ⁠הַ⁠שֵּׁגַ֣ל ׀ יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת אֶצְל֗⁠וֹ1with the queen sitting beside himThe implication is that the private meal gave Nehemiah the opportunity to speak freely. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I was able to speak freely because this was a private meal, with the queen sitting next to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
134NEH26a69bfigs-parallelismעַד־מָתַ֛י יִהְיֶ֥ה מַֽהֲלָכֲ⁠ךָ֖ וּ⁠מָתַ֣י תָּשׁ֑וּב1Until when will be your journey? And when will you return?These two phrases mean the same thing. The king says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show that he is genuinely interested in Nehemiahs situation. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “How long would you be away?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
135NEH26a71bfigs-explicitוַ⁠יִּיטַ֤ב לִ⁠פְנֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וַ⁠יִּשְׁלָחֵ֔⁠נִי1And it was good before the face of the king, and he sent meThe implication is that Nehemiah told the king how long he would need to be away. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I told him how long I would be gone. That was acceptable to him, and he gave me permission to go.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
136NEH26a73bfigs-idiomוַ⁠יִּיטַ֤ב1And it was goodAs in verse 5, this is an idiom that means, “If it seems like a good idea to you.” Alternate translation: “That was acceptable.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
137NEH26a75bfigs-synecdocheלִ⁠פְנֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1before the face of the kingNehemiah refers to the king by one part of him, his **face**, likely because the face shows ones emotions. Alternate translation: “to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
138NEH26a77bוַ⁠יִּשְׁלָחֵ֔⁠נִי1and he sent meAs in [2:5](../02/05.md), Nehemiah was really asking for permission to go, rather than asking the king to send him. But as a sign of respect, he speaks as if the king took the initiative. Alternate translation: “he gave me permission to go”
139NEH26a79bוָֽ⁠אֶתְּנָ֥⁠ה ל֖⁠וֹ זְמָֽן1and I gave to him a timeAlternate translation: “I told him what day I wanted to leave.”
140NEH27a81bוָ⁠אוֹמַר֮1Then I saidAlternate translation: “I also said”
141NEH27a83bאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב1If it is good to the kingAlternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you”
142NEH27a85bfigs-123personעַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1to the kingNehemiah addresses the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
143NEH27rgj6figs-activepassiveאִגְּרוֹת֙ יִתְּנוּ־לִ֔⁠י1let letters be given to meYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “please give me letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
144NEH27a87bעַֽל־פַּחֲו֖וֹת1for the governorsAlternate translation: “that I can show to the governors”
145NEH27qp9ntranslate-namesעֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠נָּהָ֑ר1Beyond-the-RiverThis is the name of the Persian province that lay west of the Euphrates River. Alternate translation: “the province Beyond the River” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
146NEH28a91bוְ⁠אִגֶּ֡רֶת אֶל־אָסָף֩1and a letter to AsaphNehemiah is continuing his requests to the king. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Please also write a letter for me to Asaph”
147NEH28ar5vtranslate-namesאָסָף֩1AsaphThis is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
148NEH28a93bשֹׁמֵ֨ר1the keeper ofAlternate translation: “the man who takes care of”
149NEH28a95bfigs-explicitהַ⁠פַּרְדֵּ֜ס אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1the forest that belongs to the kingThe implication is that this forest was near where Nehemiah was going to need the wood. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your royal forest in that area” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
150NEH28a97bfigs-123personהַ⁠פַּרְדֵּ֜ס אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1the forest that belongs to the kingNehemiah addresses the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “your royal forest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
151NEH28a99bאֲשֶׁ֣ר יִתֶּן־לִ֣⁠י עֵצִ֡ים1that he will give to me timbersAlternate translation: “Please tell him to give me timber”
152NEH28ac11figs-metonymyהַ⁠בִּירָ֤ה אֲשֶׁר־לַ⁠בַּ֨יִת֙1the citadel, which is for the houseAs in [1:1](../01/01.md), **citadel** refers to a fortress or stronghold. “House” here figuratively describes the temple as the “house” where God lives. Alternate translation: “the fortress that is near the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
153NEH28ac13וְ⁠לַ⁠בַּ֖יִת אֲשֶׁר־אָב֣וֹא אֵלָ֑י⁠ו1and for the house into which I will enterAlternate translation: “and for the house that I will live in”
154NEH28ac15וַ⁠יִּתֶּן־לִ֣⁠י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1And the king gave to meAlternate translation: “The king agreed to all of my requests.”
155NEH28wl1sfigs-metaphorכְּ⁠יַד־אֱלֹהַ֖⁠י הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֥ה עָלָֽ⁠י1according to the good hand of my God upon meHere **hand** figuratively represents strength, power, control, or action. In this context, the expression means that God acted toward Nehemiah in a positive and favorable manner. Alternate translation: “because Gods favor was upon me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
156NEH28ac17grammar-connect-logic-resultכְּ⁠יַד־אֱלֹהַ֖⁠י הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֥ה עָלָֽ⁠י1according to the good hand of my God upon meIf it would be clearer in your language, you can give this explanation (the reason) before the result that it accounts for, using a connecting word like “so.” Alternate translation: “Gods favor was upon me, and so the king agreed to all of my requests” (See: grammar-connect-logic-result)
157NEH29ac19וָֽ⁠אָב֗וֹא אֶֽל־פַּֽחֲווֹת֙ עֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠נָּהָ֔ר1And I came to the governors of Beyond-the-RiverAlternate translation: “When I reached the province Beyond the River, I went to see its governors”
158NEH29ac21translate-namesעֵ֣בֶר הַ⁠נָּהָ֔ר1Beyond-the-RiverThis is the name of a Persian province. See how you translated it in [2:7](../02/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
159NEH29ac23וָ⁠אֶתְּנָ֣⁠ה לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת אִגְּר֣וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶך1I gave to them the letters of the kingAlternate translation: “I showed them the letters the king had given me.”
160NEH29ac25figs-explicitוָ⁠אֶתְּנָ֣⁠ה לָ⁠הֶ֔ם אֵ֖ת אִגְּר֣וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶך1I gave to them the letters of the king'
161NEH29ac27figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֤ח עִמִּ⁠י֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ שָׂ֥רֵי חַ֖יִל וּ⁠פָרָשִֽׁים1And the king sent with me officers of the army and horsemenThe implication is that the king did this when Nehemiah left for Judah, and that the purpose was to protect him on his journey. If it would make things clearer for your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “When I left to travel to Judah, the king sent along some army officers and soldiers riding on horses to protect me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
162NEH29ac29figs-eventsוַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֤ח עִמִּ⁠י֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ שָׂ֥רֵי חַ֖יִל וּ⁠פָרָשִֽׁים1And the king sent with me officers of the army and horsemenYou can put this information first because it happened before Nehemiah showed his letters to the governors. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
163NEH210ac31figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּשְׁמַ֞ע סַנְבַלַּ֣ט הַ⁠חֹרֹנִ֗י וְ⁠טֽוֹבִיָּה֙ הָ⁠עֶ֣בֶד הָֽ⁠עַמֹּנִ֔י1Then Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah, the servant, the Ammonite, heardSanballat was the governor of Samaria, the area right next to Judah. So he was one of the people Nehemiah would have shown a letter from the king authorizing his trip. If it would make things clearer for your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “This was how Sanballat the Horonite and his deputy Tobiah the Ammonite learned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
164NEH210yz8ptranslate-namesסַנְבַלַּ֣ט הַ⁠חֹרֹנִ֗י1Sanballat the HoroniteSanballat is the name of a man, and Horonite is the name of his people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
165NEH210eh4ctranslate-namesוְ⁠טֽוֹבִיָּה֙…הָֽ⁠עַמֹּנִ֔י1and Tobiah…the AmmoniteTobiah is the name of a man, and Ammonite is the name of his people group. Tobiahs name occurs over a dozen times in the book of Nehemiah. It will be helpful to your readers if you translate it consistently each time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
166NEH210vb3pוְ⁠טֽוֹבִיָּה֙ הָ⁠עֶ֣בֶד1and Tobiah, the servantFrom the role that Tobiah plays in the book, this phrase seems to indicate that he was the official who served directly under Sanballat. Alternate translation: “Tobiah, his deputy”
167NEH210ac33figs-explicitוַ⁠יֵּ֥רַע לָ⁠הֶ֖ם רָעָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֥א אָדָ֔ם לְ⁠בַקֵּ֥שׁ טוֹבָ֖ה לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל1And it was evil to them, a great evil, that someone had come to seek good for the sons of IsraelThe implication is that Sanballat and Tobiah did not want to see Judah become strong again because that would be a threat to the power and influence of Samaria. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
168NEH210ac35figs-idiomוַ⁠יֵּ֥רַע לָ⁠הֶ֖ם רָעָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה1And it was evil to them, a great evilHere **evil** means “bad,” so this expression is the opposite of “if it is good to you” in [2:5](../02/05.md) and [2:7](../02/05.md). Alternate translation: “They thought it was a bad thing, a very bad thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
169NEH210ac37figs-doubletוַ⁠יֵּ֥רַע לָ⁠הֶ֖ם רָעָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה1And it was evil to them, a great evilThese two short phrases mean almost the same thing. Nehemiah uses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “they became very upset” or “they did not like it at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
170NEH210ac39figs-idiomאֲשֶׁר־בָּ֥א אָדָ֔ם לְ⁠בַקֵּ֥שׁ טוֹבָ֖ה לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל1that someone had come to seek good for the sons of Israel**To seek good for** means “to help.” Alternate translation: “that someone had come to help the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
171NEH210ac41figs-gendernotationsלִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל1for the sons of IsraelAs in [1:6](../01/06.md), **sons** means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
172NEH211ac43figs-explicitוָ⁠אָב֖וֹא אֶל־יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1And I came to JerusalemHere the text might be implying that Nehemiah made it safely to Jerusalem anyway, despite the opposition of Sanballat and Tobiah. Alternate translation: “But I made it safely to Jerusalem despite their opposition.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
173NEH211ac45וָ⁠אֱהִי־שָׁ֖ם יָמִ֥ים שְׁלֹשָֽׁה1and I was there three daysThis phrase seems to look ahead to the next verse, and you could translate it that way and make it the start of the next sentence. Alternate translation: “After I had been there for three days”
174NEH212ac47figs-explicitוָ⁠אָק֣וּם ׀ לַ֗יְלָה1Then I arose in the nightThe implication is that Nehemiah went out to inspect the city walls, as described in 1:1315(../01/13.md). The implication is also that he did this at night so that no one would know he was doing it. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I got up secretly in the night to inspect the city walls.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
175NEH212ac49figs-gendernotationsאֲנִי֮ וַ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֣ים ׀ מְעַט֮ עִמִּ⁠י֒1myself and a few men with meThe word **men** here could conceivably include both men and women. However, for a nighttime mission through the ruins of the city walls, its likely that Nehemiah brought along only other men. So in this context you could use a word that indicates that. Alternate translation: “I brought only a few other men with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
176NEH212ac51figs-hyperboleוְ⁠לֹא־הִגַּ֣דְתִּי לְ⁠אָדָ֔ם מָ֗ה אֱלֹהַ⁠י֙ נֹתֵ֣ן אֶל־לִבִּ֔⁠י לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת לִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1and I did not tell anyone what my God had been giving to my heart to do for JerusalemProbably Nehemiah told at least some people, since he brought a few men with him when he went out to inspect the walls. So “not … anyone” might be an exaggeration that emphasizes the secrecy Nehemiah maintained. Alternate translation: “I did not say publicly what God had led me to do for Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
177NEH212ac53grammar-connect-logic-resultוְ⁠לֹא־הִגַּ֣דְתִּי לְ⁠אָדָ֔ם מָ֗ה אֱלֹהַ⁠י֙ נֹתֵ֣ן אֶל־לִבִּ֔⁠י לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת לִ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1and I did not tell anyoneIf it would be clearer in your language, you can give this explanation before describing Nehemiahs night time mission, because it is the reason that explains the result of him maintaining so much secrecy. (See: grammar-connect-logic-result)
178NEH212s7mwfigs-metaphorמָ֗ה אֱלֹהַ⁠י֙ נֹתֵ֣ן אֶל־לִבִּ֔⁠י לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת1had put into my heartHere Nehemiahs **heart** figuratively represents his thoughts and will. Alternate translation: “what God had inspired me to do” or “what God had led me to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
179NEH212wd63figs-explicitוּ⁠בְהֵמָה֙ אֵ֣ין עִמִּ֔⁠י1Now there was no animal with meThe implication is that this was another measure to maintain secrecy. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “To keep things quiet, there were no other animals with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
180NEH213au61figs-synecdocheוָ⁠אֵצְאָ֨⁠ה1I went outEven though he brought a few men with him, Nehemiah says “I” because he was the primary person conducting this inspection. In this narrative, he represents the entire group. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say “we” in your translation to express this meaning. If your language makes this distinction, “we” would not include the addressee. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
181NEH213ac55translate-namesבְ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠גַּ֜יא1at the gate of the valleyThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “at the Valley Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
182NEH213ac57figs-metonymyוְ⁠אֶל־פְּנֵי֙ עֵ֣ין הַתַּנִּ֔ין1even to the face of the spring of the dragonHere **face** figuratively means the front of an object. This means that the group passed in front of the well. Alternate translation: “we went past the Dragon Well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
183NEH213pt1htranslate-namesעֵ֣ין הַתַּנִּ֔ין1the spring of the dragonThis is the name of a spring-fed well outside Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Dragon Well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
184NEH213mif3translate-namesוְ⁠אֶל־שַׁ֖עַר הָ⁠אַשְׁפֹּ֑ת1and to the gate of dungThis is the name of another one of the gates of Jerusalem. It seems that rubbish was removed from the city through this gate. Alternate translation: “the Rubbish Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
185NEH213ac59וָ⁠אֱהִ֨י שֹׂבֵ֜ר בְּ⁠חוֹמֹ֤ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙1And I was looking intently at the walls of JerusalemAlternate translation: “We made a careful inspection of the walls of Jerusalem.”
186NEH213a8u1figs-activepassiveאֲשֶׁר־הֵ֣ם פְּרוּצִ֔ים וּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠הָ אֻכְּל֥וּ בָ⁠אֵֽשׁ1that they were broken down, and its gates had been consumed by fireYou can use active forms to express the meaning of these two passive verbs. Alternate translation: “which our enemies had broken open, and the wooden gates which they had destroyed with fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
187NEH214l39vfigs-synecdocheוָ⁠אֱהִ֨י עֹלֶ֤ה בַ⁠נַּ֨חַל֙ לַ֔יְלָה וָ⁠אֱהִ֥י שֹׂבֵ֖ר בַּ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה וָ⁠אָשׁ֗וּב וָ⁠אָב֛וֹא בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠גַּ֖יְא וָ⁠אָשֽׁוּב1Then I crossed toNehemiah continues to speak of himself as representative of the whole group. Alternate translation: “Then we came to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
188NEH214ac61translate-namesשַׁ֣עַר הָ⁠עַ֔יִן1the gate of the springThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Fountain Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
189NEH214ac63translate-namesבְּרֵכַ֖ת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1the pool of the kingThis is the name of a pool outside Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Royal Pool” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
190NEH214ac65וְ⁠אֵין־מָק֥וֹם לַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֖ה לַ⁠עֲבֹ֥ר תַּחְתָּֽ⁠י1but there was no place for the animal under me to passAlternate translation: “The opening there was so narrow that the animal I was riding could not get through.”
191NEH215ac67grammar-connect-logic-resultוָ⁠אֱהִ֨י עֹלֶ֤ה בַ⁠נַּ֨חַל֙ לַ֔יְלָה וָ⁠אֱהִ֥י שֹׂבֵ֖ר בַּ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה וָ⁠אָשׁ֗וּב וָ⁠אָב֛וֹא בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠גַּ֖יְא וָ⁠אָשֽׁוּב1And I was going up by the wadi at nightNehemiah is saying that because they could not continue going along the wall, they had to take a different route. You could use an introductory word like “so” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “So we followed the path of the Kidron Brook” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
192NEH215ac69figs-synecdocheוָ⁠אֱהִ֨י עֹלֶ֤ה1And I was going upNehemiah continues to speak of himself as representative of the whole group. Alternate translation: “So we followed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
193NEH215ac71translate-unknownבַ⁠נַּ֨חַל֙1by the wadiThis refers to the Kidron Brook, which runs along the eastern side of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Kidron Brook” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
194NEH215ac73figs-explicitלַ֔יְלָה1at nightThe implication may be, “even though it was night.” The slippery, uneven ground of the path along the brook would have been more dangerous in the dark. (Nehemiah is writing a chronicle of all the things he did to help the Jews, and he records specific things that required risk or sacrifice.) Alternate translation: “even though it was night.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
195NEH215ac75figs-explicitוָ⁠אֱהִ֥י שֹׂבֵ֖ר בַּ⁠חוֹמָ֑ה1and I was looking intently at the wallThe implication is that from the brook they were able to look up at the wall and see its condition. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “From there we were able to look up at the wall and see its condition.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
196NEH215ac77וָ⁠אָשׁ֗וּב1Then I turned backThis likely means not that Nehemiah turned around, but that this route brought him and the other men back to where they started. So they were able to go all the way around the city and inspect the entire wall. Alternate translation: “This route brought us back to where we started.”
197NEH215ac79figs-synecdocheוָ⁠אָשׁ֗וּב1Then I turned backThe other men with Nehemiah also followed him. Alternate translation: “This route brought us back to where we started.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
198NEH215b637וָ⁠אָב֛וֹא בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠גַּ֖יְא1and I came in at the gate of the valleyAlternate translation: “We re-entered the city through the Valley Gate”
199NEH215ac81translate-namesבְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠גַּ֖יְא1at the gate of the valleySee how you translated the name of this gate in [2:13](../02/13.md). Alternate translation: “the Valley Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
200NEH215ac83figs-explicitוָ⁠אָשֽׁוּב1and I returnedHere the expression probably means “and I went back home.” The implication is that no one had seen him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and I went back home without being seen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
201NEH216ac85וְ⁠הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֗ים1Now the prefectsAlternate translation: “the city officials”
202NEH216ac87figs-explicitעַד־כֵּ֖ן לֹ֥א הִגַּֽדְתִּי1until this time I had not yet toldThe implication is that Nehemiah had not yet told anyone that he was planning to repair the walls. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. I Alternate translation: “had not yet told … that I was planning to repair the walls.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
203NEH216ac89figs-explicitוְ⁠לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֨ים וְ⁠לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֜ים וְ⁠לַ⁠חֹרִ֣ים וְ⁠לַ⁠סְּגָנִ֗ים1the Jews, the priests, or the nobles, or the perfectsThe implication seems to be that Nehemiah had not said anything privately about his plans to any particular group of leaders. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I had not even said anything about it privately to the Jewish leaders, the priests, the leading citizens, or the city officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
204NEH216ac91figs-synecdocheוְ⁠לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֨ים1the JewsWhile this expression means “the Jewish people” in most of the book, in the contexts here and in [5:17](../05/17.md) it seems to mean “the Jewish leaders.” Nehemiah is describing some members of this people group, its leaders, as if they were the whole group. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
205NEH216xd75figs-explicitוּ⁠לְ⁠יֶ֨תֶר֙ עֹשֵׂ֣ה הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה1the rest who were about to do the workThis seems to refer to the people who would later rebuild the walls. Alternate translation: “the others who would later do the work of rebuilding the walls” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
206NEH217ac93figs-explicitוָ⁠אוֹמַ֣ר אֲלֵ⁠הֶ֗ם1Then I said to themThis might imply a contrast between what Nehemiah did previously (kept quiet) and what he did now (told everyone). You could use a word like “but” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “But now I said to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
207NEH217ac95figs-abstractnounsאַתֶּ֤ם רֹאִים֙ הָ⁠רָעָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲנַ֣חְנוּ בָ֔⁠הּ1You see the evil that we are inAs in [1:3](../01/03.md), here the abstract noun **evil** does not refer to something morally bad, but to a difficult situation. You can translate this idea with an adjective such as “desperate.” Alternate translation: “You see what a desperate situation we are in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
208NEH217we6mfigs-youאַתֶּ֤ם רֹאִים֙ הָ⁠רָעָה֙1You see the evilHere **you** is plural, referring to all the people mentioned in [2:16](../02/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
209NEH217ac97figs-activepassiveיְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ חֲרֵבָ֔ה וּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠הָ נִצְּת֣וּ בָ⁠אֵ֑שׁ1Jerusalem is desolate and its gates have been burned by fireIf it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning here using active forms. Alternate translation: “Jerusalem lies in ruins, and our enemies have burned down its gates” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
210NEH217f468figs-explicitיְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ חֲרֵבָ֔ה וּ⁠שְׁעָרֶ֖י⁠הָ נִצְּת֣וּ בָ⁠אֵ֑שׁ1Jerusalem is desolate and its gates have been burned by fireThe implication is, “We need to do something about this!” If it would be clearer in your language, you could add something like that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
211NEH217ac99לְכ֗וּ וְ⁠נִבְנֶה֙ אֶת־חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם1Come, and let us build the wall of Jerusalem**Come** does not mean “come over to this place” but “come on, lets do this!” Nehemiah is issuing both an invitation and a public challenge to everyone who is listening. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate his words in a way that reflects this. Alternate translation: “I challenge all of you to join me in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.”
212NEH217ll6yfigs-abstractnounsוְ⁠לֹא־נִהְיֶ֥ה ע֖וֹד חֶרְפָּֽה1and we will no longer be a reproachYou can translate the idea behind the abstract noun “reproach” with an adjective such as “ashamed.” Alternate translation: “so we will no longer be ashamed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
213NEH218twi7figs-metaphorיַ֣ד אֱלֹהַ֗⁠י אֲשֶׁר־הִיא֙ טוֹבָ֣ה עָלַ֔⁠י1the hand of my God, that it was good upon meHere hand is a metaphor meaning strength, power, control, or action. In this context, it means that God had been acting toward Nehemiah in a positive and favorable manner. See how you translated the similar expression in [2:8](../02/08.md). Alternate translation: “Gods favor had been upon me” or “God had been helping me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
214NEH218a11cדִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָֽמַר־לִ֑⁠י1the words of the king that he had spoken to meAlternate translation: “I also told them how the king had given me permission to come.”
215NEH218a13cfigs-explicitנָק֣וּם וּ⁠בָנִ֔ינוּ1We will rise up and buildThe implication is that the people responded this way after they heard all that God had done for Nehemiah. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When they heard this, they said, Lets get going and begin building!’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
216NEH218a15cfigs-idiomנָק֣וּם וּ⁠בָנִ֔ינוּ1We will rise up and buildIn this context, **rise up** means to begin something. This was an enthusiastic response. Alternate translation: “Lets get going and start building!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
217NEH218y6uifigs-idiomוַ⁠יְחַזְּק֥וּ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֖ם לַ⁠טּוֹבָֽה1And they strengthened their hands for goodThe phrase “strengthened their hands” means that they encouraged one another. “For good” refers to the rebuilding project, which they recognized would be a great benefit. Alternate translation: “So they prepared themselves to do this good work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
218NEH218a17cbita-hqיְדֵי⁠הֶ֖ם1their hands**Hand** in this context represents a persons strength or power. Alternate translation: “they prepared themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
219NEH219et87translate-namesסַנְבַלַּ֨ט הַ⁠חֹרֹנִ֜י1Sanballat the HoroniteSanballat is the name of a man, and Horonite is the name of his people group. See how you translated this in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
220NEH219a19ctranslate-namesוְ⁠טֹבִיָּ֣ה…הָֽ⁠עַמּוֹנִ֗י1and Tobiah…the AmmoniteTobiah is the name of a man, and Ammonite is the name of his people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
221NEH219a21cוְ⁠טֹבִיָּ֣ה ׀ הָ⁠עֶ֣בֶד1and Tobiah, the servantSee how you translated this in [2:10](../02/10.md). Alternate translation: “Tobiah, his deputy”
222NEH219cxe8translate-namesוְ⁠גֶ֨שֶׁם֙ הָֽ⁠עַרְבִ֔י1and Geshem the ArabianGeshem is the name of a man, and Arabian is the name of his people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
223NEH219a23cfigs-explicitוַ⁠יִּשְׁמַע֩1Then…heardThe implication is that these men learned that the Jews in Jerusalem had started to rebuild the city walls. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “learned that we had started to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
224NEH219a25cfigs-parallelismוַ⁠יַּלְעִ֣גוּ לָ֔⁠נוּ וַ⁠יִּבְז֖וּ עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ1and they mocked us, and they despised usThese two statements mean similar things. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how contemptuous and dismissive these enemies were being. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “they ridiculed us mercilessly,” otherwise “they made fun of us and ridiculed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
225NEH219ww1kfigs-rquestionמָֽה־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתֶּ֣ם עֹשִׂ֔ים הַ⁠עַ֥ל הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ אַתֶּ֥ם מֹרְדִֽים1What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?These enemies are not asking questions that they expect Nehemiah to answer. They are using the question form to mock him. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could translate their words as statements. Alternate translation: “What you are doing is not going to amount to anything! But you should not be rebelling against the king!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
226NEH219u8rifigs-explicitמָֽה־הַ⁠דָּבָ֤ר הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתֶּ֣ם עֹשִׂ֔ים1What is this thing that you are doing?The implication is that this **thing** is really “nothing” at all. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “What you are doing is not going to amount to anything!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
227NEH220a27cfigs-explicitוָ⁠אָשִׁ֨יב אוֹתָ֜⁠ם דָּבָ֗ר וָ⁠אוֹמַ֤ר לָ⁠הֶם֙1Then I returned them a word, and I said to themThis might imply a contrast between the intimidation his enemies wanted him to feel and the courage that God gave him. You could use a word like “but” to indicate this contrast. Alternate translation: “But in response I said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
228NEH220a29cfigs-parallelismוָ⁠אָשִׁ֨יב אוֹתָ֜⁠ם דָּבָ֗ר וָ⁠אוֹמַ֤ר לָ⁠הֶם֙1Then I returned them a word, and I said to themThese two statements mean similar things. Nehemiah says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize how firmly he responded to these enemies. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “But I answered them firmly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
229NEH220a31cאֱלֹהֵ֣י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֔יִם ה֚וּא יַצְלִ֣יחַֽ לָ֔⁠נוּ1The God of heaven, he will cause us to succeedAlternate translation: “The God who is in heaven will enable us to complete this project.”
230NEH220a33cfigs-metaphorוַ⁠אֲנַ֥חְנוּ עֲבָדָ֖י⁠ו נָק֣וּם וּ⁠בָנִ֑ינוּ1we ourselves, his servants, will rise up and buildAs in [1:6](../01/06.md), the word **servants** refers to the special role that the people of Israel had in the world as a model community of Gods followers. Alternate translation: “we are his chosen people, and we are going to begin rebuilding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
231NEH220iv9xfigs-idiomנָק֣וּם וּ⁠בָנִ֑ינוּ1will arise and buildAs in [2:18](../02/18.md), **rise up** means to begin something. Alternate translation: “going to begin rebuilding” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
232NEH220a4e6figs-doubletוְ⁠לָ⁠כֶ֗ם אֵֽין־חֵ֧לֶק וּ⁠צְדָקָ֛ה וְ⁠זִכָּר֖וֹן בִּ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָֽם1But you have no share, no right, and no historic claim in JerusalemThe terms **share**, **right**, and **memorial** all mean something similar. Nehemiah uses them together for emphasis. The meanings are not entirely certain. “Share” may suggest that the Samaritans are not part of the community. “Right” may mean that they have no legal basis to say what should happen in Jerusalem. “Memorial” could mean that they had have no role in the citys history, or that there is no record of their Israelite ancestry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “But you have absolutely nothing to do with what happens in Jerusalem.” (Note: A doublet can involve the use of more than two terms.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
233NEH220a35cfigs-abstractnounsוְ⁠לָ⁠כֶ֗ם אֵֽין־חֵ֧לֶק וּ⁠צְדָקָ֛ה וְ⁠זִכָּר֖וֹן בִּ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָֽם1But you have no share, no right, and no historic claim in JerusalemDepending on their meaning, the terms “share,” “right,” and “memorial” may be abstract nouns. If so, you could translate the idea behind them with a phrase that expresses their overall meaning. Alternate translation: “But you have absolutely nothing to do with what happens in Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
234NEH3introdfw60# Nehemiah 03 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Priests<br>The priests worked on rebuilding the city. Normally, the priests were exempt from this type of work. Because they helped, it emphasizes that this is a holy work and something done for Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br><br>### Cooperation<br>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.
235NEH31ald8figs-explicitוַ⁠יָּ֡קָם אֶלְיָשִׁיב֩ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֨ן הַ⁠גָּד֜וֹל1And Eliashib the high priest rose upThis chapter records the names of the people who repaired the wall of Jerusalem, and it describes what parts of the wall they worked on. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly at the start of the chapter. (In this book Nehemiah records everything he did to help the people of Judah, and he prays that God will remember him and bless him for what he did. We see in this chapter that he also wants God to remember and bless everyone else who helped.) Alternate translation: “These are the names of the people who helped to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Now Eliashib the high priest rose up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
236NEH31a37cfigs-idiomוַ⁠יָּ֡קָם1And…rose upAs in [2:18](../02/18.md), **rise up** here means to begin something. Alternate translation: “began to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
237NEH31g9aztranslate-namesאֶלְיָשִׁיב֩1EliashibThis is the name of a man. It occurs about a dozen times in the book of Nehemiah. It will be helpful to your readers if you translate it consistently each time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
238NEH31a39ctranslate-unknownהַ⁠כֹּהֵ֨ן הַ⁠גָּד֜וֹל1the high priestThis means that Eliashib was the leader of the priests who conducted worship in the temple and performed many other religious and community functions. Alternate translation: “the priest who was in charge in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
239NEH31a41cbita-hqוְ⁠אֶחָ֣י⁠ו הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֗ים1with his brothers the priestsHere **brother** could mean Eliashibs biological brothers, but more likely it figuratively refers to the rest of the priests. Alternate translation: “with his fellow priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
240NEH31a43cfigs-explicitוַ⁠יִּבְנוּ֙1and they builtIt is clear from the context that they were not building something brand new. Rather, they were rebuilding the walls that had been knocked down. This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “rebuilt.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
241NEH31a45ctranslate-namesשַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠צֹּ֔אן1the gate of the sheepThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Sheep Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
242NEH31a47ctranslate-symactionהֵ֣מָּה קִדְּשׁ֔וּ⁠הוּ1They themselves consecrated it**Consecrate** means to set something apart for a special purpose. The Sheep Gate was the gate closest to the temple. By dedicating it to God, the priests were symbolically dedicating the entire wall to God. The rebuilt wall would define and protect the city of Jerusalem as the place from which God had chosen to start making himself famous throughout the world, as described in [1:9](../01/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
243NEH31a49cfigs-explicitהֵ֣מָּה קִדְּשׁ֔וּ⁠הוּ1They themselves consecrated itIf it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly that by dedicating the Sheep Gate to God, the priests were symbolically dedicating the entire wall to God. Alternate translation: “They dedicated this gate to God as a symbolic way of dedicating the entire wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
244NEH31a51cוַֽ⁠יַּעֲמִ֖ידוּ דַּלְתֹתָ֑י⁠ו1and erected its doors**Its** refers to the Sheep Gate. “Erected” means “set up” or “set in place.” This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “set the doors in place.”
245NEH31a7k9figs-ellipsisוְ⁠עַד־מִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙ קִדְּשׁ֔וּ⁠הוּ עַ֖ד מִגְדַּ֥ל חֲנַנְאֵֽל1And they consecrated it as far as the tower of the Hundred and as far as the tower of HananelIn this record of people who helped rebuild the wall, Nehemiah is writing more of a list than a narrative, so he often leaves out one or more words that a sentence normally would have in order to be complete. This sentence seems to mean, “They rebuilt the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and beyond that to the Tower of Hananel. Then they dedicated that part of the wall to God as well.” You could say something like that if it would be helpful to your readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
246NEH31e1thtranslate-namesמִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙…מִגְדַּ֥ל חֲנַנְאֵֽל1the tower of the Hundred…the tower of HananelThese are the names of two of the towers on the Jerusalem wall. Alternate translation: “the Tower of the Hundred…the Tower of Hananel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
247NEH31r9wntranslate-unknownמִגְדַּ֤ל הַ⁠מֵּאָה֙1the tower of the HundredIt is not clear why this tower had this name. The tower could have been 100 cubits high (about 150 feet or about 45 meters), or 100 soldiers may have been stationed there. Since the reason is unknown, it might be best just to call this the “Tower of the Hundred.” However, if it would be confusing to your readers not to explain the meaning of the number, you suggest one of these possibilities. Alternate translation: “The Tower of the Hundred Soldiers” or “The Hundred-Cubit Tower.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
248NEH32xtj9bita-hqוְ⁠עַל־יָד֥⁠וֹ בָנ֖וּ1And…built at his handHere **at his hand** is a figurative way of saying “beside him” or “next to him.” This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “next to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
249NEH32qf25figs-gendernotationsאַנְשֵׁ֣י יְרֵח֑וֹ1men of JerichoThe word **men** here can include women, and it does seem to include them in this context. Elsewhere in this chapter, [3:12](../02/12.md) tells us that “Shallum and his daughters repaired part of the wall.” So we know that both men and women worked on this project. Alternate translation: “people from Jericho” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
250NEH32u2s6translate-namesיְרֵח֑וֹ1JerichoJericho is the name of one of the cities in Judah. We see from this chapter that several cities and towns sent work parties to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
251NEH32q84stranslate-namesזַכּ֖וּר בֶּן־אִמְרִֽי1Zaccur, the son of ImriZaccur is the name of a man, and Imri is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
252NEH33bbm9translate-namesהַ⁠סְּנָאָ֑ה1HassenaahHassenaah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
253NEH33if44translate-namesשַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠דָּגִ֔ים1the gate of fishThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Fish Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
254NEH33kxd6וַֽ⁠יַּעֲמִ֨ידוּ֙ דַּלְתֹתָ֔י⁠ו מַנְעוּלָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠בְרִיחָֽי⁠ו1They themselves laid its beams and erected its doors, its bolts, and its barsThis expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “They framed it with wooden beams, they set its doors in place, and they installed bolts and bars”
255NEH33kc48figs-explicitמַנְעוּלָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠בְרִיחָֽי⁠ו1its bolts, and its barsBolts and bars locked the gates securely. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “bolts and bars for locking the gate.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
256NEH33nn6jfigs-ellipsisהֶחֱזִ֗יק…הֶחֱזִ֔יק1strengthened…strengthened**Strengthened** means “repaired.” It refers to repairing the wall, although Nehemiah does not specify this. This expression occurs several times in this chapter. It would be helpful to your readers to translate it consistently. Alternate translation: “repaired the next section of of the wall” (See: Ellipsis)
257NEH34c8hitranslate-namesמְרֵמ֤וֹת בֶּן־אוּרִיָּה֙ בֶּן־הַקּ֔וֹץ1Meremoth, the son of Uriah, the son of HakkozMeremoth is the name of a man, Uriah is the name of his father, and Hakkoz is the name of his grandfather. Alternate translation: “Meremoth, the son of Uriah and grandson of Hakkoz” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
258NEH34inh2translate-namesמְשֻׁלָּ֥ם בֶּן־בֶּרֶכְיָ֖ה בֶּן־מְשֵׁיזַבְאֵ֑ל1Meshullam, the son of Berechiah, the son of MeshezabelMeshullam is the name of a man, Berechiah is the name of his father, and Meshezabel is the name of his grandfather. Alternate translation: “Meshullam, the son of Berekiah and grandson of Meshezabel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
259NEH34xn3itranslate-namesצָד֖וֹק בֶּֽן־בַּעֲנָֽא1Zadok, the son of BaanaZadok is the name of a man, and Baana is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
260NEH35d8safigs-ellipsisהֶחֱזִ֣יקוּ הַ⁠תְּקוֹעִ֑ים1Tekoites repairedThese phrases refer to repairing the wall. Alternate translation: “Tekoites repaired the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
261NEH35j3k4translate-namesהַ⁠תְּקוֹעִ֑י1the TekoitesTekoa is the name of one of the cities in Judah that sent a work party to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Tekoites are the people who came from this city. Alternate translation: “some people from Tekoa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
262NEH35x484grammar-connect-logic-contrastוְ⁠אַדִּֽירֵי⁠הֶם֙1but their noblesHere Nehemiah is indicating a contrast between what these people should have done and what they actually did. You can use a word like “but” to indicate this. Alternate translation: “But the leading citizens of Tekoa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
263NEH35l7zcfigs-explicitלֹא־הֵבִ֣יאוּ צַוָּרָ֔⁠ם בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם1did not bring their necks to the service of their lordsNehemiah does not state the reason why the nobles did not do the work, but it is implied. Alternate translation: “were too proud to do the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
264NEH35nsg3figs-metonymyלֹא־הֵבִ֣יאוּ צַוָּרָ֔⁠ם בַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם1did not bring their necks to the service of their lordsHere the **neck** represents the entire person, and specifically the person at work. The neck is likely associated with work because in this agrarian culture, draft animals would put their necks into yokes so that they could pull plows and drag loads. Alternate translation: “were too proud to do the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
265NEH35r94dtranslate-unknownבַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֲדֹנֵי⁠הֶֽם1to the service of their lords**Lords** here most likely refers to the leaders of Judah, who had asked all the surrounding cities and towns to send work parties to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Another possibility is that the plural form of the word “lord” actually refers to God. Alternate translation: “the work that the leaders of Judah had asked them to do” or “the service of their Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
266NEH35d3h9figs-abstractnounsבַּ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת1to…service of**Service** is an abstract noun that refers to the work of rebuilding the wall. You can translate the idea behind it with a concrete noun such as “work.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
267NEH36ykz8translate-namesשַׁ֨עַר הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה1the gate of oldThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Old Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
268NEH36i43mtranslate-namesיֽוֹיָדָע֙ בֶּן־פָּסֵ֔חַ1Joiada, the son of PaseahJoiada is the name of a man, and Paseah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
269NEH36n1witranslate-namesוּ⁠מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם בֶּן־בְּסֽוֹדְיָ֑ה1and Meshullam, the son of BesodeiahMeshullam is the name of a man, and Besodeiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
270NEH37hu9utranslate-namesמְלַטְיָ֣ה הַ⁠גִּבְעֹנִ֗י1Melatiah the GibeoniteMelatiah is the name of a man. “Gibeonite” means that he was from the city of Gibeon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
271NEH37ipe7translate-namesוְ⁠יָדוֹן֙ הַ⁠מֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י1Jadon the MeronothiteJadon is the name of a man. “Meronothite” probably means that he was from the town of Meronoth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
272NEH37n6xgtranslate-namesאַנְשֵׁ֥י גִבְע֖וֹן וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּצְפָּ֑ה1the men of Gibeon, and of MizpahGibeon and Mizpah were two of the cities in Judah that sent work parties to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “other people from Gibeon and from the city of Mizpah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
273NEH37mj92translate-unknownלְ⁠כִסֵּ֕א פַּחַ֖ת עֵ֥בֶר הַ⁠נָּהָֽר1to the seat of authority of the governor of Beyond-the-RiverThis is where the governor would have stayed when visiting Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “as far as the residence of the governor of the province Beyond the River” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
274NEH38b2yhtranslate-namesעֻזִּיאֵ֤ל בֶּֽן־חַרְהֲיָה֙1Uzziel, the son of HarbaiahUzziel is the name of a man, and Harhaiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
275NEH38f4p5translate-unknownצֽוֹרְפִ֔ים1of the goldsmithsThis means that Uzziel was one of the goldsmiths who worked in Jerusalem. A goldsmith is a person who makes jewelry and other objects from gold. The term “goldsmith” occurs several more times in the chapter, and if you include both the name and the definition here, that would help your readers understand it in its later occurrences. Alternate translation: “He was one of the goldsmiths, the workers who made jewelry and other objects from gold.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
276NEH38mx88translate-namesחֲנַנְיָ֖ה1HananiahHananiah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
277NEH38mm1qbita-hqבֶּן־הָ⁠רַקָּחִ֑ים1a son of the perfumers**Son of** here is a figurative expression that indicates that a person shares the qualities of something. In this case, the book is describing someone who shares the quality of being a maker of perfume. Alternate translation: “one of the perfumers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
278NEH38y25ytranslate-namesוַ⁠יַּֽעַזְבוּ֙ יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם עַ֖ד הַ⁠חוֹמָ֥ה הָ⁠רְחָבָֽה1And they restored Jerusalem as far as the broad wallThis is the name of one of the features of the Jerusalem wall. This may have been a place where the wall had been built thicker and stronger for strategic purposes. Alternate translation: “They rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
279NEH39m5atוְ⁠עַל־יָדָ֤⁠ם הֶחֱזִיק֙ רְפָיָ֣ה בֶן־ח֔וּר שַׂ֕ר חֲצִ֖י פֶּ֥לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם1And Rephaiah, the son of Hur, the administrator for half of the district of Jerusalem, strengthened at their hand.In this chapter, when Nehemiah names a person, then names their father, and then describes a role, it is the first person, not their father, who was in that role. It will be helpful to your readers if you make this clear. Alternate translation: “Next to them, Rephaiah the son of Hur repaired part of the wall. Rephaiah ruled half of the district of Jerusalem.”
280NEH39avu2translate-namesרְפָיָ֣ה בֶן־ח֔וּר1Rephaiah, the son of HurRephaiah is the name of a man, and Hur is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
281NEH39rd4itranslate-fractionחֲצִ֖י פֶּ֥לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם1half of the district of JerusalemThe city of Jerusalem and the surrounding area seem to have been divided into districts for administration. This is the name of one of those districts. Apparently it was so large and populous that it had been further divided into two parts, each with its own administrator. Alternate translation: “ruled half the district of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
282NEH310k6g1translate-namesיְדָיָ֥ה בֶן־חֲרוּמַ֖ף1Jedaiah, the son of HarumaphJedaiah is the name of a man, and Harumaph is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
283NEH310v3beוְ⁠עַל־יָדָ֧⁠ם הֶחֱזִ֛יק…וְ⁠נֶ֣גֶד בֵּית֑⁠וֹ1And…at their hand, even in fron of his houseAlternate translation: “repaired the next part of the wall, which was in front his house”
284NEH310ek5qtranslate-namesחַטּ֖וּשׁ בֶּן־חֲשַׁבְנְיָֽה1And Hattush, the son of HashabneiahHattush is the name of a man, and Hashabneiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
285NEH311b6fxtranslate-ordinalמִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֗ית1a second sectionThis expression occurs six times in the chapter. Two of those times, someone who has been named earlier is said to have repaired “a second section,” suggesting, “in addition to the one they did previously.” But the other four times, the people have not been named earlier. So in those cases it might mean “a further section of the wall,” beyond the one just described that someone else worked on. Both of these likely meanings could be accommodated by saying something like “another section of the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
286NEH311g61etranslate-namesמַלְכִּיָּ֣ה בֶן־חָרִ֔ם1Malkijah, the son of HarimMalkijah is the name of a man, and Malkijah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
287NEH311jy16translate-namesוְ⁠חַשּׁ֖וּב בֶּן־פַּחַ֣ת מוֹאָ֑ב1and Hasshub, the son of Pahath-MoabHasshub is the name of a man, and Pahath-Moab is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
288NEH311l1dbtranslate-namesמִגְדַּ֥ל הַ⁠תַּנּוּרִֽים1the tower of ovensThis is the name of one of the towers of the Jerusalem wall. Alternate translation: “the Tower of the Ovens” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
289NEH312e9p4translate-namesשַׁלּוּם֙ בֶּן־הַלּוֹחֵ֔שׁ שַׂ֕ר1Shallum, the son of HalloheshShallum is the name of a man, and Hallohesh is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
290NEH312wml3translate-namesשַׂ֕ר חֲצִ֖י פֶּ֣לֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1the administrator for half of the district of JerusalemThis is the name of one of the districts into which the city and the surrounding area were divided. Since the first half has already been named, you could say as an alternate translation: “Shallum ruled the other half of the district of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
291NEH312b7iqה֖וּא וּ⁠בְנוֹתָֽי⁠ו1he and his daughtersAlternate translation: “along with his daughters”
292NEH313i9v2translate-namesשַׁ֨עַר הַ⁠גַּ֜יְא1the gate of the valleyThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Valley Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
293NEH313itt7translate-namesחָנוּן֮1HanunThis is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
294NEH313w5letranslate-namesוְ⁠יֹשְׁבֵ֣י זָנוֹחַ֒1the inhabitants of ZanoahZanoah is the name of one of the cities in Judah that sent a work party to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the people from Zanoah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
295NEH313kw6htranslate-bdistanceוְ⁠אֶ֤לֶף אַמָּה֙1a thousand cubitsDepending on what would be most helpful to your readers, you could express this either in ancient or modern measurements, “1000 cubits” or “460 meters” or “1500 feet.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
296NEH313r9e4translate-namesשַׁ֥עַר הָ⁠שֲׁפֽוֹת1the gate of dungThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Rubbish Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
297NEH314d9dttranslate-namesשַׁ֣עַר הָ⁠אַשְׁפּ֗וֹת1the gate of dungThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Rubbish Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
298NEH314w494translate-namesמַלְכִּיָּ֣ה בֶן־רֵכָ֔ב שַׂ֖ר1Malkijah, the son of RechabMalkijah is the name of a man, and Recab is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
299NEH314u2dktranslate-namesפֶּ֣לֶךְ בֵּית־הַכָּ֑רֶם1the district of Beth-HakkeremThis is the name of one of the districts into which the city and the surrounding area were divided. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
300NEH315shf9translate-namesשַׁ֨עַר הָ⁠עַ֜יִן1the gate of the springThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Fountain Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
301NEH315l7wutranslate-namesשַׁלּ֣וּן בֶּן־כָּל־חֹזֶה֮1Shallun son of Kol-HozehShallun is the name of a man, and Kol-Hozeh is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
302NEH315bd9jtranslate-namesפֶּ֣לֶךְ הַ⁠מִּצְפָּה֒1the district of MizpahThis is the name of one of the districts into which the city and the surrounding area were divided. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
303NEH315l3hfה֤וּא יִבְנֶ֨⁠נּוּ֙ וִ⁠יטַֽלְלֶ֔⁠נּוּ1He himself was building it and covering itAlternate translation: “He rebuilt the gate and put a roof over it”
304NEH315c8rtחוֹמַ֞ת בְּרֵכַ֤ת הַ⁠שֶּׁ֨לַח֙1the wall of the pool of SiloamAlternate translation: “the wall that surrounded the Pool of Siloam”
305NEH315kmx6לְ⁠גַן־הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ וְ⁠עַד־הַֽ⁠מַּעֲל֔וֹת הַ⁠יּוֹרְד֖וֹת מֵ⁠עִ֥יר דָּוִֽיד1at the garden of the king even as far as the stairs descending from the city of DavidAlternate translation: “next to the royal garden, as far as the steps that went down from the City of David.”
306NEH315c5bstranslate-namesמֵ⁠עִ֥יר דָּוִֽיד1from the city of DavidThis was one part of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the City of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
307NEH316x774translate-namesנְחֶמְיָ֣ה בֶן־עַזְבּ֔וּק שַׂ֕ר1Nehemiah, the son of AzbukNehemiah is the name of a man, and Azbuk is the name of his father. (This is not the same Nehemiah who wrote this book.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
308NEH316sc4ctranslate-namesפֶּ֣לֶךְ בֵּֽית־צ֑וּר1the district of Beth-ZurThis is the name of one of the districts into which the city and the surrounding area were divided. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
309NEH316ngr2עַד־נֶ֨גֶד֙ קִבְרֵ֣י דָוִ֔יד וְ⁠עַד־הַ⁠בְּרֵכָה֙ הָ⁠עֲשׂוּיָ֔ה וְ⁠עַ֖ד בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠גִּבֹּרִֽים1as far as in front of the graves of David, and as far as the pool that was made, and as far as the house of the mighty menAlternate translation: “as far as the place opposite the tombs in the City of David, to the reservoir that the people had made and the army barracks”
310NEH317str7translate-namesאַחֲרָ֛י⁠ו הֶחֱזִ֥יקוּ הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם1After him, the Levites strengthenedThe Levites were descendants of Levi. They had the special assignment of helping the priests. Alternate translation: “Next to him, some Levites repaired parts of the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
311NEH317l6vwtranslate-namesרְח֣וּם בֶּן־בָּנִ֑י1Rehum, the son of BaniRehum is the name of a man, and Bani is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
312NEH317yt87figs-explicitרְח֣וּם בֶּן־בָּנִ֑י1Rehum, the son of BaniIt seems clear from the context that Rehum was a Levite. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “One of them was Rehum the son of Bani.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
313NEH317a88stranslate-namesחֲשַׁבְיָ֛ה1HashabiahHashabiah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
314NEH317yh3zעַל־יָד֣⁠וֹ הֶחֱזִ֗יק חֲשַׁבְיָ֛ה…לְ⁠פִלְכּֽ⁠וֹ1at his hand, Hashabiah…strengthened for his districtThis does not mean that Hashabiah repaired this part of the wall for the benefit of his district, but rather that he did it leading a work party from his district. Alternate translation: “led a work party from his district that repaired the next section of the wall”
315NEH317y3tutranslate-namesחֲצִי־פֶ֥לֶךְ קְעִילָ֖ה1half the district of KeilahThis is the name of one of the districts into which the city and the surrounding area were divided. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
316NEH318h5qzbita-hqהֶחֱזִ֣יקוּ אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֔ם1their brothers repairedAs in [3:1](../03/01.md), **brother** could mean the biological brothers of the Levites mentioned in [3:17](../03/17.md). However, more likely it figuratively means other Levites. Alternate translation: “some other Levites repaired more of the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
317NEH318b6sjfigs-ellipsisבַּוַּ֖י בֶּן־חֵנָדָ֑ד שַׂ֕ר חֲצִ֖י פֶּ֥לֶךְ קְעִילָֽה1Binnui, the son of Henadad, the administrator for half the district of KeilahHere Nehemiah does not say “at their hand” (next to them) or “strengthened” (repaired another section of the wall). Once again he is leaving out some of what a complete sentence would be expected to contain. You can fill in this information. Alternate translation: “Next to them, Binnui the son of Henadad, who ruled the other half of the district of Keilah, repaired more of the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
318NEH318gc2htranslate-namesבַּוַּ֖י בֶּן־חֵנָדָ֑ד1Binnui, the son of HenadadBinnui is the name of a man, and Henadad is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
319NEH318ca6ttranslated-namשַׂ֕ר חֲצִ֖י פֶּ֥לֶךְ קְעִילָֽה1the administrator for half the district of KeilahThis is the name of one of the districts into which the city and the surrounding area were divided. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
320NEH319f6iftranslate-namesעֵ֧זֶר בֶּן־יֵשׁ֛וּעַ שַׂ֥ר1Ezer, the son of JeshuaEzer is the name of a man, and Jeshua is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
321NEH319g2y6translate-namesשַׂ֥ר הַ⁠מִּצְפָּ֖ה1the administrator for MizpahSince the district of Mizpah is mentioned in [3:15](../03/15.md), this probably means the city of Mizpah. Alternate translation: “Ezer ruled the city of Mizpah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
322NEH319gcc6translate-ordinalוַ⁠יְחַזֵּ֨ק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית1And…was strengthening a second sectionAlternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
323NEH319c8s5מִ⁠נֶּ֕גֶד עֲלֹ֥ת הַ⁠נֶּ֖שֶׁק הַ⁠מִּקְצֹֽעַ1opposite the ascent to the armory at the angleAlternate translation: “He started from the place in front of the steps that went up to the armory, and he finished at the place where the wall bends slightly.”
324NEH320r638translate-namesבָּר֥וּךְ בֶּן־זבי1Baruch, the son of ZabbaiBaruch is the name of a man, and Zabbai is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
325NEH320i7kjfigs-metaphorהֶחֱרָ֧ה1burnedHere **burned** is probably a figurative way of saying that Baruch worked with great enthusiasm. You could say that as an alternate translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
326NEH320a53ctranslate-ordinalהֶחֱזִ֛יק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית1strengthened a second sectionAlternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
327NEH320a55cמִן־הַ֨⁠מִּקְצ֔וֹעַ עַד־פֶּ֨תַח֙ בֵּ֣ית אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ⁠גָּדֽוֹל1from the angle as far as the opening of the house of Eliashib the high priestAlternate translation: “from the bend in the wall as far as the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest”
328NEH321z4b7translate-namesמְרֵמ֧וֹת בֶּן־אוּרִיָּ֛ה בֶּן־הַקּ֖וֹץ1Meremoth, the son of Uriah, the son of HakkozMeremoth is the name of a man, Uriah is the name of his father, and Hakkoz is the name of his grandfather. See how you translated these names in [3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
329NEH321a57ctranslate-ordinalהֶחֱזִ֗יק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית1strengthened a section sectionAlternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
330NEH321a59cמִ⁠פֶּ֨תַח֙ בֵּ֣ית אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב וְ⁠עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית בֵּ֥ית אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב1from the opening of the house of Eliashib even as far as the end of the house of EliashibAlternate translation: “from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of his house”
331NEH322m3eyהַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַ⁠כִּכָּֽר1the priests, the men of the valleyJerusalem is up on a mountain, so the area around it would be “the valley.” Alternate translation: “some priests from the area around Jerusalem”
332NEH323q2zhהֶחֱזִ֧יק בִּנְיָמִ֛ן וְ⁠חַשּׁ֖וּב נֶ֣גֶד בֵּיתָ֑⁠ם1strengthened in front of their houseAlternate translation: “repaired a section opposite their house”
333NEH323v3frtranslate-namesבִּנְיָמִ֛ן וְ⁠חַשּׁ֖וּב1Benjamin and HasshubBenjamin and Hasshub are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
334NEH323z8p6הֶחֱזִ֗יק…אֵ֥צֶל בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ1strengthened beside his houseAlternate translation: “repaired the next section, beside his house”
335NEH323gv74translate-namesעֲזַרְיָ֧ה בֶן־מַעֲשֵׂיָ֛ה בֶּן־עֲנָֽנְיָ֖ה1Azariah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of AnaniahAzariah is the name of a man, Maaseiah is the name of his father, and Ananiah is the name of his grandfather. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
336NEH324c3ehtranslate-ordinalהֶחֱזִ֗יק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית1strengthened a second sectionAlternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
337NEH324ajs6translate-namesבִּנּ֛וּי בֶּן־חֵנָדָ֖ד1Binnui, the son of HenadadBinnui is the name of a man, and Henadad is the name of his father. See how you translated these names in [3:18](../03/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
338NEH324k7tjמִ⁠בֵּ֣ית עֲזַרְיָ֔ה עַד־הַ⁠מִּקְצ֖וֹעַ וְ⁠עַד־הַ⁠פִּנָּֽה1from the house of Azariah to the bend in the wall as far as the cornerAlternate translation: “from the house of Azariah to the bend in the wall as far as the bulwark”
339NEH324a61ctranslate-namesעֲזַרְיָ֔ה1AzariahAzariah is a man, the same one mentioned in verse 23.
340NEH325q3r3translate-namesפָּלָ֣ל בֶּן־אוּזַי֮1Palal, the son of UzaiPalal is the name of a man, and Uzai is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
341NEH325dae6figs-ellipsisמִ⁠נֶּ֣גֶד הַ⁠מִּקְצוֹעַ֒ וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֗ל הַ⁠יּוֹצֵא֙1from opposite the angle and the tower projectingHere again Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “He began at the place opposite the bend in the wall where the watchtower is taller than” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
342NEH325pt6efigs-metonymyמִ⁠בֵּ֤ית הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הָֽ⁠עֶלְי֔וֹן1from the upper house of the kingProbably **house** figuratively means “palace” here, referring to where the king had lived. Alternate translation: “the upper palace of the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
343NEH325isu9אֲשֶׁ֖ר לַ⁠חֲצַ֣ר הַ⁠מַּטָּרָ֑ה1which is by the court of the guardAlternate translation: “That is near the place where the guards stayed”
344NEH325a63ctranslate-namesפְּדָיָ֥ה בֶן־פַּרְעֹֽשׁ1Pedaiah, the son of ParoshPedaiah is the name of a man, and Parosh is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
345NEH325d1jmfigs-ellipsisפְּדָיָ֥ה בֶן־פַּרְעֹֽשׁ1Pedaiah, the son of ParoshOnce again Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “Next to him, Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired a section” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
346NEH326b53gfigs-ellipsisוְ⁠הַ֨⁠נְּתִינִ֔ים הָי֥וּ יֹשְׁבִ֖ים בָּ⁠עֹ֑פֶל עַ֠ד נֶ֜גֶד שַׁ֤עַר הַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙ לַ⁠מִּזְרָ֔ח וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֖ל הַ⁠יּוֹצֵֽא1And the Nethinim were living in the Ophel, as far as in front of the gate of water and the projecting towerYet again Nehemiah leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “The temple servants who lived on Ophel Hill repaired the wall as far as the eastern side of the Water Gate where there is a tall tower” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
347NEH326ah1btranslate-namesוְ⁠הַ֨⁠נְּתִינִ֔ים1Now the temple servantsThe term **Nethinim** describes servants who worked in the temple. Alternate translation: “the temple servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
348NEH326mz47translate-unknownבָּ⁠עֹ֑פֶל1in the OphelThis is probably the name of a geographic feature, a fortified extension of the hill that the Jerusalem temple was located on. Alternate translation: “Ophel Hill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
349NEH326s2s5translate-namesשַׁ֤עַר הַ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙1the gate of waterThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Water Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
350NEH326rvu2וְ⁠הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֖ל הַ⁠יּוֹצֵֽא1and the projecting towerThe phrase refers to a tall tower that juts out from the wall. Alternate translation: “a tall tower”
351NEH327d719translate-ordinalהֶחֱזִ֥יקוּ…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑ית1strengthened a second sectionAlternate translation: “repaired another section of the wall” (See: Ordinal Number)
352NEH327mgm7translate-namesהַ⁠תְּקֹעִ֖ים1the TekoitesTekoa is the name of one of the cities in Judah that sent a work party to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The Tekoites were the people who lived there. See how you translated this name in verse [3:5](../03/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
353NEH327j6gzמִ⁠נֶּ֜גֶד הַ⁠מִּגְדָּ֤ל הַ⁠גָּדוֹל֙ הַ⁠יּוֹצֵ֔א וְ⁠עַ֖ד חוֹמַ֥ת הָ⁠עֹֽפֶל1from in front of the high projecting tower even as far as the wall of the OphelAlternate translation: “from opposite the very tall watchtower as far as the wall at Ophel Hill”
354NEH328wt87figs-synecdocheהַ⁠כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים1The priestsThis does not mean all the priests. Nehemiah is using the name of the whole group to refer to part of it. Alternate translation: “a group of priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
355NEH328d5qaמֵ⁠עַ֣ל׀ שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠סּוּסִ֗ים1from above the gate of horsesThe word **above** is used here because the houses of the priests were likely located at a higher elevation than the Horse Gate. Alternate translation: “starting at the Horse Gate”
356NEH328q9qbtranslate-namesשַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠סּוּסִ֗ים1the gate of horsesThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Horse Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
357NEH328d5uvfigs-idiomאִ֖ישׁ לְ⁠נֶ֥גֶד בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ1a man to the front of his houseHere **a man** means “each one.” Alternate translation: “Each one repaired the section in front of his own house.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
358NEH329n271translate-namesצָד֥וֹק בֶּן־אִמֵּ֖ר1Zadok, the son of ImmerZadok is the name of a man, and Immer is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
359NEH329f74etranslate-namesשְׁמַֽעְיָ֣ה בֶן־שְׁכַנְיָ֔ה שֹׁמֵ֖ר שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מִּזְרָֽח1Shemaiah, the son of ShecaniahShemaiah is the name of a man, and Shecaniah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
360NEH329e9mhשֹׁמֵ֖ר שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מִּזְרָֽח1the keeper of the gate of the eastAlternate translation: “the person who looked after the East Gate” or “the person who opened and closed the East Gate”
361NEH329x9q4translate-namesשַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מִּזְרָֽח1the gate of the eastThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the East Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
362NEH330a65ctranslate-ordinalהֶחֱזִ֜יק…מִדָּ֣ה שֵׁנִ֑י1strengthened a second sectionAlternate translation: “repaired another section” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
363NEH330r5y4translate-namesחֲנַנְיָ֣ה בֶן־שֶׁלֶמְיָ֗ה1Hananiah, the son of ShelemiahHananiah is the name of a man, and Shelemiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
364NEH330a67ctranslate-namesוְ⁠חָנ֧וּן בֶּן־צָלָ֛ף הַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י1and Hanun, the sixth son of ZalaphHanun is the name of a man, and Zalaph is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
365NEH330nn44translate-ordinalהַ⁠שִּׁשִּׁ֖י1sixthAlternate translation: “son 6” or “son number 6” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
366NEH330ifp5translate-namesמְשֻׁלָּם֙ בֶּן־בֶּ֣רֶכְיָ֔ה1Meshullam, the son of BerechiahMeshullam is the name of a man, and Berechiah is the name of his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
367NEH330bv3tנֶ֖גֶד נִשְׁכָּתֽ⁠וֹ1in front of his chamberAlternate translation: “in front of the rooms where he stayed”
368NEH331d33ptranslate-namesמַלְכִּיָּה֙1MalkijahMalkijah is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
369NEH331uuc7bita-hqבֶּן־הַ⁠צֹּ֣רְפִ֔י1a son of the goldsmithsAs in [3:8](../03/08.md), this is a figurative way of saying that Malkijah was one of the goldsmiths. In this figure of speech, the “son of” something shares its qualities. Since the goldsmiths have been mentioned previously (in [3:8](../03/08.md), where their work is described), you could say as an alternate translation: “who was another one of the goldsmiths” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
370NEH331lb9zעַד־בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠נְּתִינִ֖ים וְ⁠הָ⁠רֹכְלִ֑ים1as far as the house of the Nethinim and the merchantsAlternate translation: “as far as the building used by the temple servants and the merchants”
371NEH331ye2utranslate-namesשַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מִּפְקָ֔ד1the gate of musteringThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. “Mustering” refers to soldiers assembling to go out to battle. Alternate translation: “the Mobilization Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
372NEH331r6svוְ⁠עַ֖ד עֲלִיַּ֥ת הַ⁠פִּנָּֽה1even as far as the upper chamber of the cornerAlternate translation: “He built as far as the upper apartments of this building, which were on the corner.”
373NEH332x1tqfigs-explicitוּ⁠בֵ֨ין עֲלִיַּ֤ת הַ⁠פִּנָּה֙ לְ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠צֹּ֔אן הֶחֱזִ֥יקוּ1strengthened between the upper chamber of the corner to the gate of sheepThis brings the description of the repairs back around to where they started. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly by saying “the last section.” Alternate translation: “repaired the last section of the wall, from the corner apartments to the Sheep Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
374NEH332p1krfigs-synecdocheהַ⁠צֹּרְפִ֖ים וְ⁠הָ⁠רֹכְלִֽים1the goldsmiths and the merchantsThis does not mean all the goldsmiths and all the merchants. Nehemiah is once again using the names of whole groups to refer to parts of them. Alternate translation: “some of the other goldsmiths, along with some traders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
375NEH332a69ctranslate-namesלְ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠צֹּ֔אן1the gate of sheepThis is the name of one of the gates of Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the Sheep Gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
376NEH4introtlj90# Nehemiah 04 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Dedication<br>The people were so dedicated to rebuilding the walls that they worked with their weapons ready for battle right next to them. Even when they were threatened with an attack, they continued to trust in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Rhetorical Questions<br><br>Sanballat uses a series of rhetorical questions. These are intended to show his intense anger against the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
377NEH41rnw3וַ⁠יְהִ֞י1And it happened thatNehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
378NEH41vfu4translate-namesסַנְבַלַּ֗ט1SanballatThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
379NEH41a71cfigs-parallelismAnd it burned him, and he was very angryThese two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how angry Sanballat was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like “he became furiously angry” or “he became very angry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
380NEH41s6tdbita-phenomוַ⁠יִּ֣חַר ל֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠יִּכְעַ֖ס1it burned him, and he was very angryHere Nehemiah says that Sanballats anger was a fire that burned inside of him. Alternate translation: “he became furious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
381NEH42v3qvbita-hqוַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י1And he spoke before the face ofHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The expression means that Sanballat was speaking personally to the other people who are named. Alternate translation: “He said to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
382NEH42a73cbita-hqאֶחָ֗י⁠ו1his brothersHere **brother** likely refers figuratively to Sanballats fellow officials. Alternate translation: “the other provincial officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
383NEH42a75cfigs-synecdocheוְ⁠חֵיל֙ שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן1and the army of SamariaSanballat was not speaking to the entire army. Nehemiah is figuratively using all of something to mean part of it. He is referring to the officers of the army by the name of the entire army. Alternate translation: “the army officers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
384NEH42d5n2figs-rquestionמָ֛ה הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֥ים הָ⁠אֲמֵלָלִ֖ים עֹשִׂ֑ים הֲ⁠יַעַזְב֨וּ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם הֲ⁠יִזְבָּ֨חוּ֙ הַ⁠יְכַלּ֣וּ בַ⁠יּ֔וֹם1What are the feeble Jews doing? Will they restore for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day?Sanballat actually is making a series of statement, not asking a series of questions. He does not expect the officials and officers to tell him what the Jews are doing and whether they will succeed. Instead, he is using the question form to mock the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the ideas in his questions as a series of statements. Alternate translation: “These feeble Jews can accomplish nothing. They will never restore the city for themselves. They will not offer sacrifices. They will not finish the work any time soon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
385NEH42r9lbהֲ⁠יִזְבָּ֨חוּ֙1Will they sacrifice?The meaning of this phrase is not entirely clear. It could be that Sanballat is speaking of the Jews offering sacrifices to try to entice God to make their project successful. Alternate translation: “They will not get their God to help them.”
386NEH42uk3wfigs-idiomהַ⁠יְכַלּ֣וּ בַ⁠יּ֔וֹם1Will they finish in a day?In this context, the expression “day” means “a short time.” Alternate translation: “any time soon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
387NEH42ps9nfigs-rquestionהַ⁠יְחַיּ֧וּ אֶת־הָ⁠אֲבָנִ֛ים מֵ⁠עֲרֵמ֥וֹת הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר וְ⁠הֵ֥מָּה שְׂרוּפֽוֹת1Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned?
388NEH42hr7vfigs-personificationהַ⁠יְחַיּ֧וּ אֶת־הָ⁠אֲבָנִ֛ים מֵ⁠עֲרֵמ֥וֹת הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר וְ⁠הֵ֥מָּה שְׂרוּפֽוֹת1Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned?Here Sanballat is speaking of stones as if they could come to life and stand up straight to form the wall. Alternate translation: “They will not be able to rebuild the city walls from useless stones that were burned and turned into rubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
389NEH42b96nfigs-activepassiveמֵ⁠עֲרֵמ֥וֹת הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר וְ⁠הֵ֥מָּה שְׂרוּפֽוֹת1from the piles of rubble after they were burnedIf it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “useless stones that someone has burned and turned into rubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
390NEH43alw5translate-namesוְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֥ה הָ⁠עַמֹּנִ֖י1And Tobiah the AmmoniteThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
391NEH43b24bגַּ֚ם1YesThis word indicates that Tobiah agrees with Sanballat and that he is going to say something to support him. Alternate translation: “Thats right!”
392NEH43da2tfigs-hyperboleאִם־יַעֲלֶ֣ה שׁוּעָ֔ל וּ⁠פָרַ֖ץ חוֹמַ֥ת אַבְנֵי⁠הֶֽם1If only a fox went up on what they are building, then he would break down their wall of stonesTobiah probably does not believe that the wall would really fall down if a fox walked along the top of it. He is exaggerating to mock the work the Jews are doing. You could use a non-figurative expression in your translation instead, such as, “It wouldnt take much to make that wall fall over.” However, Tobiahs expression is so colorful that you may want to retain it, but be sure that your readers understand he is exaggerating. Alternate translation: “Tobiah made fun of the Jews by saying, That wall they are building is so weak that if a fox climbed up on it, the stones would fall to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
393NEH44buk3figs-explicitשְׁמַ֤ע אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙1Hear, our GodNehemiah starts talking directly to God at this point in the book. The implication is that he heard about what Sanballat and Tobiah were saying, and in response, he prayed the prayer that is recorded here in 2:4-5. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When I heard about what they were saying, I prayed and said, Listen, our God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
394NEH44a77cfigs-asideשְׁמַ֤ע אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙1Hear, our GodNehemiahs prayer here is a particular type of aside. In an aside, someone who is speaking to or about one person or group will pause and speak confidentially to somebody else about them. Often an aside is spoken to the audience of a work about someone who is being addressed within the work. But in this case, Nehemiah pauses from addressing the audience that is hearing his story to speak confidentially to God in prayer about two of the characters in the story. If it would be clearer in your language, you could show this is a prayer is distinct from the story by making it a direct quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-aside]])
395NEH44ae62figs-abstractnounsהָיִ֣ינוּ בוּזָ֔ה1we are a contemptThe abstract noun **contempt** refers to the way Sanballat and Tobiah regarded the Jews, which led them to make fun of them. You can translate the idea behind this term with a verb like “mocking.” Alternate translation: “our enemies are mocking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
396NEH44z6nzfigs-idiomוְ⁠הָשֵׁ֥ב חֶרְפָּתָ֖⁠ם אֶל־רֹאשָׁ֑⁠ם1and cause their taunts to return on their heads!**Return on his head** is an idiom that means that what a person expected to happen to someone else happens to them instead. Alternate translation: “Make them people whom others will mock” (See: Idiom)
397NEH44pgh8figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠תְנֵ֥⁠ם לְ⁠בִזָּ֖ה בְּ⁠אֶ֥רֶץ שִׁבְיָֽה1And give them for plunder in a land of captivityAs in [1:2](../01/02.md), the abstract noun **captivity** refers to a conquering army forcing all or some of a captured population to move to a different place. You can translate the idea behind it with verbs such as “capture” and “force.” Alternate translation: “Allow their enemies to capture them and force them to go to a foreign land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
398NEH45mc9pfigs-parallelismוְאַל־תְּכַס֙ עַל־עֲוֺנָ֔ם וְחַטָּאתָ֖ם מִלְּפָנֶ֣יךָ אַל־תִּמָּחֶ֑ה1And do not cover over their iniquity, and do not wipe out their sin from before your faceThese two phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses the repetition to emphasize how guilty Sanballat and Tobiah are for opposing the work that God has sent him to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “do not ever forgive them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
399NEH45zz8hfigs-metaphorוְאַל־תְּכַס֙ עַל־עֲוֺנָ֔ם1Do not cover over their iniquityNehemiah speaks of a persons sins as if they were an object that could be physically hidden. Alternate translation: “do not forgive their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
400NEH45k9rwfigs-metaphorוְ⁠חַטָּאתָ֖⁠ם…אַל־תִּמָּחֶ֑ה1and do not wipe out their sinNehemiah speaks of a persons sins as if they were something written that could be erased. Alternate translation: “do not forget their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
401NEH45a79cbita-hqמִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ1from before your faceHere **face** figuratively means the action of seeing or a persons notice or attention. A person can see what is in front of their face, so in this case the expression means, “from where you can see it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
402NEH45mbi1כִּ֥י הִכְעִ֖יסוּ לְ⁠נֶ֥גֶד הַ⁠בּוֹנִֽים1for they have provoked anger before the front of the buildersThis expression could mean a number of things: (1) They have caused others to be angry at the people who are rebuilding the wall. This third possibility seems the most likely, since Nehemiah is praying that what these men are trying to do to others will happen to them. His prayer is presumably not that the builders or God will make Sanballat and Tobiah angry, but that the other nations they are trying to recruit will turn against them. Alternate translation: “they have caused others to be angry at the people who are rebuilding the wall” (2) Sanballat and Tobiah have made the builders angry by mocking them. Alternate translation: “they have made the builders become angry” (3) They have made God angry by opposing the work he has commanded Nehemiah to do. Alternate translation: “they have made you become angry”
403NEH46r475וַ⁠נִּבְנֶה֙ אֶת־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה1So we built the wallAs in chapter 3, it might be helpful to say “rebuilt.” The Jews were not building something brand new. See the note to [3:1](../03/01.md).
404NEH46mhm5figs-activepassiveוַ⁠תִּקָּשֵׁ֥ר כָּל־הַ⁠חוֹמָ֖ה עַד־חֶצְיָ֑⁠הּ1and all the wall was joined together to half its heightYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we filled in the breaks as high as halfway up the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
405NEH46a81cfigs-explicitוַ⁠תִּקָּשֵׁ֥ר כָּל־הַ⁠חוֹמָ֖ה עַד־חֶצְיָ֑⁠הּ1and all the wall was joined togetherIt appears from the context that this likely took some time and perseverance after Sanballat and Tobiah began to mock and oppose the project. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “after some time, we filled in the breaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
406NEH46ef8ptranslate-fractionעַד־חֶצְיָ֑⁠הּ1half its height“Half” means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
407NEH46a83cbita-hqוַ⁠יְהִ֧י לֵ֦ב לָ⁠עָ֖ם לַ⁠עֲשֽׂוֹת1And the heart of the people was for workingHere the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and the will of the people. Alternate translation: “Everyone was determined to accomplish this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
408NEH47a85cwriting-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֣י1Then it happenedNehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
409NEH47a87ctranslate-namesסַנְבַלַּ֡ט וְ֠⁠טוֹבִיָּה1Sanballat, and TobiahThis are the names of men. See how you translated them in [2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
410NEH47a89ctranslate-namesוְ⁠הָ⁠עַרְבִ֨ים וְ⁠הָ⁠עַמֹּנִ֜ים וְ⁠הָ⁠אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֗ים1and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the AshdoditesThese are the names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
411NEH47a91cfigs-personificationעָלְתָ֤ה אֲרוּכָה֙ לְ⁠חֹמ֣וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם1the health of the walls of Jerusalem was going upHere Nehemiah is speaking of the wall around Jerusalem as if it was a living thing that was sick because it was broken down. Nehemiah speaks of the repairs to the wall as if the wall is becoming healthy again. Alternate translation: “we were continuing to repair the walls of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
412NEH47a93cbita-part1עָלְתָ֤ה1was going upAlternate translation: “was increasing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]])
413NEH47a95cfigs-activepassiveכִּי־הֵחֵ֥לּוּ הַ⁠פְּרֻצִ֖ים לְ⁠הִסָּתֵ֑ם1and the breaks were beginning to be closedYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we were continuing to … fill in the gaps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
414NEH47gsb7bita-phenomוַ⁠יִּ֥חַר לָ⁠הֶ֖ם מְאֹֽד1that…it burned them exceedinglyHere Nehemiah says that the anger of these enemies was a fire that burned inside of them. Alternate translation: “they became very angry” or “they became enraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
415NEH48b6imfigs-metonymyלְ⁠הִלָּחֵ֣ם בִּ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1to fight against JerusalemHere **Jerusalem** refers to the people who live there. These enemies were not coming to fight against the walls and buildings. Nehemiah is describing the people of Jerusalem figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the city where they live. Alternate translation: “to fight against the people of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
416NEH48a97cfigs-abstractnounsוְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת ל֖⁠וֹ תּוֹעָֽה1and to make confusion for itThe abstract noun **confusion** refers to the way these enemies hoped that their attack would make the people of Jerusalem not know what to do. The people might disagree among themselves about whether they should keep working on the wall, or whether they should discontinue the work to appease the attackers. They might also disagree about how to defend themselves. You can translate the idea behind the term “confusion” with adjectives such as “confused” and “divided.” Alternate translation: “They wanted to make the people inside the city confused and divided.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
417NEH49vz1dוַ⁠נַּעֲמִ֨יד מִשְׁמָ֧ר עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֛ם1and we set up a guard on account of them“and we put men around the wall to guard the city”
418NEH49a99cfigs-merismיוֹמָ֥ם וָ⁠לַ֖יְלָה1by day and by nightThis does not mean that some people went up on the walls to look around at various parts of the day, and others went up at certain times of night. Nehemiah is describing how he maintained a constant guard by speaking of two times when people were on duty, the day and the night, in order to include all the time in between. Alternate translation: “at all times,” otherwise “throughout the day and night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
419NEH49ad11figs-metaphorמִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶֽם1from their facesThis term could mean two different things: (1) Most likely, here “Their faces” figuratively means the front of a group. This likely means that the lookouts would see the front ranks of the army as it approached. Alternate translation: “to spot them as they approached” (See: bita-hq). (2) Here “their faces” could also be a figurative way of referring to the enemies and their hostile intentions toward the people doing the work. Alternate translations: “against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
420NEH410ad13figs-metonymyוַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֗ה1And Judah saidNehemiah is describing the people of Judah figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the name of their province. Alternate translation: “Then the people of Judah started saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
421NEH410ad15כָּשַׁל֙ כֹּ֣חַ הַ⁠סַּבָּ֔ל1the strength of the burden-bearers is failingAlternate translation: “The people who are carrying the stones are getting worn out”
422NEH410vc8hוְ⁠הֶ⁠עָפָ֖ר1and…rubbleAlternate translation: “and…burned stone” or “and…broken rock” or “and…unusable stone”
423NEH410ad17וַ⁠אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ לֹ֣א נוּכַ֔ל לִ⁠בְנ֖וֹת בַּ⁠חוֹמָֽה1And as for us, we are not able to build the wall.Alternate translation: “We are not going to be able to finish rebuilding the wall”
424NEH411yuc9figs-parallelismלֹ֤א יֵדְעוּ֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִרְא֔וּ עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר־נָב֥וֹא אֶל־תּוֹכָ֖⁠ם1They will not know, and they will not see until when we come into their midstThese two phrases mean similar things. The enemies use the repetition to emphasize how confident they are of launching a surprise attack. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “They will not be expecting an attack until we are right there,” otherwise “before they see us and know we are coming, we will rush down on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
425NEH411ad19bita-hqוְ⁠לֹ֣א יִרְא֔וּ1and they will not seeWhile the enemies could be referring to the Jews literally not seeing them approach, “seeing” could also be a figuratively way of describing knowledge, notice, or attention. In that case this expression would mean the same thing as “they will not know.” Alternate translation: “they will not be expecting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
426NEH412ad21figs-explicitבָּ֣אוּ1cameThe implication is that they came to Jerusalem to speak with the Jewish leaders there. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “came to Jerusalem to speak with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
427NEH412t8f2figs-synecdocheהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים אֶצְלָ֑⁠ם1the Jews dwelling beside them**Them** means the enemies Nehemiah has been talking about, so this expression likely refers to the Jews who lived near them. But it does not mean all of these Jews, just some who came to Jerusalem. Nehemiah is describing part of this group as if it were the whole group. Alternate translation: “some of the Jews who lived near our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
428NEH412ad23figs-explicitמִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠מְּקֹמ֖וֹת אֲשֶׁר־תָּשׁ֥וּבוּ עָלֵֽי⁠נוּ1From all the places where you turn, they are on usThe meaning of this Hebrew phrase is uncertain. However, one explanation that would fit the context is that these exposed Jewish communities sent representatives to Jerusalem to tell Nehemiah that they were afraid of being attacked in their villages. The “places where you return” could mean “anywhere we live,” referring to the villages, and “they are on us” could mean that the enemies could attack these undefended towns at any time. Perhaps these representatives were asking Nehemiah to release their able-bodied men from work duty and send them home so they could help defend their families and neighbors. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say something like this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Our enemies could attack us anywhere we live, so let our men return home so they can defend us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
429NEH412q1mvfigs-hyperboleמִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠מְּקֹמ֖וֹת1From all the places where you turnThis phrase likely indicates “in every direction.” The word “all” is an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “anywhere we live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
430NEH413ad25וָֽ⁠אַעֲמִ֞יד1So I stationedIf you follow the suggestion in the previous note for translating the last phrase in [4:12](../04/12.md), then you could show here that Nehemiah is indicating a contrast between what the representatives wanted him to do and what he actually did. Instead of scattering his forces by sending the men from other towns home, he concentrated them visibly in Jerusalem, expecting that the main attack would come there. Alternate translation: “But” or “Instead”
431NEH413xc8bוָֽ⁠אַעֲמִ֞יד מִֽ⁠תַּחְתִּיּ֧וֹת לַ⁠מָּק֛וֹם מֵ⁠אַחֲרֵ֥י לַ⁠חוֹמָ֖ה בַּצְּחִיחִ֑ים1So I stationed from the lowest of places behind the wall, in the bare placesAlternate translation: “I put guards behind the wall at the places where it was low or where there were gaps in it.”
432NEH413mj33figs-synecdocheוָֽ⁠אַעֲמִ֤יד אֶת־הָ⁠עָם֙ לְ⁠מִשְׁפָּח֔וֹת1I stationed the people by familiesThis does not mean all the people, and it does not mean every member of every family. Nehemiah is figuratively describing part of the people as if they were all of them, and part of each family as if it were the whole family. Chapter 3 describes how Nehemiah organized the work on the wall by family and community groups. He seems to have organized the defense of the city the same way. Alternate translation: “I positioned people from each family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
433NEH413ad27translate-unknownוְ⁠קַשְּׁתֹתֵי⁠הֶֽם1and their bowsThis means not just bows, but bows and arrows. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
434NEH414l4uzוָ⁠אֵ֣רֶא1This likely means that Nehemiah literally looked over all the defenses he had put in place. Alternate translation: “After I had inspected everything”
435NEH41468hnfigs-explicitוָ⁠אָק֗וּם וָ⁠אֹמַ֞ר1Since Nehemiah immediately addresses a group of people, the implication is that he gathered them together to speak to them. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “I summoned … and I told them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
436NEH414f9hqfigs-idiomוָ⁠אָק֗וּם1In this context, the expression “rose up” likely is a way of saying that Nehemiah took public action, not that he had been sitting or lying down and got up. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
437NEH414iy4jאֶל־הַ⁠חֹרִ֤ים וְ⁠אֶל־הַ⁠סְּגָנִים֙1See how you translated these terms in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “to the leading citizens and the city officials”
438NEH414mza7figs-synecdocheיֶ֣תֶר הָ⁠עָ֔ם1This does not mean all of the other people who lived in Jerusalem, but rather many of them who came to hear Nehemiah speak on this occasion. He is figuratively describing part of the people as if they were all of them. Alternate translation: “many of the other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 
439NEH414ic4qfigs-synecdocheאַל־תִּֽירְא֖וּ מִ⁠פְּנֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1Here **face** figuratively describes an entire person by reference to one part, the “face,” likely because the face shows what the person is thinking and feeling. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid of our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 
440NEH414xyjhfigs-idiomזְכֹ֔רוּ1In this context, **remember** does not refer to a person recalling something they have forgotten. Rather, it means, “keep in mind.” Alternate translation: “keep in mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 
441NEH414xgdmfigs-synecdocheאֲדֹנָ֞⁠י הַ⁠גָּד֤וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָא֙1Nehemiah is referring here to Yahweh, the God who promised to bless and protect the Jews as his chosen people. When he says **my**, he is using himself to represent the entire community. Alternate translation: “our great and awesome God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) 
442NEH414x0rifigs-doubletהַ⁠גָּד֤וֹל וְ⁠הַ⁠נּוֹרָא֙1Nehemiah uses this same expression in [1:5](../01/05.md). See how you translated it there. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation:  “great and awesome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
443NEH4145cs7bita-hqאֲחֵי⁠כֶם֙1Here **brother** could mean biological brothers, but it is more likely that it refers figuratively to a persons relatives, that is, their whole family. Alternate translation: “your families” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
444NEH414rjtebita-hq1
445NEH415puc1writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֞י כַּֽ⁠אֲשֶׁר1It came aboutNehemiah uses this phrase to introduce the next event in his story. You do not need to represent it in your translation unless your language has a similar expression that it characteristically uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
446NEH415qxa7figs-activepassiveנ֣וֹדַֽע לָ֔⁠נוּ1their plans were known to usIf it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “we found out about their plans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
447NEH415lgihfigs-explicitנ֣וֹדַֽע לָ֔⁠נוּ1**It** means the plan of these enemies to launch a surprise attack, as described in [4:11](../04/11.md). If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we found out about their plans to launch a surprise attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
448NEH415e4mcוַ⁠יָּ֥פֶר הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת־עֲצָתָ֑⁠ם1Alternate translation: “and God had kept them from doing what they planned.”
449NEH415f236figs-metonymyוַנָּ֤שָׁב כֻּלָּ֨⁠נוּ֙ אֶל־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ1Here **the wall** means the work on the wall. Nehemiah is describing this work figuratively by referring to something associated with it, the wall that was the object of the work. Alternate translation: “we all went back to working on the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
450NEH415g1defigs-explicitוַנָּ֤שָׁב כֻּלָּ֨⁠נוּ֙ אֶל־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ1The implication is that when the enemies realized the Jews knew about their plans, they decided not to attack. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “They decided not to attack us, and we all went back to working on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
451NEH415doovfigs-idiomאִ֖ישׁ אֶל־מְלַאכְתּֽ⁠וֹ1In this context, **a man** means “each person.” It does not refer only to an adult male. Alternate translation: “Each person continued doing the same work as before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
452NEH416rtacfigs-idiomמִן־הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם1In this context, **day** may not refer to one specific day, but rather to a more general time. Alternate translation: “from that time on” or “after that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
453NEH416gh9gfigs-idiomנְעָרַ⁠י֮ עֹשִׂ֣ים בַּ⁠מְּלָאכָה֒1my servants workedThis expression refers to the servants who worked for Nehemiah. While they probably were young adult males, the expression is specifically envisioning their role and status. Alternate translation: “my servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
454NEH416rgabfigs-explicitעֹשִׂ֣ים בַּ⁠מְּלָאכָה֒1This refers to the work on the wall. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “worked on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
455NEH416f9intranslate-fractionחֲצִ֣י נְעָרַ⁠י֮1half of my servants…half of them**Half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
456NEH416nf2htranslate-unknownוְ⁠הַ⁠קְּשָׁת֖וֹת1As in [4:13](../04/13.md), this means not just bows, but bows and arrows. <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
457NEH4167iwiוְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׂרִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה1This likely means that certain officials literally stood behind the workers and the guards. That is, they were inside the wall and close to it, while the guards stood right at the wall and the workers worked on it. Alternate translation: “Officers stood behind all the workers and guards”
458NEH416gl4tfigs-explicitוְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׂרִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י כָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה1the leaders stood behind all the peopleThe implication is that the leaders were there to give orders in case there was an attack. But it is likely that Nehemiah also wanted them to offer encouragement and maintain good morale. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Officers stood behind all the workers and guards to encourage everyone and to give orders in case there was an attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
459NEH416ijcjוְ⁠הַ֨⁠שָּׂרִ֔ים1From the context here and the use of this term in [7:2](../07/02.md), it appears that these “officials” were responsible for giving commands in military situations. Alternate translation: “and officers”
460NEH416d9r4figs-metaphorכָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה1Here the word **house** describes all the people descended from a particular person. All of the descendants of Judah are being described figuratively as if they were one household living together. So this would ordinarily mean “the people of Judah.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
461NEH4161pdvfigs-synecdocheכָּל־בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה1However, in this context, the expression is not referring to all the people of Judah. Nehemiah is figuratively describing part of the people as if they were all of them. He means all of the workers and guards. The expression helps clarify that Nehemiah is no longer speaking just of his own servants, whom had divided into two groups to serve as workers and guards. Alternate translation: “all the workers and guards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
462NEH417hgfdfigs-doubletוְ⁠הַ⁠נֹּשְׂאִ֥ים בַּ⁠סֶּ֖בֶל עֹמְשִׂ֑ים1These two short phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together for clarity and emphasis. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “and those who carried the heavy loads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) 
463NEH417uya2figs-hyperboleעֹמְשִׂ֑ים בְּ⁠אַחַ֤ת יָד⁠וֹ֙ עֹשֶׂ֣ה בַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה וְ⁠אַחַ֖ת מַחֲזֶ֥קֶת הַ⁠שָּֽׁלַח1Everyone worked with one hand, and with the other hand he held his weapon Here **his hands** means “their hands.” This is an exaggeration. The builders and porters did not always work with only one hand. Rather, this means that they always had their weapons with them so that they would be prepared to fight off an attack. Alternate translation: “they always had their weapons with them while they were working on the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
464NEH4188gtqfigs-idiomוְ⁠הַ֨⁠בּוֹנִ֔ים אִ֥ישׁ חַרְבּ֛⁠וֹ אֲסוּרִ֥ים עַל־מָתְנָ֖י⁠ו וּ⁠בוֹנִ֑ים1In this context, **a man** means “each person.” Alternate translation: “each builder worked with his sword strapped to his side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 
465NEH418vur2figs-explicitוְ⁠הַ⁠תּוֹקֵ֥עַ בַּ⁠שּׁוֹפָ֖ר אֶצְלִֽ⁠י1The implication is that Nehemiah stationed this person next to him so that he could sound a signal if needed. (This becomes clear in [4:20](../04/20.md).) If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly here. Alternate translation: “And I stationed someone next to me who would blow a rams horn if we needed a signal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
466NEH419yn7hוָ⁠אֹמַ֞ר1I saidSee how you translated these terms in [2:16](../02/16.md). Alternate translation: “the leading citizens … the city officials”
467NEH419xi9gfigs-synecdocheהַ⁠חֹרִ֤ים…הַ⁠סְּגָנִים֙1the nobles…the officialsAs in [4:14](../04/14.md), this does not mean all of the other people who lived in Jerusalem, but rather many of them who came to hear Nehemiah speak on this occasion. He is figuratively describing part of the people as if they were all of them. Alternate translation: “many of the other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
468NEH419agy3figs-doubletהַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֥ה הַרְבֵּ֖ה1The work is great**Great** and **vast** mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together to emphasize the scope of the rebuilding project. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “large-scale” or “huge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
469NEH419p5fhbita-hqוַ⁠אֲנַ֗חְנוּ נִפְרָדִים֙ עַל־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה רְחוֹקִ֖ים אִ֥ישׁ מֵ⁠אָחִֽי⁠ו1In this context, **a man** means “each person,” and **brother** means “fellow Jew.” Alternate translation: “each of us is far apart from our fellow Jews along the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
470NEH420tm9sfigs-explicitאֶת־ק֣וֹל הַ⁠שּׁוֹפָ֔ר1the trumpet soundThe implication is that the workers and guards would need to gather together to fight off an attack. The implication is also that while the people were widely scattered, they would all be able to hear the rams horn even from a distance, and so it would be an effective signal. If it would make things clearer for your readers, you could say these things explicitly. Alternate translation: “So if we all need to gather in one place to fight off an attack, I will have someone blow a rams horn there. You will be able to hear this signal from anywhere along the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
471NEH420i5t4translate-unknownהַ⁠שּׁוֹפָ֔ר1See how you translated this in [4:18](../04/18.md). Review the explanation there if that would be helpful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
472NEH420qml6אֱלֹהֵ֖י⁠נוּ יִלָּ֥חֶם לָֽ⁠נוּ1This does not mean that God will fight instead of the Jews, but that God will take their side and help them win. Alternate translation: “God will help us defeat our enemies.”
473NEH421oposfigs-explicitוַ⁠אֲנַ֖חְנוּ עֹשִׂ֣ים בַּ⁠מְּלָאכָ֑ה1This means the **work** of rebuilding the wall. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “So we continued to work on rebuilding the wall.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
474NEH421xvrlfigs-synecdocheוְ⁠חֶצְיָ֗⁠ם מַחֲזִיקִים֙ בָּֽ⁠רְמָחִ֔ים1“Them” means the men who would otherwise have been working as builders or carrying loads, but who were serving as guards instead. As verses [4:13](../04/13.md) and [4:16](../04/13.md) make clear, the weaponry included not just spears, but also shields and bows and arrows. So Nehemiah is using “spears” here to refer figuratively to all of the weaponry. Alternate translation: “half of the men served as guards and kept their weapons ready” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
475NEH421ca45translate-fractionוְ⁠חֶצְיָ֗⁠ם1Half of themHere **half** means one part out of two equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
476NEH421jl3hמֵ⁠עֲל֣וֹת הַ⁠שַּׁ֔חַר1the rising of the dawnThis phrase refers to the daily appearance of light rising in the east in the early morning hours prior to the sun rising above the horizon. Alternate translation: “the first light of day”
477NEH421ww7qfigs-metaphor1Here Nehemiah describes the appearing of the stars as if they **came out** of an enclosed container. Alternate translation: “the very beginning of the night” <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
478NEH422j1fufigs-idiom1In this context, **a man** means “each person” and more specifically “each worker.” As in 4:16, “young man” means servant. Alternate translation: “each worker and his servant”  (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 
479NEH422r87pfigs-explicitבְּ⁠ת֣וֹךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1in the middle of JerusalemThis could be referring to workers who had come from nearby cities and towns to help rebuild the wall. It could also include people who lived in the Jerusalem area but whose homes were outside the city, such as local farmers. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “spend the night inside Jerusalem and not go home if they live outside the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
480NEH422gjm31The idea is not that these men would be on guard duty all night and then work all day on the wall. Rather, their presence in the city would mean that a large number of defenders would be ready on short notice if needed. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “That way the city will have plenty of defenders even at night, and they can still work on the wall during the daytime.”
481NEH423llrygrammar-connect-time-simultaneous1In this verse Nehemiah is describing something else that was also true of the conditions in Jerusalem during the time period he is describing. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “At that time, neither” <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
482NEH423g8mffigs-metonymy1Here **brother** likely refers to Nehemiahs close relatives. Elsewhere in the book he indicates that his brother Hanani lived in the city and that his relatives ate with him at the governors table ([1:2](../01/02.md), [5:14](../05/14.md), [7:2](../07/02.md)). Alternate translation: “my relatives” <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
483NEH423vfv3figs-idiom1As in [4:16](../04/16.md), this means “my servants.” <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
484NEH423flygtranslate-unknown1This likely refers to the personal bodyguard that the king would have assigned to Nehemiah when he appointed him to be the governor of Judah. (Nehemiah describes this appointment in 5:14.) Alternate translation: “my personal bodyguard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
485NEH423upc5figs-ellipsis1Here the specific meaning of the Hebrew text is unknown, but Nehemiah is almost certainly leaving out some of the words that a sentence would normally have to have in order to be complete. He says that he and his relatives, servants, and bodyguards did not take off their clothes, **or anyone his weapon at the water.** This could mean that “no one took his weapon off even when he was washing himself” or that “no one took his weapon off even when going to get water.” If it would be clearer in your language if you explained what “at the water” might mean, you could choose one of these possibilities. Alternate translation: “Each of us always had our weapons with us, even when we were washing ourselves.” <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
486NEH423v2e1figs-idiomפֹשְׁטִ֖ים בְּגָדֵ֑י⁠נוּ1changed our clothesIn this context, **a man** means “anyone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) 
487NEH5introk7pb0# Nehemiah 05 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Equality<br><br>The rich made money from the poor. The rich oppressed the poor by charging interest on loans. Because Nehemiah wanted to treat everyone fairly, he did not collect any taxes from them. This chapter also emphasizes that it was wrong to enslave a fellow Jew. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]])<br><br>### Governor<br>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.
488NEH51za4ugrammar-connect-time-simultaneousוַ⁠תְּהִ֨י1Then the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow JewsNehemiah now relates something else that was happening even while the Jews were trying to rebuild the wall and defend themselves against their enemies. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “Around this same time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
489NEH51zmb8figs-abstractnounsצַעֲקַ֥ת הָ⁠עָ֛ם וּ⁠נְשֵׁי⁠הֶ֖ם גְּדוֹלָ֑ה1raised a great outcry**Outcry** is an abstract noun that refers to the complaints that the poorer Jews made to Nehemiah about how the wealthier and more powerful Jews were treating them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind this word with a verb such as “complain.” Since Nehemiah says this was a “great” outcry, involving many serious grievances, you could intensify the verb with an adverb such as “bitterly.” Alternate translation: “many of the men and their wives complained bitterly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
490NEH51czx5הָ⁠עָ֛ם וּ⁠נְשֵׁי⁠הֶ֖ם1the men and their wivesHere **the people** seems to indicate certain men who lived in Jerusalem, since Nehemiah also mentions their wives. Alternate translation: “many of the men and their wives”
491NEH513qlpbita-hqאֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם1Here **brother** does not seem to mean biological brothers, but to refer figuratively to other members of the same people group. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
492NEH5193pofigs-doubletאֲחֵי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠יְּהוּדִֽים<br>1These two short phrases mean similar things. Nehemiah uses them together to emphasize how inappropriate it was for people to treat members of their own group in the ways described. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “their fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
493NEH52u19uוְ⁠יֵשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֹמְרִ֔ים1Verses 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not seem to be different complaints that people brought to Nehemiah separately. Rather, the whole group seems to be complaining that because they need to get food for their families, wealthier and more powerful Jews are exploiting them. They are forcing them to take mortgages and loans and even sell their children into slavery. Nehemiah is probably depicting one speaker after another in the crowd adding details to this picture. You could suggest this to the readers of your translation by introducing these comments with a translation such as, “some of them began to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
494NEH52i9knבָּנֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠בְנֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ רַבִּ֑ים1Alternate translation: “We have many children”
495NEH52i5cbfigs-synecdocheוְ⁠נִקְחָ֥ה דָגָ֖ן1This does not mean only grain. The people complaining to Nehemiah are using one kind of food, grain, the staple of their diet, to refer figuratively to all the foods they would need to eat. Alternate translation: “we need food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
496NEH527ibqfigs-explicitוְ⁠נִקְחָ֥ה דָגָ֖ן1The implication is that because the families are large, a lot of food is needed. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “we need to get a lot of food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
497NEH52ojuefigs-doubletוְ⁠נֹאכְלָ֥ה וְ⁠נִחְיֶֽה1These two short phrases mean similar things. The people use them together to emphasize the urgency and importance of having food. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “to get enough food to stay alive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
498NEH53hwfhfigs-explicitוְ⁠יֵשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֹמְרִ֔ים1Alternate translation: “Others added” (See the applicable note to [2:2](../02/02.md).  <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
499NEH53dt2mtranslate-unknownשְׂדֹתֵ֛י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠בָתֵּ֖י⁠נוּ אֲנַ֣חְנוּ עֹרְבִ֑ים וְ⁠נִקְחָ֥ה דָגָ֖ן בָּ⁠רָעָֽב1We are mortgaging our fieldsIt might be helpful to explain to your readers what a **mortgage** is, if you think they might not know. Alternate translation: “We have had to promise to give someone our fields, vineyards, and houses if we do not pay back the money we borrowed. We had to borrow the money to buy food during this time when food is scarce.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
500NEH54r14ffigs-explicitוְ⁠יֵשׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֹמְרִ֔ים1Different people in the crowd apparently continue to add details to the complaint. Alternate translation: “Still others said”
501NEH54zurgfigs-metonymyלָוִ֥ינוּ כֶ֖סֶף1**Silver** here means “money.” Nehemiah is describing money figuratively by reference to the commodity that is being used as a means of exchange, silver. Alternate translation: “We have had to borrow money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
502NEH549i16translate-unknownלְ⁠מִדַּ֣ת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ שְׂדֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵֽי⁠נוּ1**Tribute** means “taxes” here. Alternate translation: “the taxes that the king commanded us to pay on our fields and our vineyards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
503NEH55zamigrammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה1This term indicates that the sentence that follows is a further development of the thought from the previous sentence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
504NEH55z4rufigs-explicitכִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ1Yet now our flesh and blood is the same as our brothers, and our children are the same as their childrenHere the Jews are insisting that they are of the same Jewish descent as the other Jews and that they of the same importance as the others. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yet our families are Jews just like the other Jews families, and our children are just as important to us as their children are to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
505NEH55ff7rfigs-abstractnounsכִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ1These two phrases mean similar things. The people complaining to Nehemiah are using the repetition to emphasize how shameful it is for the wealthy and powerful to sell their own fellow Jews into slavery. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “And we are Jews, just like the people who are doing these things to us!” (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]]])
506NEH55pcwkכִּ⁠בְשַׂ֤ר אַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ בְּשָׂרֵ֔⁠נוּ כִּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם בָּנֵ֑י⁠נוּ1You could move this sentence to the end of the verse, since it is the culmination of the argument.
507NEH55w1otbita-hqאַחֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙1Here **brother** figuratively describes the Jews who are exploiting their poor and vulnerable fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “And we are Jews, just like the people who are doing these things to us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
508NEH551gufוְ⁠הִנֵּ֣ה1**Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use some emphatic term or expression in your language that would have this same effect.
509NEH55rdp9figs-explicitאֲנַ֣חְנוּ כֹ֠בְשִׁים אֶת־בָּנֵ֨י⁠נוּ וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֹתֵ֜י⁠נוּ לַ⁠עֲבָדִ֗ים וְ⁠יֵ֨שׁ מִ⁠בְּנֹתֵ֤י⁠נוּ נִכְבָּשׁוֹת֙1Some of our daughters have already been enslavedIn this context, the construction **are putting** likely indicates that the poor are on the verge of selling their children into slavery. The next sentence shows that they have already done this just in some instances. It appears that in this culture, in dire situations, girls were sold before boys, perhaps because they could become either domestic servants or concubines. A concubine was a woman who was both a slave and a secondary wife to her master. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this statement that way. Alternate translation: “We are on the verge of selling our children into slavery. In fact, we have already sold some of our daughters as servants and concubines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
510NEH55z783grammar-connect-logic-resultוְ⁠אֵ֣ין לְ⁠אֵ֣ל יָדֵ֔⁠נוּ וּ⁠שְׂדֹתֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵ֖י⁠נוּ לַ⁠אֲחֵרִֽים1But it is not in our power to help it because other men now own our fields and our vineyardsIf it would be clearer in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, because the second phrase gives the reason why the first phrase is true. Alternate translation: “because our creditors took the fields and vineyards we pledged as security for loans, there is nothing else we can do in this situation.” <br>(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
511NEH55y2mqfigs-idiomוְ⁠אֵ֣ין לְ⁠אֵ֣ל יָדֵ֔⁠נוּ1“My hand is to God” is an [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] that means that the speaker has the power to do what they are describing. Here the poor are saying that this is not the case. Alternate translation: “there is nothing else we can do in this situation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
512NEH55jr7jfigs-explicitוּ⁠שְׂדֹתֵ֥י⁠נוּ וּ⁠כְרָמֵ֖י⁠נוּ לַ⁠אֲחֵרִֽים1it is not in our powerThe implication is that when the poor could not pay back their loans, their creditors took the fields and vineyards they had pledged as collateral. If it would make things clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “because our creditors took the fields and vineyards we pledged as security for loans.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
513NEH567cm3bita-phenomוַ⁠יִּ֥חַר לִ֖⁠י מְאֹ֑ד1Here Nehemiah says that his anger was a fire that burned inside of him. Alternate translation: “I got very angry” (See: <br>[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]]<br>and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
514NEH56ryx1figs-abstractnounsכַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֶת־זַֽעֲקָתָ֔⁠ם1when I heard their outcry**Outcry** is an abstract noun that refers to complaints that the poorer Jews made to Nehemiah about how the wealthier and more powerful Jews were treating them. You can translate the idea behind this word with a verb such as “complain.” Alternate translation: “when I heard how they were complaining” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])<br><br><br>
515NEH56somefigs-doubletאֶת־זַֽעֲקָתָ֔⁠ם וְ⁠אֵ֖ת הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֥ים1These two short phrases mean similar things. They are used together to emphasize the urgency and severity of these complaints. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “everything that they were complaining about” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
516NEH57jawzfigs-personificationוַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ לִבִּ֜⁠י עָלַ֗⁠י1Here Nehemiah is speaking about his heart as if it were a living thing that could act like a king and rule over him. However, he is not saying that his feelings commanded his actions. (He says in the previous verse that he became very angry, but in the next verse he describes acting in a careful and deliberate manner.) Instead, this means that his heart “took counsel” with him, the way a king would take counsel with advisors. In effect, Nehemiah is saying that he talked the matter over with himself. Alternate translation: “I thought hard about what to do” (See: \[\[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification\]\])
517NEH577k8gfigs-metaphor​וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ לִבִּ֜⁠י עָלַ֗⁠י1Here the “heart” figuratively represents the thoughts and the will. Alternate translation: “I thought hard about what to do” (See: \[\[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor\]\])
518NEH57jawzוָ⁠אָרִ֨יבָ⁠ה֙1Here the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and the will. Alternate translation: “I thought hard about what to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
519NEH57sn56figs-explicitמַשָּׁ֥א אִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֖י⁠ו1You are exacting interest, each from his own brotherEvery Jew would have known that it is wrong under the Law to charge interest to another Jew. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Each of you is charging interest to your own brother, and that is wrong under the Law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
520NEH57r7ylfigs-explicitוָ⁠אֶתֵּ֥ן עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֖ם קְהִלָּ֥ה גְדוֹלָֽה1I held a great assembly against themThis means that he brought together a large group of people and brought these charges against them. The meaning of statement this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “I held a great assembly and brought these charges against them” or “I held them on trial in front of the assembly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
521NEH58pzy8figs-explicitאַתֶּ֛ם תִּמְכְּר֥וּ אֶת־אֲחֵי⁠כֶ֖ם וְ⁠נִמְכְּרוּ־לָ֑⁠נוּ1but you even sell your brothers that they may be sold back to usThis means that they are selling their family members, both men and women, as slaves to their fellow Jews. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Now you are selling your own people to be slaves of your fellow Jews, so that they might later sell them back to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
522NEH58kn82figs-activepassiveהַ⁠נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים לַ⁠גּוֹיִם֙1who had been sold to the nationsThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who people had sold as slaves to the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
523NEH59lm7cוָאוֹמַ֕ר1Also I saidThe pronoun “I” refers to Nehemiah.
524NEH59ecd1הַ⁠דָּבָ֖ר אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֣ם עֹשִׂ֑ים1What you are doing“You” here refers to the Jewish nobles.
525NEH59kr1tfigs-rquestionהֲ⁠ל֞וֹא בְּ⁠יִרְאַ֤ת אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ תֵּלֵ֔כוּ מֵ⁠חֶרְפַּ֖ת הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אוֹיְבֵֽי⁠נוּ1Should you not walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies?This is a rhetorical question that Nehemiah is using to scold the nobles. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
526NEH59v6uxfigs-idiomהֲ⁠ל֞וֹא בְּ⁠יִרְאַ֤ת אֱלֹהֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ תֵּלֵ֔כוּ1walk in the fear of our GodThis is and idiom. Here “walk” refers to a persons behavior and the way he lives. Alternate translation: “live your life in a way that honors God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
527NEH59s7qtfigs-abstractnounsמֵ⁠חֶרְפַּ֖ת הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אוֹיְבֵֽי⁠נוּ1the taunts of the nations that are our enemiesThe word “taunt” means “slander” or “mockery” and it can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “the nations who are our enemies from taunting us” or “the enemy nations from mocking us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
528NEH510xbp5נֹשִׁ֥ים1lendingborrowing or giving something to someone expecting repayment
529NEH510j3dqאֶת־הַ⁠מַּשָּׁ֥א הַ⁠זֶּֽ1loansThis 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.
530NEH511vkz7וּ⁠מְאַ֨ת1percentageA part of the value of the loan that the borrower was charged in interest.
531NEH511dim5אַתֶּ֖ם נֹשִׁ֥ים בָּ⁠הֶֽם1you exacted from them“you charged them” or “you made them pay”
532NEH512e9y2וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ1Then they saidHere “they” refers to the Jewish leaders.
533NEH512q7t5נָשִׁ֗יב וּ⁠מֵ⁠הֶם֙1We will return what we took from themThe Jewish leaders are saying they will return the money which the poorer Jews paid in interest charges.
534NEH512i1giוָֽ⁠אַשְׁבִּיעֵ֔⁠ם1made them swearHere the word “them” refers to the Jewish leaders.
535NEH512e2yvוָ⁠אֶקְרָא֙1Then I called“I” refers to Nehemiah.
536NEH513neg1translate-symactionחָצְנִ֣⁠י נָעַ֗רְתִּי1I shook out the fold of my robe“I shook out the pockets of my robe.” Many times in the Old Testament, oaths were physically demonstrated as a witness to what was promised. Nehemiah is demonstrating to the Jewish leaders what will happen if they break the promise they had made. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
537NEH513f5p4figs-metaphorכָּ֣כָה יְנַעֵ֪ר הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֟ים אֶת־כָּל־הָ⁠אִישׁ֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא־יָקִ֜ים אֶת־הַ⁠דָּבָ֣ר הַ⁠זֶּ֗ה מִ⁠בֵּית⁠וֹ֙ וּ⁠מִ֣⁠יגִיע֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠כָ֛כָה יִהְיֶ֥ה נָע֖וּר וָ⁠רֵ֑ק1So may God shake out of his house…So may he be shaken out and emptiedHere Nehemiah speaks of God taking away all of a mans possessions as if God were shaking him out of his home and possessions like Nehemiah shook out his robe. Alternate translation: “So may God take away from every man who does not keep his promise all of his possessions and his home like I have taken everything out of the fold of my robe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
538NEH514zur1מִ⁠יּ֣וֹם׀ אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה אֹתִ֗⁠י1from the time I was appointedHere “I” refers to Nehemiah.
539NEH514ri8ltranslate-ordinalמִ⁠שְּׁנַ֣ת עֶשְׂרִ֗ים וְ֠⁠עַד שְׁנַ֨ת שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים וּ⁠שְׁתַּ֨יִם֙1from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year“from the 20th year until the 32 year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
540NEH514i31dלְ⁠אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּא הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1of Artaxerxes the king“that Artaxerxes was king”
541NEH514ga6utranslate-numbersשָׁנִ֖ים שְׁתֵּ֣ים עֶשְׂרֵ֑ה1twelve years“12 years” or “during those 12 years.” Nehemiah is restating the number of years to emphasize that he did this continually for the full time he was governor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
542NEH514nqt2לֶ֥חֶם הַ⁠פֶּ֖חָה1the food provided for the governorThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “ate the food that the people provided for the governor”
543NEH515uu9kוְ⁠הַ⁠פַּחוֹת֩ הָ⁠רִאשֹׁנִ֨ים1former governors“previous governors” or “governors from the past.” Nehemiah was not the first governor of Judah.
544NEH515w4zktranslate-numbersכֶּֽסֶף־שְׁקָלִ֣ים אַרְבָּעִ֔ים1forty shekels“40 shekels” or “40 silver coins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
545NEH515egg7וַ⁠אֲנִי֙ לֹא־עָשִׂ֣יתִי כֵ֔ן מִ⁠פְּנֵ֖י יִרְאַ֥ת אֱלֹהִֽים1But 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”
546NEH516gx42הֶחֱזַ֔קְתִּי1I also continued“I” refers to Nehemiah.
547NEH516lm7tקָנִ֑ינוּ1we boughtThe word “we” refers to Nehemiah and his servants.
548NEH516xpb3figs-activepassiveוְ⁠כָל־נְעָרַ֔⁠י קְבוּצִ֥ים1all my servants were gatheredThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I gathered all of my servants there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
549NEH516m3s9עַל־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָֽה1for the work“to work on the wall”
550NEH517a1g4translate-numbersמֵאָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אִ֗ישׁ1150 men“one hundred and fifty men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
551NEH517q9x7figs-explicitוְ⁠הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֨ים וְ⁠הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֜ים מֵאָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אִ֗ישׁ וְ⁠הַ⁠בָּאִ֥ים אֵלֵ֛י⁠נוּ מִן־הַ⁠גּוֹיִ֥ם אֲשֶׁר־סְבִיבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ עַל־שֻׁלְחָנִֽ⁠י1At my table were the Jews…from among the nations who were around usNehemiah was responsible for providing food for all of these people. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Also, every day I was responsible to feed at our table the Jews and the officials, 150 people; and we also fed the visitors who came from other countries around us (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
552NEH517w7i4עַל־שֻׁלְחָנִֽ⁠י1my tableThis refers to the governors table. It was a communal table for the community and for discussion of issues.
553NEH517j2afוְ⁠הַ⁠סְּגָנִ֜ים1officialsgovernment leaders
554NEH518fa32figs-activepassiveוַ⁠אֲשֶׁר֩ הָיָ֨ה נַעֲשֶׂ֜ה לְ⁠י֣וֹם אֶחָ֗ד שׁ֣וֹר אֶחָ֞ד1Now what was prepared each day wasThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Each day I told my servants to prepare” or “Each day I told my servants to serve us the meat from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
555NEH518gqe2יַ֖יִן לְ⁠הַרְבֵּ֑ה1wine in abundance“enough wine for everyone”
556NEH518sp6nוְ⁠עִם־זֶ֗ה לֶ֤חֶם הַ⁠פֶּחָה֙ לֹ֣א בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי1yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor“yet I never asked for the governors food allowance”
557NEH519mil3figs-idiomלְ⁠טוֹבָ֑ה1for goodThis idiom is a request for God to reward him with good things because of the good that he has done for the people. Alternate translation: “and reward me” or “cause good to happen to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
558NEH6introk4df0# Nehemiah 06 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The building of the wall is completed in this chapter.<br><br>The ULT sets the lines in 6:6-7 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Miracle<br><br>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.
559NEH61gd7ctranslate-namesלְ⁠סַנְבַלַּ֣ט וְ֠⁠טוֹבִיָּה1Sanballat…TobiahThese are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
560NEH61bxn2translate-namesוּ⁠לְ⁠גֶ֨שֶׁם1GeshemThis is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
561NEH61vi6vfigs-synecdocheבָנִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת־הַ֣⁠חוֹמָ֔ה…לֹא־הֶעֱמַ֥דְתִּי1I had rebuilt the wall…I had not yetNehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall and did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: “we had rebuilt the wall…we had not yet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
562NEH61ap2qfigs-ellipsisפָּ֑רֶץ1any sectionsThis refers to sections of the wall. Alternate translation: “any sections of the wall” or “any gaps in the city wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
563NEH62n5nufigs-idiomוַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֨ח…אֵלַ֣⁠י1sent to meThis means that they sent a messenger with a message. Alternate translation: “sent a messenger to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
564NEH62rbv9translate-namesאוֹנ֑וֹ1OnoThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
565NEH63d84vfigs-synecdocheמְלָאכָ֤ה גְדוֹלָה֙ אֲנִ֣י עֹשֶׂ֔ה1I am doing a great workNehemiah supervised the rebuilding of the wall. He did not build it by himself. Alternate translation: “We are doing a great work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
566NEH63ee8ifigs-rquestionלָ֣⁠מָּה תִשְׁבַּ֤ת הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַרְפֶּ֔⁠הָ וְ⁠יָרַדְתִּ֖י אֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם1Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?This rhetorical question is used to challenge Sanballats request. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot let the work stop and come down to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
567NEH63t9gfוְ⁠יָרַדְתִּ֖י אֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם1down to youThe word “down” is used here because the plain of Ono where they were requesting Nehemiah to come is at a lower elevation than Jerusalem.
568NEH65r8xctranslate-ordinalוַ⁠יִּשְׁלַח֩ אֵלַ֨⁠י סַנְבַלַּ֜ט כַּ⁠דָּבָ֥ר הַ⁠זֶּ֛ה פַּ֥עַם חֲמִישִׁ֖ית אֶֽת־נַעֲר֑⁠וֹ1Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way the fifth timeIdentifying this message separately means it is distinct in some way from the previous four messages and, therefore, should be noted. Alternate translation: “ Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way yet again” or “Sanballat sent his servant to me to deliver a fifth message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
569NEH65s6agוְ⁠אִגֶּ֥רֶת פְּתוּחָ֖ה1an open letterThe letter was an unsealed diplomatic communication. This was an insult to the recipient because the courier was free to read it and spread its contents among the people of the region.
570NEH65rx5jfigs-metonymyבְּ⁠יָדֽ⁠וֹ1in his handThis means he had the letter in his possession, but he did not necessarily carry it in his hand at all times. Alternate translation: “in his possession” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
571NEH66wy84figs-activepassiveבַּ⁠גּוֹיִ֤ם נִשְׁמָע֙1It is reported among the nationsThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The rumor in the region is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
572NEH66z81qfigs-explicitחֹשְׁבִ֣ים לִ⁠מְר֔וֹד1are planning to rebelThis means that they are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes, the Persian king, who was currently ruling the Jews. Alternate translation: “are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
573NEH67n1rjיִשָּׁמַ֣ע לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1the king will hear“King Artaxerxes will hear”
574NEH67u185וְ⁠עַתָּ֣ה לְכָ֔⁠ה1Therefore come“Therefore come meet with us”
575NEH68ei6jוָ⁠אֶשְׁלְחָ֤⁠ה אֵלָי⁠ו֙ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר1Then I sent word to himHere “I” refers to Nehemiah and “him” to Sanballat.
576NEH68ab7xלֹ֤א נִֽהְיָה֙ כַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַתָּ֣ה אוֹמֵ֑ר1No such things have occurred as you say“None of the things you have written have occurred”
577NEH68ds1yfigs-metonymyכִּ֥י מִֽ⁠לִּבְּ⁠ךָ֖ אַתָּ֥ה בוֹדָֽא⁠ם1for within your heart you invented themHere the “heart” refers to the “mind,” that is, to ones desires and thoughts. Alternate translation: “for within your mind you invented them” or “for you have made this up in your own imagination” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
578NEH69p45kכִּ֣י כֻלָּ֗⁠ם מְיָֽרְאִ֤ים אוֹתָ֨⁠נוּ֙1For they all wanted to make us afraidHere “they” refers to Nehemiahs enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their followers. The word “us” refers to the Jews.
579NEH69b5ijfigs-explicitיִרְפּ֧וּ יְדֵי⁠הֶ֛ם מִן־הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֖ה1They will drop their hands from doing the workThis is a descriptive phrase that means that they are stopping their work on the wall. Alternate translation: “The workers on the wall will stop doing the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
580NEH69j1djfigs-synecdocheחַזֵּ֥ק אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠י1strengthen my handsHere Nehemiah requests for God to strengthen him by asking him to strengthen his “hands.” Alternate translation: “strengthen me” or “give me courage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
581NEH610ybj6translate-namesשְֽׁמַֽעְיָ֧ה…דְּלָיָ֛ה…מְהֵֽיטַבְאֵ֖ל1Shemaiah…Delaiah…MehetabelThese are mens names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
582NEH610k8xdfigs-activepassiveוְ⁠ה֣וּא עָצ֑וּר1who was confined in his homeThe writer does not give the reason for him being confined, so it is best to say that he was staying at home using the most general words possible. Alternate translation: “who could not leave his house” or “whom the authorities had ordered to stay in his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
583NEH611syw3figs-rquestionהַ⁠אִ֤ישׁ כָּמ֨וֹ⁠נִי֙ יִבְרָ֔ח וּ⁠מִ֥י כָמ֛וֹ⁠נִי אֲשֶׁר־יָב֥וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠הֵיכָ֖ל וָ⁠חָ֑י1Would a man like me run away? Would a man like me go into the temple just so he could save his own life?Nehemiah uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he will not do what Shemaiah has suggested. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “A man like me would not run away. A man like me would not go into the temple just to hide to stay alive.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
584NEH612s2sfכִּ֤י הַ⁠נְּבוּאָה֙ דִּבֶּ֣ר עָלַ֔⁠י1but that he had prophesied against me“but that he had prophesied in order to oppose me”
585NEH613b27kוְ⁠חָטָ֑אתִי1and sinUsing the temple as a place to hide was sinful. It may be helpful to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “and sin by misusing the temple”
586NEH613ji1gfigs-idiomלְ⁠שֵׁ֣ם רָ֔ע1a bad nameThis is an idiom. Alternate translation: “so that they could give me a bad reputation” or “so that they could give a bad report about me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
587NEH614nau4זָכְרָ֧⁠ה1Call to mindThis is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Remember”
588NEH614g3chtranslate-namesלְ⁠נוֹעַדְיָ֤ה1NoadiahThis is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
589NEH615m52sfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠תִּשְׁלַם֙ הַֽ⁠חוֹמָ֔ה1So the wall was finishedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “We finished the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
590NEH615g17xtranslate-hebrewmonthsבְּ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וַ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה לֶ⁠אֱל֑וּל1the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul“day 25 of the month of Elul.” Elul is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
591NEH615ara3translate-numbersלַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנַ֖יִם יֽוֹם1fifty-two days“52 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
592NEH616t54cוַ⁠יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1they fell greatly in their own eyes“they thought much less of themselves” or “they lost confidence in themselves”
593NEH616py4cfigs-activepassiveמֵ⁠אֵ֣ת אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֥ה הַ⁠זֹּֽאת1the work was done with the help of our GodThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “it was our God who helped us complete this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
594NEH617zw37figs-metonymyאִגְּרֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם הוֹלְכ֖וֹת1sent many lettersThe nobles sent messengers to bring these letters to Tobiah. Alternate translation: “sent many messengers with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
595NEH617rx81figs-personificationוַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּ֖ה בָּא֥וֹת1Tobiahs letters cameHere Tobiahs letters are personified as coming by themselves, when they were actually brought by messengers. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent letters” or “Tobiah sent many messengers with letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
596NEH617rcx8translate-namesטוֹבִיָּ֑ה1TobiahSee how you translated this mans name in [Nehemiah 2:10](../02/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
597NEH618z2uqfigs-metaphorבַּעֲלֵ֤י שְׁבוּעָה֙ ל֔⁠וֹ1who were bound by an oath to himThis speaks of people being loyal to Tobiah because they had pledged an oath to him as if their oath were a rope that bound their bodies. Alternate translation: “who had sworn an oath to him” or “who had made an oath and were loyal to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
598NEH618rn1qtranslate-namesחָתָ֥ן ה֖וּא לִ⁠שְׁכַנְיָ֣ה1he was the son-in-law of ShecaniahThis means that Tobiah was married to the daughter of Shecaniah. See how you translated “Shecaniah” in [Nehemiah 3:29](../03/29.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
599NEH618id1xtranslate-namesאָרַ֑ח וִֽ⁠יהוֹחָנָ֣ן1Arah…JehohananThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
600NEH618y3lgtranslate-namesמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם…בֶּֽרֶכְיָֽה1Meshullam…BerechiahThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
601NEH619mj72גַּ֣ם טוֹבֹתָ֗י⁠ו הָי֤וּ אֹמְרִים֙ לְ⁠פָנַ֔⁠י וּ⁠דְבָרַ֕⁠י הָי֥וּ מוֹצִיאִ֖ים ל֑⁠וֹ1They also spoke to me about his good deeds and reported my words back to him“The Jewish nobles told me about Tobiahs good deeds and then told him about my responses”
602NEH619e3ztfigs-activepassiveאִגְּר֛וֹת שָׁלַ֥ח טוֹבִיָּ֖ה לְ⁠יָֽרְאֵֽ⁠נִי1Letters were sent to me from TobiahThis can be stated in active form. Tobiah sent messengers to bring the letters to Nehemiah. Alternate translation: “Tobiah sent letters to me” or “Tobiah sent messengers to bring letters to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
603NEH7introqk4v0# Nehemiah 07 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Genealogy<br><br>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.<br><br>### Different lists<br>This list is paralleled in [Ezra 2](../../ezr/02/01.md). 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.
604NEH71g3zzfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יְהִ֗י כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר נִבְנְתָה֙ הַ⁠חוֹמָ֔ה1When the wall was finishedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When we had finished the wall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
605NEH71fk6lfigs-synecdocheוָ⁠אַעֲמִ֖יד הַ⁠דְּלָת֑וֹת1I had set up the doors in placeThis was done with help. Alternate translation: “I and others hung the doors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
606NEH71wkp3figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּפָּֽקְד֛וּ הַ⁠שּׁוֹעֲרִ֥ים וְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּֽם1the gatekeepers and singers and Levites had been appointedThis can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are: (1) Nehemiah appointed them. Alternate translation: “I assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks” or (2) Someone else appointed them. Alternate translation: “they assigned the gatekeepers and singers and Levites to their tasks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
607NEH71lk9vהַ⁠שּׁוֹעֲרִ֥ים1gatekeeperspeople 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
608NEH71f8ksוְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים1singersvocal musicians who led in worship, in processions, and ceremonies, producing music and chants that emphasized and enhanced the occasion
609NEH72ykr9translate-namesחֲנָ֣נִי…חֲנַנְיָ֛ה1Hanani…HananiahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
610NEH72zy5qוָ⁠אֲצַוֶּ֞ה אֶת־חֲנָ֣נִי אָחִ֗⁠י וְ⁠אֶת־חֲנַנְיָ֛ה שַׂ֥ר1I gave my brother Hanani charge“I gave the order for my brother Hanani to be the manager”
611NEH72iqf3שַׂ֥ר הַ⁠בִּירָ֖ה1who had oversight of the fortress“who was in charge of the fortress”
612NEH72dx6dוְ⁠יָרֵ֥א אֶת־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים מֵ⁠רַבִּֽים1feared God more than many“feared God more than many other people”
613NEH73y2jkוָאֹמַ֣ר לָ⁠הֶ֗ם1I said to themThe word “them” refers to Hanani and Hananiah.
614NEH73n55gלֹ֣א יִפָּֽתְח֞וּ שַׁעֲרֵ֤י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ עַד־חֹ֣ם הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ וְ⁠עַ֨ד הֵ֥ם עֹמְדִ֛ים יָגִ֥יפוּ הַ⁠דְּלָת֖וֹת וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֑זוּ1Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are on guard, you may shut the doors and bar themPossible 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.
615NEH73w3hiחֹ֣ם הַ⁠שֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ1the sun is hot“the sun is high in the sky”
616NEH73b2esוְ⁠עַ֨ד הֵ֥ם עֹמְדִ֛ים יָגִ֥יפוּ הַ⁠דְּלָת֖וֹת וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֑זוּ1While 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”
617NEH73mir9מִשְׁמְרוֹת֙1gatekeepersSee how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:1](../07/01.md)
618NEH73ed9mיָגִ֥יפוּ הַ⁠דְּלָת֖וֹת וֶ⁠אֱחֹ֑זוּ1shut the doors and bar them“close the gates and lock them”
619NEH73he4eוְ⁠הַעֲמֵ֗יד מִשְׁמְרוֹת֙ יֹשְׁבֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם1Appoint guards from those who live in Jerusalem“Assign guards from those people who live in Jerusalem”
620NEH73wf26בְּ⁠מִשְׁמָר֔⁠וֹ1guard station“guard post” or “guard duty place”
621NEH74y6y8figs-activepassiveוְ⁠אֵ֥ין בָּתִּ֖ים בְּנוּיִֽם1no houses had yet been rebuiltThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people had not yet rebuilt the houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
622NEH75wjd3figs-metonymyוַ⁠יִּתֵּ֤ן אֱלֹהַ⁠י֙ אֶל־לִבִּ֔⁠י1put into my heartHere Nehemiahs “heart” refers to his thoughts and will. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 2:12](../02/12.md). Alternate translation: “inspired me” or “led me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
623NEH75pzu6לְ⁠הִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ1to enroll them“to list and register them”
624NEH75avw2סֵ֤פֶר הַ⁠יַּ֨חַשׂ֙1the book of the genealogyThis was a book that no longer exists.
625NEH75bz2pfigs-activepassiveוָ⁠אֶמְצָ֖א כָּת֥וּב בּֽ⁠וֹ1found the following written in itThis can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “found that someone had written the following in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
626NEH76ud5mאֵ֣לֶּה׀ בְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מְּדִינָ֗ה1These are the people of the province“These are the descendants of this region”
627NEH76vx13הָ⁠עֹלִים֙ מִ⁠שְּׁבִ֣י1went up out of“returned from” or “came back from”
628NEH76r578figs-idiomהָ⁠עֹלִים֙1went upThis is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
629NEH76hb7vfigs-metonymyאֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶצַּ֖ר מֶ֣לֶךְ בָּבֶ֑ל1whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon took into exile“whom Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon, took away from their home country.” The army of Babylon did this under the command of Nebuchadnezzar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
630NEH77mu5htranslate-namesזְרֻבָּבֶ֗ל יֵשׁ֡וּעַ נְחֶמְיָ֡ה עֲ֠זַרְיָה רַֽעַמְיָ֨ה נַחֲמָ֜נִי מָרְדֳּכַ֥י בִּלְשָׁ֛ן מִסְפֶּ֥רֶת בִּגְוַ֖י נְח֣וּם בַּעֲנָ֑ה1Zerubbabel…Jeshua…Nehemiah…Azariah…Raamiah…Nahamani…Mordecai…Bilshan…Mispereth…Bigvai…Nehum…BaanahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
631NEH77fz51מִסְפַּ֕ר אַנְשֵׁ֖י1The number of the menA 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.
632NEH78r3xatranslate-numbers0Connecting 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
633NEH78l98vtranslate-namesפַרְעֹ֔שׁ1ParoshThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
634NEH79gy8ktranslate-namesשְׁפַטְיָ֔ה1ShephatiahThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
635NEH710nq9etranslate-namesאָרַ֔ח1ArahThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
636NEH711jc4atranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
637NEH711v6jntranslate-namesפַחַ֥ת מוֹאָ֛ב…יֵשׁ֖וּעַ וְ⁠יוֹאָ֑ב1Pahath-Moab…Jeshua…JoabThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
638NEH711my8sמוֹאָ֛ב לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י יֵשׁ֖וּעַ וְ⁠יוֹאָ֑ב1through the descendants of Jeshua and Joab“that is, the descendants of Jeshua and Joab”
639NEH712d7wftranslate-namesעֵילָ֔ם1ElamThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
640NEH713sbz7translate-namesזַתּ֔וּא1ZattuThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
641NEH714v5zrtranslate-namesזַכָּ֔י1ZakkaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
642NEH715a26atranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
643NEH715x1bdtranslate-namesבִנּ֔וּי1BinnuiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
644NEH716ay45translate-namesבֵבָ֔י1BebaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
645NEH717h84ytranslate-namesעַזְגָּ֔ד1AzgadThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
646NEH718b95ktranslate-namesאֲדֹ֣נִיקָ֔ם1AdonikamThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
647NEH719lhq4translate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
648NEH719iy74translate-namesבִגְוָ֔1BigvaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
649NEH720d5wktranslate-namesעָדִ֔ין1AdinThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
650NEH721mxg1translate-namesאָטֵ֥ר1AterThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
651NEH721l797figs-ellipsisבְּנֵֽי־אָטֵ֥ר לְ⁠חִזְקִיָּ֖ה1The descendants of Ater, of HezekiahThe writer has shortened this sentence. Alternate translation: “the descendants of Ater, who is a descendant of Hezekiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
652NEH722r3eetranslate-namesחָשֻׁ֔ם1HashumThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
653NEH723yyf7translate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
654NEH723v6ehtranslate-namesבֵצָ֔י1BezaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
655NEH724j9rbtranslate-namesחָרִ֔יף1HariphThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
656NEH725sj6ptranslate-namesגִבְע֖וֹן1GibeonThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
657NEH726sde6translate-namesבֵֽית־לֶ֨חֶם֙ וּ⁠נְטֹפָ֔ה1Bethlehem and NetophahThese are the names of places in Judah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
658NEH727xmr1translate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
659NEH727v2tbtranslate-namesעֲנָת֔וֹת1AnathothThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
660NEH728b1sdtranslate-namesבֵית־עַזְמָ֖וֶת1Beth AzmavethThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
661NEH729y9ektranslate-namesקִרְיַ֤ת יְעָרִים֙ כְּפִירָ֣ה וּ⁠בְאֵר֔וֹת1Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah, and BeerothThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
662NEH730ncc2translate-namesהָֽ⁠רָמָה֙ וָ⁠גָ֔בַע1Ramah and GebaThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
663NEH731i39dtranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
664NEH731ty2qtranslate-namesמִכְמָ֔ס1MichmasThis is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
665NEH732b4qwtranslate-namesבֵֽית־אֵל֙ וְ⁠הָ⁠עָ֔י1Bethel and AiThis is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
666NEH733dbu1translate-namesנְב֛וֹ1NeboThis is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
667NEH734d1vytranslate-namesעֵילָ֣ם1ElamThis is the name of a place. (See [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
668NEH735wz53translate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
669NEH735s9ektranslate-namesחָרִ֔ם1HarimThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
670NEH736avk6translate-namesיְרֵח֔וֹ1JerichoThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
671NEH737b9f2translate-namesלֹד֙ חָדִ֣יד וְ⁠אוֹנ֔וֹ1Lod, Hadid, and OnoThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
672NEH738rla1translate-namesסְנָאָ֔ה1SenaahThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
673NEH739x7hbtranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
674NEH739xwy8translate-namesיְדַֽעְיָה֙…יֵשׁ֔וּעַ1Jedaiah…JeshuaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
675NEH739mk8gfigs-metonymyלְ⁠בֵ֣ית יֵשׁ֔וּעַ1of the house of JeshuaThe word “house” is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: “from the family of Jeshua” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
676NEH740kd29translate-namesאִמֵּ֔ר1ImmerThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
677NEH741xd2ztranslate-namesפַשְׁח֔וּר1PashhurThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
678NEH742ias1translate-namesחָרִ֔ם1HarimThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
679NEH743h37etranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
680NEH743v5s3translate-namesיֵשׁ֧וּעַ לְ⁠קַדְמִיאֵ֛ל…לְ⁠הוֹדְוָ֖ה1Jeshua…Kadmiel…HodevahThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
681NEH744ht7ltranslate-namesאָסָ֔ף1AsaphThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
682NEH744v68gהַֽ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֑ים1singersSee how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:1](../07/01.md).
683NEH745wy4ptranslate-namesשַׁלּ֤וּם…אָטֵר֙…טַלְמֹ֣ן…עַקּ֔וּב…חֲטִיטָ֖א…שֹׁבָ֑י1Shallum…Ater…Talmon…Akkub…Hatita…ShobaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
684NEH745b7neהַ⁠שֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים1gatekeepersSee how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:1](../07/01.md).
685NEH746t2j50General Information:These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.
686NEH746st75translate-namesצִחָ֥א…חֲשֻׂפָ֖א…טַבָּעֽוֹת1Ziha…Hasupha…TabbaothThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
687NEH747d6nptranslate-namesקֵירֹ֥ס…סִיעָ֖א…פָדֽוֹן1Keros…Sia…PadonThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
688NEH747mn22סִיעָ֖א1SiaThis is the same man known by the name Siaha in Ezra 2:44.
689NEH748ln8ltranslate-namesלְבָנָ֥ה…חֲגָבָ֖ה…שַׁלְמָֽי1Lebana,…Hagaba…ShalmaiThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
690NEH749zpn7translate-namesחָנָ֥ן…גִדֵּ֖ל…גָֽחַר1Hanan…Giddel…GaharThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
691NEH750s8hz0General Information:These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.
692NEH750cd4ktranslate-namesרְאָיָ֥ה…רְצִ֖ין…נְקוֹדָֽא1Reaiah…Rezin…NekodaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
693NEH751u8eatranslate-namesגַזָּ֥ם…עֻזָּ֖א…פָסֵֽחַ1Gazzam…Uzza…PaseahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
694NEH752i1ddtranslate-namesבֵסַ֥י…מְעוּנִ֖ים…נפושסים1Besai…Meunim…NephushesimThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
695NEH753h78b0General Information:These verses continue the names of people whose descendants returned from the exile.
696NEH753u7qntranslate-namesבַקְבּ֥וּק…חֲקוּפָ֖א…חַרְחֽוּר1Bakbuk…Hakupha…HarhurThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
697NEH754jat5translate-namesבַצְלִ֥ית…מְחִידָ֖א…חַרְשָֽׁא1Bazluth…Mehida…HarshaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
698NEH755w15ptranslate-namesבַרְק֥וֹס…סִֽיסְרָ֖א…תָֽמַח1Barkos…Sisera…TemahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
699NEH756i1b4translate-namesנְצִ֖יחַ…חֲטִיפָֽא1Neziah…HatiphaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
700NEH757w9sxtranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
701NEH757ma7vtranslate-namesסוֹטַ֥י…סוֹפֶ֖רֶת…פְרִידָֽא1Sotai…Sophereth…PeridaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
702NEH757xb5jסוֹפֶ֖רֶת1SopherethThis is the name of a man who is called Hassophereth in Ezra 2:55.
703NEH757ei9xפְרִידָֽא1PeridaThis is the name of a man who is also called Peruda in Ezra 2:55.
704NEH758y1jltranslate-namesיַעְלָ֥א…דַרְק֖וֹן…גִדֵּֽל1Jaala…Darkon…GiddelThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
705NEH759vwg5translate-namesשְׁפַטְיָ֣ה…חַטִּ֗יל…פֹּכֶ֥רֶת הַצְּבָיִ֖ים…אָמֽוֹן1Shephatiah…Hattil…Pochereth Hazzebaim…AmonThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
706NEH761a15htranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
707NEH761bgx3figs-idiomהָֽ⁠עוֹלִים֙1went upThis is an idiom that refers to traveling toward Jerusalem, which was on higher ground than the surrounding area. Alternate translation: “returned” or “came back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
708NEH761c7tatranslate-namesמִ⁠תֵּ֥ל מֶ֨לַח֙ תֵּ֣ל חַרְשָׁ֔א כְּר֥וּב אַדּ֖וֹן וְ⁠אִמֵּ֑ר1Tel Melah…Tel Harsha…Kerub…Addon…ImmerThese are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
709NEH762np4htranslate-namesדְלָיָ֥ה…טוֹבִיָּ֖ה…נְקוֹדָ֑א1Delaiah…Tobiah…NekodaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
710NEH763i59atranslate-namesחֳבַיָּ֖ה…הַקּ֑וֹץ…בַרְזִלַּ֗י1Habaiah…Hakkoz…BarzillaiThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
711NEH764m2qdאֵ֗לֶּה בִּקְשׁ֧וּ כְתָבָ֛⁠ם הַ⁠מִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים1These sought their records among those enrolled by their genealogy“They sought their written genealogical records” or “They searched their written genealogical records”
712NEH764n9vyאֵ֗לֶּה בִּקְשׁ֧וּ1These sought“These” refers to the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai ([Nehemiah 7:63](../07/63.md)).
713NEH764bl4nfigs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹ֣א נִמְצָ֑א1but they could not be foundThis can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “but they could not find their records” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
714NEH764iyy1figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יְגֹֽאֲל֖וּ מִן־הַ⁠כְּהֻנָּֽה1they were excluded from the priesthood as uncleanThis can be translated in active form. The abstract noun “priesthood” can be translated as the verb “work as priests.” Alternate translation: “the governor treated them as if they were unclean and did not allow them to work as priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
715NEH765qnn2figs-activepassiveעַ֛ד עֲמֹ֥ד הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן לְ⁠אוּרִ֥ים וְ⁠תוּמִּֽים1until there rose up a priest with Urim and ThummimThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “until a priest with Urim and Thummim approved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
716NEH765cij9translate-unknownלְ⁠אוּרִ֥ים וְ⁠תוּמִּֽים1Urim and ThummimThese were sacred stones that the high priest carried on his breastplate and used at times to determine Gods will. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
717NEH766t4xjtranslate-numbers0Connecting Statement:Nehemiah is continuing to recount the number of people who returned from exile. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
718NEH766j9feכָּל־הַ⁠קָּהָ֖ל כְּ⁠אֶחָ֑ד1The whole assembly together“The whole group together”
719NEH766av51אַרְבַּ֣ע רִבּ֔וֹא אַלְפַּ֖יִם שְׁלֹשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת וְ⁠שִׁשִּֽׁים1was 42,360“was 42,360 people”
720NEH767se3xמִ֠⁠לְּ⁠בַד עַבְדֵי⁠הֶ֤ם וְ⁠אַמְהֹֽתֵי⁠הֶם֙1singing men and women“male singers and female singers”
721NEH769d72qtranslate-numbersאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וַ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֑הס…שֵׁ֣שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֔ים שְׁבַ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִֽים1435…6,720“four hundred and thirty-five…six thousand seven hundred and twenty.” These are numbers of animals brought back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
722NEH770e1e9רָאשֵׁ֣י הָֽ⁠אָב֔וֹת1the heads of ancestors families“the chief patriarchs” or “the leaders of the clans”
723NEH770le3gנָתַ֣ן לָ⁠אוֹצָ֗ר1gave to the treasury“put into the treasury”
724NEH770wf3atranslate-numbersדַּרְכְּמֹנִ֥ים אֶ֨לֶף֙1one thousand darics“1,000 darics” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
725NEH770c7ugtranslate-bmoneyזָהָ֞ב דַּרְכְּמֹנִ֥ים1darics of goldA daric was a small gold coin that people in the Persian Empire used. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
726NEH770bu8ptranslate-numbersמִזְרָק֣וֹת חֲמִשִּׁ֔ים150 basins“fifty basins.” These are large bowls. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
727NEH770bu22translate-numbersכָּתְנוֹת֙ כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת1530 priestly garments“five hundred thirty priestly garments.” These are items of clothing worn by the priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
728NEH771kzg2translate-numbersדַּרְכְּמוֹנִ֖ים שְׁתֵּ֣י רִבּ֑וֹת1twenty thousand darics“20,000 darics” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
729NEH771jxn7translate-numbersוְ⁠כֶ֕סֶף מָנִ֖ים אַלְפַּ֥יִם וּ⁠מָאתָֽיִ12,200 minas of silver“two thousand two hundred minas of silver.” A mina is about one half of a kilogram in weight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight]])
730NEH772zg2vtranslate-numbersמָנִ֣ים אַלְפָּ֑יִם1two thousand minas“2,000 minas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
731NEH772g529translate-numbersוְ⁠כָתְנֹ֥ת כֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים שִׁשִּׁ֥ים וְ⁠שִׁבְעָֽה1sixty-seven priestly garments“67 priestly garments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
732NEH773e7npוְ⁠הַ⁠שּׁוֹעֲרִים֩1gatekeepersSee how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:1](../07/01.md).
733NEH773a2ubוְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֨ים1singersSee how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:1](../07/01.md).
734NEH773jaj3figs-explicitוּ⁠מִן־הָ⁠עָ֧ם1some of the peopleThe implied information is that this refers to some of the Israelites who were not priests or other temple workers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
735NEH773znc4וְ⁠כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל1all IsraelPossible 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.
736NEH773n26rtranslate-ordinalהַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י1the seventh month“month 7.” This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
737NEH773gdj2בְּ⁠עָרֵי⁠הֶֽם1were settled in their cities“lived in their own cities”
738NEH8introw38v0# Nehemiah 08 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Reading of the law<br><br>During the exile, the Hebrew language was no longer spoken. Only the priests and Levites still understood it. Ezra read the book of the law to the people in Hebrew and the Levites walked among the crowd translating it into Aramaic for the people to understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>### Festival of Shelters<br><br>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.
739NEH81q5ihfigs-hyperboleוַ⁠יֵּאָסְפ֤וּ כָל־הָ⁠עָם֙ כְּ⁠אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֔ד1All the people gathered as one manThe word “all” is a generalization that indicates the people as a whole came together. Alternate translation: “The people gathered all together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
740NEH81f6t8שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מָּ֑יִם1Water GateThis was the name of a large opening or doorway in the wall.
741NEH81fdh4אֶת־סֵ֨פֶר֙ תּוֹרַ֣ת מֹשֶׁ֔ה1the book of the law of MosesThis would have been all or part of the first five books of the Old Testament.
742NEH82id7qtranslate-hebrewmonthsבְּ⁠י֥וֹם אֶחָ֖ד לַ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי1On the first day of the seventh monthThis is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day of the seventh month is near the middle of September on Western calendars. Alternate translation: “On day 1 of month 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
743NEH82e89aוַ⁠יָּבִ֣יא…אֶֽת־הַ⁠תּוֹרָ֞ה1brought the law“brought The Book of the Law”
744NEH82j8ylוְ⁠כֹ֖ל מֵבִ֣ין לִ⁠שְׁמֹ֑עַ1all who could hear and understandThis would include children who were old enough to understand what was being read.
745NEH83iv9yלִ⁠פְנֵ֨י הָ⁠רְח֜וֹב1He faced the open area“He turned towards the open area”
746NEH83pkz7וַ⁠יִּקְרָא1he read from itHere “it” refers to the Book of the law of Moses.
747NEH84lk8ktranslate-namesמַתִּתְיָ֡ה וְ⁠שֶׁ֡מַע וַ֠⁠עֲנָיָה וְ⁠אוּרִיָּ֧ה וְ⁠חִלְקִיָּ֛ה וּ⁠מַעֲשֵׂיָ֖ה…פְּ֠דָיָה וּ⁠מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל וּ⁠מַלְכִּיָּ֛ה וְ⁠חָשֻׁ֥ם וְ⁠חַשְׁבַּדָּ֖נָה זְכַרְיָ֥ה מְשֻׁלָּֽם1Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah…Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and MeshullamThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
748NEH85t5lffigs-abstractnounsוַ⁠יִּפְתַּ֨ח עֶזְרָ֤א הַ⁠סֵּ֨פֶר֙ לְ⁠עֵינֵ֣י כָל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם1Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the peopleThe abstract noun “sight” can be expressed with the verb “see.” Alternate translation: “Everyone saw Ezra open the book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
749NEH85wqg8הַ⁠סֵּ֨פֶר֙1the book“The Book of the Law”
750NEH85ln1zמֵ⁠עַ֥ל כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֖ם הָיָ֑ה1he was standing above the people“he was standing higher than the people”
751NEH85yv2ufigs-explicitוּ⁠כְ⁠פִתְח֖⁠וֹ עָֽמְד֥וּ כָל־הָ⁠עָֽם1when he opened it all the people stood upThe people stood up out of respect for Gods word. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
752NEH86x9v8figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠יְבָ֣רֶךְ עֶזְרָ֔א אֶת־יְהוָ֥ה1Ezra gave thanks to YahwehThe abstract noun “thanks” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “Ezra thanked Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
753NEH88s5erוַֽ⁠יִּקְרְא֥וּ בַ⁠סֵּ֛פֶר1They read in the bookThe word “They” here refers to the Levites.
754NEH88vsq9figs-abstractnounsמְפֹרָ֑שׁ וְ⁠שׂ֣וֹם שֶׂ֔כֶל וַ⁠יָּבִ֖ינוּ בַּ⁠מִּקְרָֽא1making it clear with interpretation and giving the meaningThe abstract nouns “interpretation” and “meaning” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “clearly interpreting and explaining it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
755NEH89wky3figs-hyperboleכִּ֤י בוֹכִים֙ כָּל־הָ⁠עָ֔ם1For all the people weptThis is a generalization that indicates there was great weeping among the people. Alternate translation: “For the people wept greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
756NEH810smq2figs-explicitאִכְל֨וּ מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים וּ⁠שְׁת֣וּ מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים1eat the fat and have something sweet to drinkThe implied information is that the people were told to feast on rich food and sweet drinks. Alternate translation: “eat rich food and drink something sweet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
757NEH810ach1figs-activepassiveוְ⁠אַל־תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ1Do not be grievedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
758NEH810sni7figs-abstractnounsכִּֽי־חֶדְוַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה הִ֥יא מָֽעֻזְּ⁠כֶֽם1for the joy of Yahweh is your strengthThe abstract nouns “joy” and “strength” can be expressed as verbs or adjectives. Alternate translation: “rejoicing in Yahweh will protect you” or “being joyful in Yahweh will be your strong refuge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
759NEH811sxx6הַ֔סּוּ1Hush!“Be quiet!” or “Be silent!”
760NEH811fjz6figs-activepassiveוְ⁠אַל־תֵּעָצֵֽבוּ1Do not be grievedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Do not grieve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
761NEH812z1gcfigs-abstractnounsוְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת שִׂמְחָ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֑ה1celebrate with great joyThe abstract noun “joy” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “rejoice greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
762NEH812xsf5figs-activepassiveבַּ⁠דְּבָרִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹדִ֖יעוּ לָ⁠הֶֽם1the words that were made known to themThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the words that he declared to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
763NEH813uj5jtranslate-ordinalוּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֡י1On the second day“On day 2” or “On the next day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
764NEH813y48ufigs-abstractnounsוּ⁠לְ⁠הַשְׂכִּ֖יל אֶל1to gain insight fromThe abstract noun “insight” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “to understand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
765NEH814ur1hיֵשְׁב֨וּ…בַּ⁠סֻּכּ֛וֹת1should live in sheltersThese were temporary shelters that people made out of branches and leaves.
766NEH814efg4translate-ordinalבַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִֽי1the seventh month“month 7.” This is the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of September and the first part of October on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
767NEH815rq6sוַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַשְׁמִ֗יעוּ1They should make a proclamation“They should announce”
768NEH815f9c2translate-unknownהֲדַס֙1myrtlea kind of small tree with colorful flowers (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
769NEH815es8rעֵ֣ץ עָבֹ֑ת1shade trees“leafy trees”
770NEH815jb2sfigs-activepassiveכַּ⁠כָּתֽוּב1as it is writtenThis can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “as Moses wrote about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
771NEH816dl2yוַ⁠יַּעֲשׂוּ֩ לָ⁠הֶ֨ם סֻכּ֜וֹת1made themselves shelters“each built their own shelters”
772NEH816krx4שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מַּ֔יִם…שַׁ֥עַר אֶפְרָֽיִם1Water Gate…Gate of EphraimThese are names of large openings or doorways in the wall.
773NEH816b74mוּ⁠בִ⁠רְח֖וֹב שַׁ֥עַר אֶפְרָֽיִם1in the square at the Gate of Ephraim“in the open place by the Gate of Ephraim”
774NEH817n31nמִ⁠ימֵי֩ יֵשׁ֨וּעַ1For since the days of Joshua“From the days of Joshua”
775NEH817e32utranslate-namesבִּן־נ֥וּן1son of Nun“Nun” here is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
776NEH817wyd6figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠תְּהִ֥י שִׂמְחָ֖ה גְּדוֹלָ֥ה מְאֹֽד1their joy was very greatThe abstract noun “joy” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the people were very joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
777NEH818g9rlfigs-idiomי֣וֹם׀ בְּ⁠י֔וֹם1day by dayThis idiom means “each day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
778NEH818j9ajfigs-explicitמִן־הַ⁠יּוֹם֙ הָֽ⁠רִאשׁ֔וֹן עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הָ⁠אַחֲר֑וֹן1from the first day to the lastThe implied information is that it was during the entire week of the festival. Alternate translation: “from the first day to the last day of the week” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
779NEH818c1cpוַ⁠יַּֽעֲשׂוּ־חָג֙1They kept the festival“They made a feast” or “They celebrated the festival”
780NEH818er1utranslate-ordinalוּ⁠בַ⁠יּ֧וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁמִינִ֛י1on the eighth day“on day 8” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
781NEH818sfx4עֲצֶ֖רֶת1solemn assemblyThis was a special religious gathering.
782NEH818cey3figs-explicitכַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1in obedience to the decreeThe implied information is that “the decree” was the command of Yahweh about how the Festival of Shelters was to end. Alternate translation: “as God had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
783NEH9introsj1h0# Nehemiah 09 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter and the next one form a single section.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Prayer to God<br><br>The people prayed and thanked God for his care for them and the blessings he gave to them. They also confessed their sin of disobeying him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/confess]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>### Learning from their ancestors mistakes<br>This chapter teaches that the Jews learned from the mistakes of their ancestors. They became determined to worship Yahweh alone, to not intermarry with other peoples, and to worship Yahweh as the law of Moses instructed them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])<br><br>### Recalling the great power of God<br>It was common to recall the great things God did for Israel. This is a reminder to Israel of Gods power. It is intended to bring the people to repentance and proper worship of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])
784NEH91w8w8translate-hebrewmonthsוּ⁠בְ⁠יוֹם֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים וְ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֜ה לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֗ה1the twenty-fourth day of the same month“the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month” This is near the middle of October on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
785NEH91lm7mנֶאֶסְפ֤וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙1the people of Israel were assembled“the people of Israel came together”
786NEH91irv4figs-explicitוּ⁠בְ⁠שַׂקִּ֔ים וַ⁠אֲדָמָ֖ה עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1they were wearing sackcloth, and they put dust on their headsThis was in order to show how sorry they were for the wrong things they and their ancestors had done. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
787NEH92xbs1זֶ֣רַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל1The descendants of Israel“The Israelites”
788NEH92qx58וַ⁠יִּבָּֽדְלוּ֙…מִ⁠כֹּ֖ל בְּנֵ֣י נֵכָ֑ר1separated themselves from all the foreigners“no longer had anything to do with those who were not Israelites”
789NEH92vhc6וַ⁠יַּעַמְד֗וּ וַ⁠יִּתְוַדּוּ֙ עַל־חַטֹּ֣אתֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠עֲוֺנ֖וֹת אֲבֹתֵי⁠הֶֽם1They 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”
790NEH93q5p1וַ⁠יָּק֨וּמוּ֙1They stood upAll the Israelites stood up
791NEH93je9tמִתְוַדִּ֣ים1they were confessing“they were admitting the wrong things they had done”
792NEH93qe6eוּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִ֔ים1bowing down before“worshiping” or “praising”
793NEH94bc94וַ⁠יָּ֜קָם עַֽל־מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֗ם יֵשׁ֨וּעַ וּ⁠בָנִ֜י1The Levites, Jeshua, Bani…stood on the stairsSome versions translate, “Jeshua, Bani…stood on the stairs built for the Levites”
794NEH94zl5jtranslate-namesיֵשׁ֨וּעַ וּ⁠בָנִ֜י קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל שְׁבַנְיָ֛ה בֻּנִּ֥י שֵׁרֵבְיָ֖ה בָּנִ֣י כְנָ֑נִי1Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenanimens names (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
795NEH95j96xוַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֡ם…ק֗וּמוּ1Then the Levites…said, “Stand up…ever.”Here the Levites are speaking to the people of Israel.
796NEH95u4puבָּרֲכוּ֙ אֶת־יְהוָ֣ה1give praise to Yahweh“bless Yahweh”
797NEH95yk5btranslate-namesיֵשׁ֣וּעַ וְ֠⁠קַדְמִיאֵל בָּנִ֨י…שֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֤ה…שְׁבַנְיָ֣ה1Jeshua…Kadmiel…Bani…Sherebiah…ShebaniahThese are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 9:4](./04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
798NEH95m3eutranslate-namesחֲשַׁבְנְיָ֜ה שֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֤ה הֽוֹדִיָּה֙…פְתַֽחְיָ֔ה1Hashabneiah…Hodiah…PethahiahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
799NEH95tve4וִ⁠יבָֽרְכוּ֙ שֵׁ֣ם כְּבוֹדֶ֔⁠ךָ1May they bless your glorious namethe Levites are speaking to Yahweh. “May the people of Judah bless your glorious name, Yahweh”
800NEH96k5l3figs-metaphorשְׁמֵ֨י הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֜יִם וְ⁠כָל־צְבָאָ֗⁠ם הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ וְ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָלֶ֨י⁠הָ֙ הַ⁠יַּמִּים֙ וְ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּ⁠הֶ֔ם וְ⁠אַתָּ֖ה מְחַיֶּ֣ה אֶת־כֻּלָּ֑⁠ם וּ⁠צְבָ֥א הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֖יִם לְ⁠ךָ֥ מִשְׁתַּחֲוִֽים1the highest heavens, with all their host…the host of heaven worship youA host is an army. The “host of heaven” speaks in a metaphor of the many stars as if they were an army. The stars in turn are a metaphor for the many angels. The stars worshiping Yahweh is a metaphor for the angels worshiping Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
801NEH97id6f0Connecting Statement:The Levites continue their prayer before all the people.
802NEH97us45מֵ⁠א֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים1Ur of the Chaldees“Ur, where the Chaldean people group lived”
803NEH98ej7efigs-synecdocheוּ⁠מָצָ֣אתָ אֶת־לְבָב⁠וֹ֮ נֶאֱמָ֣ן לְ⁠פָנֶי⁠ךָ֒1You found his heart was faithful before youThe heart, the inner being of the person, represents the person. Alternate translation: “You saw that he was completely faithful to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
804NEH98vbx8translate-namesהַ⁠כְּנַעֲנִ֨י הַ⁠חִתִּ֜י הָ⁠אֱמֹרִ֧י וְ⁠הַ⁠פְּרִזִּ֛י וְ⁠הַ⁠יְבוּסִ֥י וְ⁠הַ⁠גִּרְגָּשִׁ֖י1Canaanites…Hittites…Amorites…Perizzites…Jebusites…Girgashitespeople group names (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
805NEH99p3f40Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
806NEH99vp1yוַ⁠תֵּ֛רֶא1You sawYahweh saw
807NEH99j256figs-explicitוְ⁠אֶת־זַעֲקָתָ֥⁠ם שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ1you heard their cryThe implied information is that God was moved to action because of the Israelites cries for help. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
808NEH910ge61figs-explicitוַ֠⁠תִּתֵּן אֹתֹ֨ת וּ⁠מֹֽפְתִ֜ים בְּ⁠פַרְעֹ֤ה1signs and wonders against PharaohThe plagues tested Pharaohs heart, and they became a witness against his hardness of heart. Alternate translation: “signs and wonders that testified against Pharaoh” or “signs and wonders that condemned Pharaoh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
809NEH910i7c3וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־עַ֣ם אַרְצ֔⁠וֹ1all the people of his land“all the Egyptians”
810NEH910s54aהֵזִ֖ידוּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1acted with arrogance against them“were arrogant toward the Israelites” or “mistreated Gods chosen people”
811NEH910m6zrfigs-metonymyוַ⁠תַּֽעַשׂ־לְ⁠ךָ֥ שֵׁ֖ם כְּ⁠הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה1you made a name for yourself which stands to this dayHere “name” represents a reputation. Alternate translation: “you made yourself famous and even now people still remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
812NEH911n7jm0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
813NEH911d1kpוְ⁠הַ⁠יָּם֙ בָּקַ֣עְתָּ1you divided the seaGod divided
814NEH911l5arfigs-simileהִשְׁלַ֧כְתָּ בִ⁠מְצוֹלֹ֛ת כְּמוֹ־אֶ֖בֶן בְּ⁠מַ֥יִם עַזִּֽים1you…threw those who pursued them into the depths, as a stone into deep watersIn this simile, the writer describes God throwing the Egyptians into the sea as easily as a person would throw a stone into water, and the stone would disappear under the water completely. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
815NEH912n4i20Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
816NEH912m7vxהִנְחִיתָ֖⁠ם1You led themYahweh led the Israelites.
817NEH913z2dsfigs-idiomיָרַ֔דְתָּ1you came downWhen God talks with his people, he is often described as “coming down” or “coming down from heaven.” This is a descriptive way of saying that God appeared to that person. Alternate translation: “you appeared” or “you came down from heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
818NEH913zut5figs-parallelismמִשְׁפָּטִ֤ים יְשָׁרִים֙ וְ⁠תוֹר֣וֹת אֱמֶ֔ת חֻקִּ֥ים וּ⁠מִצְוֺ֖ת טוֹבִֽים1righteous decrees and true laws, good statutes and commandmentsBoth of these double phrases describe the same thing, the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
819NEH914w3q60Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
820NEH914h9f4figs-doubletוּ⁠מִצְו֤וֹת וְ⁠חֻקִּים֙ וְ⁠תוֹרָ֔ה1commandments…statutes…lawEach of these three words refers to the law of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
821NEH916g6tt0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
822NEH916m753וְ⁠הֵ֥ם וַ⁠אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ1they and our ancestorsthe Israelites at the time of Moses and the people of Israel after the time of Moses
823NEH916t1hefigs-idiomוַ⁠יַּקְשׁוּ֙ אֶת־עָרְפָּ֔⁠ם1they were stiff-neckedThis is an idiom that means that they were stubborn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
824NEH917v9ibfigs-idiomוַ⁠יַּקְשׁוּ֙ אֶת־עָרְפָּ֔⁠ם1were stiff-neckedThis is an idiom that means that they were stubborn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
825NEH917f1m1נִפְלְאֹתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֣יתָ עִמָּ⁠הֶ֔ם1the wonders that you had done among them“the miracles that you had done among them”
826NEH917gd2bfigs-explicitוַ⁠יִּתְּנוּ־רֹ֛אשׁ לָ⁠שׁ֥וּב לְ⁠עַבְדֻתָ֖⁠ם1they appointed a leader to return to their slaveryThe Israelites would know that this referred to their ancestors wanting to return to Egypt. Alternate translation: “they appointed a leader to take them back to Egypt where they had been slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
827NEH917p6nmfigs-metaphorוְ⁠אַתָּה֩ אֱל֨וֹהַּ סְלִיח֜וֹת1who is full of forgivenessThe desire to forgive is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could fill a container. Alternate translation: “who is ready to forgive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
828NEH917c986figs-metaphorוְ⁠רַב־חֶ֖סֶד1abounding in steadfast loveLove is spoken of as if it were a food crop that Yahweh could share with people. Alternate translation: “loves his people very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
829NEH918hw320Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
830NEH918ind6עָשׂ֤וּ לָ⁠הֶם֙ עֵ֣גֶל מַסֵּכָ֔ה1cast a calf out of molten metalmelted metal and molded it in the shape of a calf
831NEH919eqh4וְ⁠אַתָּה֙…הָֽ⁠רַבִּ֔ים לֹ֥א1you…did not abandon themYahweh did not abandon the Israelites.
832NEH919x6bfאֶת־עַמּ֣וּד הֶ֠⁠עָנָן…וְ⁠אֶת־עַמּ֨וּד הָ⁠אֵ֤שׁ1The pillar of cloud…the pillar of fireSee how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:12](../09/12.md).
833NEH920buh10Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
834NEH920e7m4וְ⁠רוּחֲ⁠ךָ֨ הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֔ה…וּ⁠מַנְ⁠ךָ֙…וּ⁠מַ֛יִם1Your good Spirit…your manna…waterThe writer changes the usual word order to emphasize the good things Yahweh gave his people. Your language may have another way of emphasizing these items.
835NEH920ncd6לְ⁠הַשְׂכִּילָ֑⁠ם1instructteach
836NEH920gyd6figs-litotesוּ⁠מַנְ⁠ךָ֙ לֹא־מָנַ֣עְתָּ מִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֔ם1your manna you did not withhold from their mouthsThis litotes can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “you generously gave them manna” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
837NEH920qka1figs-synecdocheמִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֔ם1from their mouthsThe mouth is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “from them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
838NEH922f4620Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
839NEH922xc6vוַ⁠תִּתֵּ֨ן לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מַמְלָכוֹת֙1You gave them kingdomsYahweh gave the Israelites kingdoms.
840NEH922kgg1וַ⁠תִּתֵּ֨ן לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מַמְלָכוֹת֙ וַ⁠עֲמָמִ֔ים1gave them kingdoms and peoples“enabled them to conquer kingdoms and peoples”
841NEH922zt5pוַֽ⁠תַּחְלְקֵ֖⁠ם לְ⁠פֵאָ֑ה1assigning to them every corner of the land“enabling them to possess every part of the land”
842NEH922xf4vtranslate-namesסִיח֗וֹן…ע֥וֹג1Sihon…OgThese are the names of kings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
843NEH922bkk3translate-namesחֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן…הַ⁠בָּשָֽׁן1Heshbon…BashanThese are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
844NEH923w96j0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
845NEH923t5pbוּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֣ם הִרְבִּ֔יתָ1You made their childrenYahweh made the descendants of the Israelites at the time of Moses
846NEH924vz5vfigs-metaphorוַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֖⁠ם בְּ⁠יָדָ֑⁠ם1gave them into their handsThe Canaanites are spoken of as if they were small objects that a person could place in the hand of another person. To give something into a persons hand is to give that person complete control over that thing. Alternate translation: “enabled the Israelites to have complete control over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
847NEH925v4540Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
848NEH925yzu6וַֽ⁠יִּלְכְּד֞וּ1They capturedThe Israelites at the time of Moses captured
849NEH925gs7aוַ⁠אֲדָמָ֣ה שְׁמֵנָה֒1a productive land“a fertile land”
850NEH925ke4uבֹּר֨וֹת1cisternsholes in the ground where people store water
851NEH925s544figs-metaphorוַֽ⁠יִּשְׂבְּעוּ֙1grew fatThis might be a metaphor for “stopped thinking about Yahweh” or “became complacent.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
852NEH926t19v0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
853NEH926q9szfigs-metaphorוַ⁠יַּשְׁלִ֤כוּ אֶת־תּוֹרָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י גַוָּ֔⁠ם1They threw your law behind their backsThe law is spoken of as if it were a worthless item that a person could throw away. Alternate translation: “They considered your law worthless and paid no attention to it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
854NEH926vbj5וַ⁠יַּשְׁלִ֤כוּ אֶת־תּוֹרָֽתְ⁠ךָ֙1They threw your lawThe Israelites threw Yahwehs law.
855NEH927v5lzfigs-metonymyוַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ⁠ם֙ בְּ⁠יַ֣ד צָֽרֵי⁠הֶ֔ם וַ⁠יָּצֵ֖רוּ לָ⁠הֶ֑ם1you gave them into the hand of their enemies, who made them sufferHere “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “you allowed their enemies to defeat them and cause them to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
856NEH927z213figs-metonymyתִּתֵּ֤ן לָ⁠הֶם֙ מֽוֹשִׁיעִ֔ים וְ⁠יוֹשִׁיע֖וּ⁠ם מִ⁠יַּ֥ד צָרֵי⁠הֶֽם1you sent them rescuers who rescued them out of the hand of their enemiesHere “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “you sent people to stop their enemies from harming them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
857NEH928u77m0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
858NEH928ds4wוּ⁠כְ⁠נ֣וֹחַ לָ⁠הֶ֔ם יָשׁ֕וּבוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת רַ֖ע לְ⁠פָנֶ֑י⁠ךָ1they had rest, they did evil again before youHere “they” refers to the Israelites and “you” to Yahweh.
859NEH928puz2figs-metonymyוַ⁠תַּֽעַזְבֵ֞⁠ם בְּ⁠יַ֤ד אֹֽיְבֵי⁠הֶם֙1you abandoned them to the hand of their enemiesHere “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “you abandoned them and allow their enemies to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
860NEH929pm9hוְ⁠לֹא־שָׁמְע֤וּ לְ⁠מִצְוֺתֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙1did not listen to your commandsIf your language has a word for “listen” that also means “obey,” use it here.
861NEH929una2figs-metonymyוּ⁠בְ⁠מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣י⁠ךָ חָֽטְאוּ־בָ֔⁠ם אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה אָדָ֖ם וְ⁠חָיָ֣ה בָ⁠הֶ֑ם1your decrees which give life to anyone who obeys themYahweh himself is spoken of as if he were the decrees themselves. Alternate translation: “you even though you give life to everyone who obeys your decrees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
862NEH929k1ewfigs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּתְּנ֤וּ כָתֵף֙ סוֹרֶ֔רֶת וְ⁠עָרְפָּ֥⁠ם הִקְשׁ֖וּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א שָׁמֵֽעוּ1They gave the stubborn shoulder-blade and stiffened their neckThese are images of an ox refusing to allow its owner to put a yoke on its shoulders. Here they are a metaphor that represents the people being stubborn. Alternate translation: “They became stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
863NEH930sj6k0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
864NEH930tqa5figs-metonymyוַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֔⁠ם בְּ⁠יַ֖ד עַמֵּ֥י הָ⁠אֲרָצֹֽת1you gave them into the hand of the neighboring peoplesHere “hand” represents power or control. See how you translated these words in [Nehemiah 9:27](../09/27.md). Alternate translation: “you allowed the neighboring peoples to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
865NEH930ym8iוַֽ⁠תִּתְּנֵ֔⁠ם1you gaveYahweh gave
866NEH931cl3nלֹֽא־עֲשִׂיתָ֥⁠ם כָּלָ֖ה1you did not make a complete end of them“you did not destroy them”
867NEH932j1rz0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
868NEH932j5fkאַל־יִמְעַ֣ט לְ⁠פָנֶ֡י⁠ךָ אֵ֣ת כָּל־הַ⁠תְּלָאָ֣ה אֲֽשֶׁר־מְ֠צָאַתְ⁠נוּ לִ⁠מְלָכֵ֨י⁠נוּ לְ⁠שָׂרֵ֧י⁠נוּ וּ⁠לְ⁠כֹהֲנֵ֛י⁠נוּ וְ⁠לִ⁠נְבִיאֵ֥⁠נוּ וְ⁠לַ⁠אֲבֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ וּ⁠לְ⁠כָל־עַמֶּ֑⁠ךָ מִ⁠ימֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י אַשּׁ֔וּר עַ֖ד הַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽ1do not let all this hardship seem little to you that has come on us…until todayIt is possible to divide this into two sentences. “Do not let all this hardship seem little to you. The hardship has come upon us…until today”
869NEH932u6i9figs-personificationהַ⁠תְּלָאָ֣ה אֲֽשֶׁר־מְ֠צָאַתְ⁠נוּ1hardship…has come on usThe phrase “come on us” speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate translation: “harm…we have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
870NEH933pl1ffigs-personificationהַ⁠בָּ֣א עָלֵ֑י⁠נוּ1everything that has come on usThe phrase “come on us” speaks of bad things that happen as if they are people who cause harm. Alternate translation: “everything we have suffered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
871NEH935af8m0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
872NEH935nxv9וּ⁠בְ⁠טוּבְ⁠ךָ֨ הָ⁠רָ֜ב אֲשֶׁר־נָתַ֣תָּ לָ⁠הֶ֗ם1while they enjoyed your great goodness to them“while they enjoyed the good things you gave them”
873NEH935ibf9לֹ֣א עֲבָד֑וּ⁠ךָ1they did not serve you“they were not obedient to your law or teaching”
874NEH936q7xj0Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
875NEH936qh7fוְ⁠אֶת־טוּבָ֔⁠הּ1its good gifts“all the good things in it” or “all the good things we can get from it”
876NEH937q3dzוּ⁠תְבוּאָתָ֣⁠הּ מַרְבָּ֗ה לַ⁠מְּלָכִ֛ים1The rich yield from our land goes to the kings“We pay tribute to kings for working our own land”
877NEH937x15lמֹשְׁלִ֤ים1They ruleThe kings rule.
878NEH938g7s30Connecting Statement:In these verses, the Levites continue to praise Yahweh in the presence of the people of Israel.
879NEH938t4agוּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־זֹ֕את1Because of all thisbecause the people had disobeyed and Yahweh had punished them
880NEH938xee9וְ⁠עַל֙ הֶֽ⁠חָת֔וּם1On the sealed document are the namesThe reader should understand that the men wrote their names on the document before it was sealed.
881NEH10introm17y0# Nehemiah 10 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### The vow<br><br>By signing this document, the people vowed or agreed to obey God, not to buy things on the Sabbath and to pay their temple tax. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]])
882NEH101ijh70Connecting Statement:Here begins a list of the people whose names were on the sealed document.
883NEH101jc8xfigs-explicitוְ⁠עַ֖ל הַ⁠חֲתוּמִ֑ים נְחֶמְיָ֧ה הַ⁠תִּרְשָׁ֛תָא בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה וְ⁠צִדְקִיָּֽה1On the sealed documents were Nehemiah…ZedekiahThe names of these people were written on the documents. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “On the sealed documents were the names of Nehemiah…Zedekiah” or “On the sealed documents were the names of the following people: Nehemiah…Zedekiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
884NEH101j4nyהַ⁠חֲתוּמִ֑ים1sealed documentsThe documents were sealed after the names had been signed on the documents.
885NEH101mu7ufigs-pronounsנְחֶמְיָ֧ה1NehemiahSome people believe that Nehemiah wrote this book and is speaking of himself as if he were someone else because this is an official list. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
886NEH101r4sgtranslate-namesחֲכַלְיָ֖ה1HakaliahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 1:1](../01/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
887NEH102wj7b0Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.
888NEH102l6qatranslate-namesשְׂרָיָ֥ה…יִרְמְיָֽה1Seraiah…JeremiahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
889NEH102huw8translate-namesעֲזַרְיָ֖ה1AzariahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:23](../03/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
890NEH103b2lc0Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents (verse 1) continues.
891NEH103d5crtranslate-namesפַּשְׁח֥וּר אֲמַרְיָ֖ה1Pashhur, AmariahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
892NEH103lw6utranslate-namesמַלְכִּיָּֽה1MalkijahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11](../03/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
893NEH104uqt40Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
894NEH104g6hstranslate-namesחַטּ֥וּשׁ1HattushSee how you translated this mans name in [Nehemiah 3:10](../03/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
895NEH104bdr6translate-namesשְׁבַנְיָ֖ה1ShebaniahSee how you translated this mans name in [Nehemiah 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
896NEH104xzc8translate-namesמַלּֽוּ1MallukThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
897NEH105qbj90Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
898NEH105qai2translate-namesחָרִ֥ם1HarimThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11](../03/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
899NEH105z9wltranslate-namesמְרֵמ֖וֹת1MeremothThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
900NEH105gdm7translate-namesעֹֽבַדְיָֽה1ObadiahThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
901NEH106del40Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
902NEH106z2vdtranslate-namesדָּנִיֵּ֥אל גִּנְּת֖וֹן1Daniel, GinnethonThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
903NEH106h9n5translate-namesבָּרֽוּךְ1BaruchThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:20](../03/20.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
904NEH107yd6rtranslate-namesמְשֻׁלָּ֥ם1MeshullamThis is a mans name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
905NEH107x4lctranslate-namesאֲבִיָּ֖ה מִיָּמִֽן1Abijah, MijaminThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
906NEH108mt1stranslate-namesמַֽעַזְיָ֥ה בִלְגַּ֖י1Maaziah, BilgaiThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
907NEH108iv3ctranslate-namesשְׁמַֽעְיָ֑ה1ShemaiahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:29](../03/29.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
908NEH108ppp7figs-explicitאֵ֖לֶּה הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִֽים1These were the priestsThis refers to the previous list of men who signed the document. Alternate translation: “These were the names of the priests who signed the document” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
909NEH109b29e0Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues. Nehemiah begins here to list the names of the Levies who signed the sealed document.
910NEH109i6e3figs-ellipsisוְֽ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֑ם1The Levites wereThis refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. Alternate translation: “The Levites who put their names on the sealed documents were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
911NEH109si66translate-namesוְ⁠יֵשׁ֨וּעַ֙…חֵנָדָ֖ד1Jeshua…HenadadThese are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 3:18-19](../03/18.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
912NEH109pi28translate-namesאֲזַנְיָ֔ה1AzaniahThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
913NEH109j952translate-namesבִּנּ֕וּי1BinnuiThis is a mans name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 3:24](../03/24.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
914NEH109km8etranslate-namesקַדְמִיאֵֽל1KadmielThis is a mans name. See how you translated it in [Nehemiah 7:43](../07/43.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
915NEH1010yg6htranslate-namesשְׁבַנְיָ֧ה1ShebaniahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
916NEH1010cfy7translate-namesהֽוֹדִיָּ֛ה קְלִיטָ֖א פְּלָאיָ֥ה1Hodiah…Kelita…PelaiahThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7](../08/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
917NEH1010z9gdtranslate-namesחָנָֽן1HananThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:49](../07/49.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
918NEH1011x5wd0Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
919NEH1011fh22translate-namesרְח֖וֹב1RehobThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
920NEH1011w8h1translate-namesמִיכָ֥א1MikaThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 10:11](../10/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
921NEH1011z3i5translate-namesחֲשַׁבְיָֽה1HashabiahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:17](../03/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
922NEH1012vuf70Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
923NEH1012ac1stranslate-namesזַכּ֥וּר1ZaccurThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:2](../03/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
924NEH1012ctq5translate-namesשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֖ה1SherebiahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7](../08/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
925NEH1012r5hatranslate-namesשְׁבַנְיָֽה1ShebaniahThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
926NEH1013t4nx0Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
927NEH1013q7fmtranslate-namesהוֹדִיָּ֥ה…בְּנִֽינוּ1Hodiah…BeninuThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
928NEH1013f7a5translate-namesבָנִ֖י1BaniThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:17](../03/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
929NEH1014uar6figs-ellipsisרָאשֵׁ֖י הָ⁠עָ֑ם1The leaders of the people wereThis refers to those who put their names on the sealed documents. Alternate translation: “The leaders of the people who put their names on the sealed documents were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
930NEH1014c75btranslate-namesפַּרְעֹשׁ֙1ParoshThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:25](../03/25.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
931NEH1014d729translate-namesפַּחַ֣ת מוֹאָ֔ב1Pahath-MoabThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11](../03/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
932NEH1014ta8ytranslate-namesעֵילָ֥ם זַתּ֖וּא1Elam…ZattuThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:12](../07/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
933NEH1015nkt20General Information:In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.
934NEH1015r379translate-namesבֻּנִּ֥י1BunniThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 9:4](../09/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
935NEH1015d4hqtranslate-namesעַזְגָּ֖ד בֵּבָֽי1Azgad, BebaiThese are the names of men. See how you translated them in [Nehemiah 7:16-17](../07/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
936NEH1016dda20Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
937NEH1016m4l9translate-namesאֲדֹנִיָּ֥ה…עָדִֽין1Adonijah…AdinThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
938NEH1016xk1stranslate-namesבִגְוַ֖י1BigvaiThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:7](../07/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
939NEH1017ybp40Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
940NEH1017neh8translate-namesעַזּֽוּר1AzzurThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
941NEH1017l7xwtranslate-namesאָטֵ֥ר חִזְקִיָּ֖ה1Ater, HezekiahThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:20](../07/20.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
942NEH1018ssa20Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
943NEH1018n169translate-namesהוֹדִיָּ֥ה1HodiahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:7](../08/07.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
944NEH1018k9y7translate-namesחָשֻׁ֖ם1HashumThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:20](../07/20.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
945NEH1018f3letranslate-namesבֵּצָֽי1BezaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
946NEH1019rbs70Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
947NEH1019qpd4translate-namesנֵיבָֽי1NebaiThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
948NEH1019it8atranslate-namesחָרִ֥יף1HariphThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:23](../07/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
949NEH1019l77qtranslate-namesעֲנָת֖וֹת1AnathothThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:27](../07/27.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
950NEH1020xbs60Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
951NEH1020gf8rtranslate-namesמַגְפִּיעָ֥שׁ…חֵזִֽיר1Magpiash…HezirThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
952NEH1020hbe9translate-namesמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם1MeshullamThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
953NEH1021bjm20Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
954NEH1021gh1mtranslate-namesיַדּֽוּעַ1JadduaThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
955NEH1021x7eptranslate-namesמְשֵׁיזַבְאֵ֥ל צָד֖וֹק1Meshezabel, ZadokThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:4](../03/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
956NEH1022rm3j0General Information:In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the names of the people who signed the sealed document.
957NEH1022n3zktranslate-namesפְּלַטְיָ֥ה1PelatiahThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
958NEH1022e4dttranslate-namesחָנָ֖ן1HananThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:49](../07/49.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
959NEH1022un5itranslate-namesעֲנָיָֽה1AnaiahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 8:4](../08/04.md) and [Nehemiah 3:8](../03/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
960NEH1023kcs60Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
961NEH1023ku2mtranslate-namesהוֹשֵׁ֥עַ חֲנַנְיָ֖ה1Hoshea…HananiahThese are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
962NEH1023rr76translate-namesחַשּֽׁוּב1HasshubThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11](../03/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
963NEH1024p99a0Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
964NEH1024t9wxtranslate-namesהַלּוֹחֵ֥שׁ1HalloheshThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:11](../03/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
965NEH1024y9f7translate-namesפִּלְחָ֖א שׁוֹבֵֽק1Pilha…ShobekThese are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
966NEH1025t6u90Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
967NEH1025ml8wtranslate-namesרְח֥וּם1RehumThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:17](../03/17.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
968NEH1025s2tctranslate-namesחֲשַׁבְנָ֖ה1HashabnahThese are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
969NEH1025tz5atranslate-namesמַעֲשֵׂיָֽה1MaaseiahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 3:23](../03/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
970NEH1026ab18translate-namesוַ⁠אֲחִיָּ֥ה…עָנָֽן1Ahiah…AnanThese are the name of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
971NEH1026k998translate-namesחָנָ֖ן1HananThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
972NEH1027w9x40Connecting Statement:The list of men whose names appear on the sealed documents [Nehemiah 10:1](../10/01.md) continues.
973NEH1027ac3rtranslate-namesמַלּ֥וּךְ חָרִ֖ם1Malluk, HarimThese are the names of men. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 10:4](../10/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
974NEH1027y6gxtranslate-namesבַּעֲנָֽה1BaanahThis is a mans name. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:6](../07/06.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
975NEH1028w2rtהַ⁠שּׁוֹעֲרִ֨ים1gatekeepersThis refers to the people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in [Nehemiah 7:1](../07/01.md).
976NEH1028f1n8figs-explicitהַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֜ים1singersYou may need to make explicit that these are those who sang in the temple. Alternate translation: “temple singers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
977NEH1028qej9figs-explicitכֹּ֖ל יוֹדֵ֥עַ מֵבִֽין1all who have knowledge and understandingThis phrase can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “all who were old enough to understand what promising to obey God meant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
978NEH1029l6nsאֲחֵי⁠הֶם֮ אַדִּירֵי⁠הֶם֒1their brothers, their nobles“their fellow brothers the nobles” or “their brothers the leaders.” These phrases refer to the same people.
979NEH1029x6i9figs-metaphorוּ⁠בָאִ֞ים בְּ⁠אָלָ֣ה וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁבוּעָ֗ה1bound themselves with both a curse and an oathThis speaks of the people taking an oath and a curse as if the oath and the curse were a rope that physically bound them. Alternate translation: “swore themselves to an oath and a curse” or “they took an oath and called for a curse to come on themselves if they failed to keep it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
980NEH1029k971figs-idiomלָ⁠לֶ֨כֶת֙ בְּ⁠תוֹרַ֣ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים1to walk in Gods lawThis is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to live by Gods law” or “to obey Gods law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
981NEH1029p6ryfigs-activepassiveאֲשֶׁ֣ר נִתְּנָ֔ה בְּ⁠יַ֖ד מֹשֶׁ֣ה עֶֽבֶד־הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים1which was given by Moses the servant of GodThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which Moses the servant of God had given to Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
982NEH1029ny6bוְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁמ֣וֹר1to observe“to follow”
983NEH1030t8sp0General Information:In these verses, the people describe the content of the oath they were making in [Nehemiah 10:29](../10/29.md).
984NEH1030s4sxfigs-explicitלֹא־נִתֵּ֥ן בְּנֹתֵ֖י⁠נוּ לְ⁠עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֹ֣תֵי⁠הֶ֔ם לֹ֥א נִקַּ֖ח לְ⁠בָנֵֽי⁠נוּ1would not give our daughters to the people of the land or take their daughters for our sonsThis means that they would not allow their sons and daughters to marry them. Alternate translation: “would not give our daughters to marry the people of the land, and we would not take their daughters to marry our sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
985NEH1030iqq1figs-explicitלְ⁠עַמֵּ֣י הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ1the people of the landThis refers to the people who live in their land who do not worship Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the people of this land who do not worship Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
986NEH1030lx8cfigs-exclusiveלֹא־נִתֵּ֥ן…לֹ֥א נִקַּ֖ח1We promised…we would not give… or takeThe pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
987NEH1031m39ffigs-exclusiveלֹא־נִקַּ֥ח…וְ⁠נִטֹּ֛שׁ1We also promised…we would not buy…we will let…we will cancelThe pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and the Jewish people, but not the reader of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
988NEH1031ek18translate-ordinalאֶת־הַ⁠שָּׁנָ֥ה הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֖ית1seventh year“year 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
989NEH1031hf7zfigs-idiomוְ⁠נִטֹּ֛שׁ1we will let our fields restThis is an idiom. Alternate translation: “we will not plow our fields” or “we will not grow anything in our fields” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
990NEH1031ur3tוּ⁠מַשָּׁ֥א כָל־יָֽד1we will cancel all debtsThis means that they will not require that people pay them what they owe. Alternate translation: “we will cancel all debts that people owe us” or “we will tell people that they no longer have to pay us back”
991NEH1032bh3h0General Information:In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in [Nehemiah 10:29](../10/29.md).
992NEH1032h9gtוְ⁠הֶעֱמַ֤דְנוּ עָלֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙ מִצְוֺ֔ת1We accepted the commands“We promised to obey the command”
993NEH1032ljm2figs-exclusiveוְ⁠הֶעֱמַ֤דְנוּ עָלֵ֨י⁠נוּ֙1We acceptedThe pronoun “we” here includes all the Israelites including Nehemiah except for the priest and Levites, and does not include the reader of this book (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
994NEH1032ad47translate-bmoneyשְׁלִשִׁ֥ית הַ⁠שֶּׁ֖קֶל1a third of a shekel“1/3 of a shekel.” “A third” means one part out of three equal parts. This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “5 grams of sliver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
995NEH1032pw6wלַ⁠עֲבֹדַ֖ת1for the service of“to pay for the care of”
996NEH1033ehf4לְ⁠לֶ֣חֶם הַֽ⁠מַּעֲרֶ֡כֶת1the bread of the presenceThis refers to the 12 loaves of bread baked without yeast kept in the temple and used to symbolize Gods presence with His people.
997NEH1033xu3yהֶ⁠חֳדָשִׁ֜ים1the new moon festivalsThese were celebrations held when the moon was just a small crescent in the sky.
998NEH1034s6yz0General Information:In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in [Nehemiah 10:29](../10/29.md).
999NEH1034l42kfigs-activepassiveלְ⁠בַעֵ֗ר1to be burnedThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Levites to burn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1000NEH1034ph9qfigs-activepassiveכַּ⁠כָּת֖וּב1as it is writtenThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as it states” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1001NEH1035vp1pאַדְמָתֵ֗⁠נוּ1from our soil“in our soil” or “on our land”
1002NEH1037j9sj0General Information:In these verses, the people continue describing the content of the oath they were making in [Nehemiah verse 29](./28.md).
1003NEH1037s7s2figs-exclusiveנָבִ֤יא1We will bring…We will bringThe pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and the Israelites except for the priests and the Levites, and also does not include the reader of this book (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1004NEH1037rk7xעֲרִיסֹתֵ֣י⁠נוּ1our doughPossible meanings are that this refers to (1) dough made from coarse flour, (2) coarse flour, or (3) ground grain.
1005NEH1037uc2wfigs-ellipsisתִּיר֣וֹשׁ וְ⁠יִצְהָ֗ר1the new wine and the oilThe words “first of” are understood from the begininng of the sentnces. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: “the first of the new wine and of the oil” or “the best of the new wine and of the oil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1006NEH1037e92lלִשְׁכ֣וֹת בֵּית־אֱלֹהֵ֔י⁠נוּ1the storerooms of the house of our God“the places where things are stored in the temple”
1007NEH1037r776figs-synecdocheוּ⁠מַעְשַׂ֥ר אַדְמָתֵ֖⁠נוּ1the tithes from our soilHere “our soil” refers to everything that is grown in the ground. Alternate translation: “the tithes of what we grow in the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1008NEH1038by9zfigs-activepassiveבַּ⁠עְשֵׂ֣ר1they receive the tithesThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people give them the tithes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1009NEH1038eb51translate-fractionאֶת־מַעֲשַׂ֤ר1a tenthThis means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-fraction]])
1010NEH1038zl4aהַ⁠לְּשָׁכ֖וֹת לְ⁠בֵ֥ית הָ⁠אוֹצָֽר1the storerooms of the treasury“the storerooms in the temple”
1011NEH1039qzf80General Information:In these verses, the people finish describing the content of the oath they were making in [Nehemiah 10:29](../10/29.md).
1012NEH1039ss5hfigs-activepassiveאֶל־הַ֠⁠לְּשָׁכוֹת1the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are keptThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the rooms where the priests keep the things that are used in the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1013NEH1039u1sqוְ⁠לֹ֥א נַעֲזֹ֖ב אֶת־בֵּ֥ית אֱלֹהֵֽי⁠נוּ1We will not neglect the house of our GodThis can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “We will care for the temple”
1014NEH1039b23hfigs-exclusiveנַעֲזֹ֖ב1We willThe pronoun “we” here includes Nehemiah and all the people of Israel but does not include the reader of this book. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
1015NEH11introxja10# Nehemiah 11 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### The places where the Jews lived<br><br>Some people lived in Jerusalem, but most people lived in villages and towns away from Jerusalem. They lived there in order to farm the land raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them.
1016NEH111e2ygהָ֠⁠עָם הִפִּ֨ילוּ גוֹרָל֜וֹת1the people cast lots“the people threw marked stones”
1017NEH111beq5לְ⁠הָבִ֣יא׀ אֶחָ֣ד מִן־הָ⁠עֲשָׂרָ֗ה1to bring one of ten“to bring one family out of every ten families”
1018NEH113l7mbבַּ⁠אֲחֻזָּת⁠וֹ֙ בְּ⁠עָ֣רֵי⁠הֶ֔ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל1on his own land, including some Israelites“on his own land: Israelites”
1019NEH114n2a7מִ⁠בְּנֵ֥י יְהוּדָ֖ה וּ⁠מִ⁠בְּנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ן1some of the descendants of Judah and some of the descendants of Benjamin“some of the people of Judah and some of the people of Benjamin”
1020NEH114nm8yמִ⁠בְּנֵ֣י יְ֠הוּדָה1The people from Judah included:“From the descendants of Judah:”
1021NEH114wl7rtranslate-namesיְהוּדָ֖ה…בִנְיָמִ֑ן…עֲתָיָ֨ה…עֻזִּיָּ֜ה…זְכַרְיָ֧ה…אֲמַרְיָ֛ה…שְׁפַטְיָ֥ה…מַהֲלַלְאֵ֖ל…פָֽרֶץ1Judah…Benjamin…Athaiah…Uzziah…Zechariah…Amariah…Shephatiah…Mahalalel…PerezThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1022NEH114vx6kמִ⁠בְּנֵי־פָֽרֶץ1a descendant of Perez“from the descendants of Perez”
1023NEH115l7270Connecting Statement:In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.
1024NEH115ml8btranslate-namesוּ⁠מַעֲשֵׂיָ֣ה…בָּר֣וּךְ…כָּל־חֹ֠זֶה…חֲזָיָ֨ה…עֲדָיָ֧ה…יוֹיָרִ֛יב…זְכַרְיָ֖ה1Maaseiah…Baruch…Kol-Hozeh…Hazaiah…Adaiah…Joiarib…ZechariahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1025NEH115dxb8הַ⁠שִּׁלֹנִֽי1ShiloniteThis refers to a person who comes from the town of Shiloh.
1026NEH116y8t2translate-namesפֶ֕רֶץ1PerezThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1027NEH116hcr6translate-numbersכָּל־…בִּ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֛וֹת שִׁשִּׁ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁמֹנָ֖ה1All…were 468“All…were four hundred and sixty-eight.” Perez had 468 descendants who lived in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1028NEH116ej3gאַנְשֵׁי־חָֽיִל1They were outstanding men“They were courageous men” or “They were valiant men”
1029NEH117m8mp0Connecting Statement:In these verses, Nehemiah continues to list the provincial officers who lived in Jerusalem.
1030NEH117md67וְ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י1These are the descendants“These are some of the descendants.” Your language may need to specify that this is not a list of every descendant.
1031NEH117w8c5translate-namesבִנְיָמִ֑ן סַלֻּ֡א…מְשֻׁלָּ֡ם…יוֹעֵ֡ד…פְּדָיָה֩…ק֨וֹלָיָ֧ה…מַעֲשֵׂיָ֛ה…אִֽיתִיאֵ֖ל…יְשַֽׁעְיָֽה1Benjamin…Sallu…Meshullam…Joed…Pedaiah…Kolaiah…Maaseiah…Ithiel…JeshaiahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1032NEH118bzh9translate-namesגַּבַּ֣י סַלָּ֑י1Gabbai…SallaiThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1033NEH118z37gtranslate-numbersתְּשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁמֹנָֽה1928 men“nine hundred and twenty-eight men.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1034NEH119z3xltranslate-namesוְ⁠יוֹאֵ֥ל…זִכְרִ֖י…⁠יהוּדָ֧ה…הַ⁠סְּנוּאָ֛ה1Joel…Zichri…Judah…HassenuahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1035NEH1110ft7mtranslate-namesיְדַֽעְיָ֥ה…יוֹיָרִ֖יב יָכִֽין1Jedaiah…Joiarib…JakinThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1036NEH1111d8phtranslate-namesשְׂרָיָ֨ה…חִלְקִיָּ֜ה…מְשֻׁלָּ֣ם…צָד֗וֹק1Seraiah…Hilkiah…Meshullam…ZadokThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1037NEH1112j7vptranslate-namesוַ֠⁠עֲדָיָה…יְרֹחָ֤ם…פְּלַלְיָה֙…אַמְצִ֣י…זְכַרְיָ֔ה…פַּשְׁח֖וּר…מַלְכִּיָּֽה1Adaiah…Jeroham…Pelaliah…Amzi…Zechariah…Pashhur…MalkijahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1038NEH1112nl7hוַ⁠אֲחֵי⁠הֶ֗ם1their associates“their brothers” or “their kinsmen”
1039NEH1112z6pcעֹשֵׂ֤י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ לַ⁠בַּ֔יִת1who did the work for the house“who worked in the temple.” The “house” referred to here is the “house of God” mentioned in the previous verse.
1040NEH1112kq8ytranslate-numbersשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת עֶשְׂרִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם1822 men“eight hundred and twenty-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1041NEH1113wd9qוְ⁠אֶחָי⁠ו֙1His brothersthe brothers of Adaiah, the son of Jeroham ([Nehemiah 11:12](../11/12.md)).
1042NEH1113u4gnfigs-metaphorוְ⁠אֶחָי⁠ו֙1brothersThis word is a metaphor for (1) fellow Israelites or (2) people who did the same work. Alternate translation: “associates” or “fellow workers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1043NEH1113gd6gtranslate-numbersמָאתַ֖יִם אַרְבָּעִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁנָ֑יִם1242 men“two hundred and forty-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1044NEH1113l51btranslate-namesוַ⁠עֲמַשְׁסַ֧י…עֲזַרְאֵ֛ל…אַחְזַ֥י…מְשִׁלֵּמ֖וֹת…אִמֵּֽר1Amashsai…Azarel…Ahzai…Meshillemoth…ImmerThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1045NEH1114jrq7translate-namesזַבְדִּיאֵ֖ל…הַ⁠גְּדוֹלִֽים1Zabdiel…HaggedolimThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1046NEH1114p9qwtranslate-numbersגִּבּ֣וֹרֵי חַ֔יִל מֵאָ֖ה עֶשְׂרִ֣ים וּ⁠שְׁמֹנָ֑ה1128 courageous fighting men“one hundred and twenty-eight courageous fighting men.” These were “valiant warriors” or “courageous warriors.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1047NEH1115f71ntranslate-namesשְׁמַעְיָ֧ה…חַשּׁ֛וּב…עַזְרִיקָ֥ם…חֲשַׁבְיָ֖ה…בּוּנִּֽי1Shemaiah…Hasshub…Azrikam…Hashabiah…BunniThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1048NEH1116q6zjtranslate-namesוְ⁠שַׁבְּתַ֨י וְ⁠יוֹזָבָ֜ד1Shabbethai…JozabadThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1049NEH1116if3qעַל־…מֵ⁠רָאשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠לְוִיִּֽם1who were from the leaders of the Levites and were in charge“from the leaders of the Levites, were in charge”
1050NEH1117ix77translate-namesוּ⁠מַתַּנְיָ֣ה…מִ֠יכָה…זַבְדִּ֨י…אָסָ֜ף…וּ⁠בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה…וְ⁠עַבְדָּא֙…שַׁמּ֔וּ…גָּלָ֖ל…יְדוּתֽוּן1Mattaniah…Mika…Zabdi…Asaph…Bakbukiah…Abda…Shammua…Galal…JeduthunThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1051NEH1117sm9tרֹ֗אשׁ הַ⁠תְּחִלָּה֙ יְהוֹדֶ֣ה לַ⁠תְּפִלָּ֔ה1who began the thanksgiving in prayerThat is, who directed the singers.
1052NEH1117djg7וּ⁠בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה מִשְׁנֶ֣ה מֵ⁠אֶחָ֑י⁠ו1Bakbukiah, the second among his brothersPossible meanings are (1) Bakbukiah was Mattaniahs kinsman and second in authority to Mattaniah or (2) “Bakbukiah, who led a second group of singers.”
1053NEH1117dy1vמֵ⁠אֶחָ֑י⁠ו1brothersAnother possible meaning is “associates” or “fellow workers.”
1054NEH1118di19בְּ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠קֹּ֔דֶשׁ1the holy cityThis expression refers to the city of Jerusalem.
1055NEH1118hk8itranslate-numbersמָאתַ֖יִם שְׁמֹנִ֥ים וְ⁠אַרְבָּעָֽה1numbered 284“numbered two hundred and eighty-four.” There were 284 Levites in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1056NEH1119i92rוְ⁠הַ⁠שּֽׁוֹעֲרִים֙1gatekeeperspeople 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](../07/01.md).
1057NEH1119j7b3translate-namesעַקּ֣וּב טַלְמ֔וֹן1Akkub…TalmonThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1058NEH1119kaz4translate-numbersמֵאָ֖ה שִׁבְעִ֥ים וּ⁠שְׁנָֽיִם1172 men“one hundred and seventy-two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1059NEH1121eu4gtranslate-namesוְ⁠צִיחָ֥א וְ⁠גִשְׁפָּ֖א1Ziha…GishpaThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1060NEH1121vct4translate-namesבָּ⁠עֹ֑פֶל1OphelThis is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1061NEH1122l3baוּ⁠פְקִ֤יד1The chief officer over“The overseer of”
1062NEH1122rr5etranslate-namesעֻזִּ֤י…בָּנִי֙…חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה…מַתַּנְיָ֖ה…מִיכָ֑א…אָסָף֙1Uzzi…Bani…Hashabiah…Mattaniah…Mika…AsaphThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1063NEH1123km8lכִּֽי־מִצְוַ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1They were under orders from the king“The king had told them what to do”
1064NEH1123a9fzfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠אֲמָנָ֥ה עַל־הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים1firm orders were given for the singersThis can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king had told them specifically what to do about the singers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1065NEH1124aee9translate-namesוּ⁠פְתַֽחְיָ֨ה…מְשֵֽׁיזַבְאֵ֜ל…זֶ֤רַח…יְהוּדָה֙1Pethahiah…Meshezabel…Zerah…JudahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1066NEH1124dqa4לְ⁠יַ֣ד הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לְ⁠כָל־דָּבָ֖ר לָ⁠עָֽם1at the kings side in all matters concerning the people“at the Persian kings side as an adviser in all matters concerning the Jewish people”
1067NEH1125rg1ftranslate-namesבְּ⁠קִרְיַ֤ת הָֽאַרְבַּע֙…וּ⁠בְ⁠דִיבֹן֙…וּ⁠בִֽ⁠יקַּבְצְאֵ֖ל1Kiriath Arba…Dibon…JekabzeelThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1068NEH1126d9f4translate-namesוּ⁠בְ⁠יֵשׁ֥וּעַ וּ⁠בְ⁠מוֹלָדָ֖ה וּ⁠בְ⁠בֵ֥ית פָּֽלֶט1Jeshua…Moladah…Beth PeletThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1069NEH1127nu5ztranslate-namesוּ⁠בַ⁠חֲצַ֥ר שׁוּעָ֛ל וּ⁠בִ⁠בְאֵ֥ר שֶׁ֖בַע1Hazar Shual…BeershebaThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1070NEH1128dl5vtranslate-namesוּ⁠בְ⁠צִֽקְלַ֥ג וּ⁠בִ⁠מְכֹנָ֖ה1Ziklag…MekonahThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1071NEH1129t41atranslate-namesוּ⁠בְ⁠עֵ֥ין רִמּ֛וֹן וּ⁠בְ⁠צָרְעָ֖ה וּ⁠בְ⁠יַרְמֽוּ1Enrimmon…Zorah…JarmuthThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1072NEH1130vn2ztranslate-namesזָנֹ֤חַ עֲדֻלָּם֙…לָכִישׁ֙…עֲזֵקָ֖ה…מִ⁠בְּאֵֽר־שֶׁ֖בַע…גֵּֽיא־הִנֹּֽם1Zanoah…Adullam…Lachish…Azekah…Beersheba…Valley of HinnomThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1073NEH1130mzq1וַ⁠יַּחֲנ֥וּ1they livedHere “they” refers to the people of Judah.
1074NEH1131n61tוּ⁠בְנֵ֥י בִנְיָמִ֖ן מִ⁠גָּ֑בַע מִכְמָ֣שׂ וְ⁠עַיָּ֔ה1The people of Benjamin also lived from Geba onward, at Mikmash and Aija“The people of Benjamin lived in Geba, Mikmash and Aija”
1075NEH1131uha3translate-namesמִ⁠גָּ֑בַע מִכְמָ֣שׂ וְ⁠עַיָּ֔ה וּ⁠בֵֽית1Geba…Mikmash…Aija…BethelThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1076NEH1131lm1qוְ⁠עַיָּ֔ה1AijaThis is possibly another name for the town of Ai.
1077NEH1132ucv8translate-namesעֲנָת֥וֹת נֹ֖ב עֲנָֽנְיָֽה1Anathoth, Nob, AnaniahThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1078NEH1133jwf7translate-namesחָצ֥וֹר׀ רָמָ֖ה גִּתָּֽיִם1Hazor, Ramah, GittaimThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1079NEH1134e1lstranslate-namesחָדִ֥יד צְבֹעִ֖ים נְבַלָּֽט1Hadid, Zeboim, NeballatThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1080NEH1135qu5ntranslate-namesגֵּ֥י הַחֲרָשִֽׁים1the valley of craftsmenPossible meanings are (1) this is a description of Ono or (2) it is “Craftsmens Valley” or “the Valley of Craftsmen,” another name for Ono, or (3) it is a different place from Ono, “and the Valley of Craftsmen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1081NEH1136y212figs-activepassiveוּ⁠מִן־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֔ם מַחְלְק֥וֹת יְהוּדָ֖ה לְ⁠בִנְיָמִֽין1Some of the Levites who lived in Judah were assigned to the people of BenjaminIt is not clear who assigned these Levites to live with the people of Benjamin. Alternate translation: “They assigned some of the Levites who lived in Judah to serve the people of Benjamin” or “The officials assigned some of the Levites who lived in Judah to serve the people of Benjamin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1082NEH12introxmt30# Nehemiah 12 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Dedication of the wall<br><br>In the ancient Near East, it was common to dedicate an important structure to a god. When it was completed, the wall was dedicated to Yahweh. Long lists of people are present, indicating that “everyone” was present for this and praised Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])
1083NEH121ixs5אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָל֛וּ1who came up“who arrived from Babylonia”
1084NEH121b4x7עִם־זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל1with Zerubbabel“under the leadership of Zerubbabel”
1085NEH121b8rytranslate-namesזְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל…שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֖ל וְ⁠יֵשׁ֑וּעַ שְׂרָיָ֥ה יִרְמְיָ֖ה עֶזְרָֽא1Zerubbabel…Shealtiel…Jeshua…Seraiah…Jeremiah…EzraThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1086NEH121myj6figs-explicitוְ⁠יֵשׁ֑וּעַ1JeshuaThe original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. Alternate translation: “Jeshua the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1087NEH122p4mltranslate-namesאֲמַרְיָ֥ה מַלּ֖וּךְ חַטּֽוּשׁ1Amariah…Malluk…HattushThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1088NEH123gwk1translate-namesשְׁכַנְיָ֥ה רְחֻ֖ם מְרֵמֹֽת1Shecaniah…Rehum…MeremothThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1089NEH124cd2t0Connecting Statement:The list that began in [Nehemiah 12:1](../12/01.md) continues.
1090NEH124qt5ntranslate-namesעִדּ֥וֹא גִנְּת֖וֹי אֲבִיָּֽה1Iddo…Ginnethon…AbijahThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1091NEH125x3ritranslate-namesמִיָּמִ֥ין מַֽעַדְיָ֖ה בִּלְגָּֽה1Mijamin…Moadiah…BilgahThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1092NEH126udm2translate-namesשְׁמַֽעְיָ֥ה וְ⁠יוֹיָרִ֖יב יְדַֽעְיָֽה1Shemaiah…Joiarib…JedaiahThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1093NEH127g43ptranslate-namesסַלּ֣וּ עָמ֔וֹק חִלְקִיָּ֖ה יְדַֽעְיָ֑ה…יֵשֽׁוּעַ1Sallu…Amok…Hilkiah…Jedaiah…JeshuaThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1094NEH128xy1htranslate-namesיֵשׁ֧וּעַ בִּנּ֛וּי קַדְמִיאֵ֥ל שֵׁרֵבְיָ֖ה יְהוּדָ֣ה מַתַּנְיָ֑ה1Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah,…MattaniahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1095NEH129nnn1translate-namesוּ⁠בַקְבֻּֽקְיָ֨ה וְעֻנִּ֧י1Bakbukiah…UnniThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1096NEH129nhn4לְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֖⁠ם לְ⁠מִשְׁמָרֽוֹת1stood opposite them during the servicePossible 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.”
1097NEH1210ri33translate-namesוְ⁠יֵשׁ֖וּעַ…יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים…אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב…יוֹיָדָֽע1Jeshua…Joiakim…Eliashib…JoiadaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1098NEH1210xd69figs-explicitוְ⁠יֵשׁ֖וּעַ הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת־יֽוֹיָקִ֑ים1Jeshua was the father of JoiakimThis is the same Jeshua named in [Nehemiah 12:1](../12/01.md). The original readers would have understood that Jeshua was the high priest. Alternate translation: “Jeshua the high priest was the father of Joiakim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1099NEH1211a7yvtranslate-namesוְ⁠יוֹיָדָע֙…יוֹנָתָ֔ן…יַדּֽוּעַ1Joiada…Jonathan…JadduaThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1100NEH1212j9qvtranslate-namesיֽוֹיָקִ֔ים…מְרָיָ֔ה…חֲנַנְיָֽה1Joiakim…Meraiah…HananiahThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1101NEH1212vv32translate-namesלִ⁠שְׂרָיָ֣ה…לְ⁠יִרְמְיָ֖ה1Seraiah…JeremiahThese are names of families named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1102NEH1213uwn8translate-namesמְשֻׁלָּ֔ם…יְהוֹחָנָֽן1Meshullam…JehohananThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1103NEH1213hm77translate-namesלְ⁠עֶזְרָ֣א…לַ⁠אֲמַרְיָ֖ה1Ezra…AmariahThese are names of families named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1104NEH1214vig4translate-namesיֽוֹנָתָ֔ן…יוֹסֵֽף1Jonathan…JosephThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1105NEH1214tum7translate-namesל⁠מלוכי…לִ⁠שְׁבַנְיָ֖ה1Malluk…ShebaniahThese are names of families named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1106NEH1215l4u90Connecting Statement:The list that began in [Nehemiah 12:12](../12/12.md) continues.
1107NEH1215z68btranslate-namesעַדְנָ֔א…חֶלְקָֽי1Adna…HelkaiThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1108NEH1215a64ptranslate-namesלְ⁠חָרִ֣ם…לִ⁠מְרָי֖וֹת1Harim…MeremothThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1109NEH1216hb4ytranslate-namesזְכַרְיָ֖ה…מְשֻׁלָּֽם1Zechariah…MeshullamThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1110NEH1216u64utranslate-namesל⁠עדיא…לְ⁠גִנְּת֥וֹן1Iddo…GinnethonThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1111NEH1216uae6לְ⁠גִנְּת֥וֹן מְשֻׁלָּֽם1Meshullam was the leader of GinnethonGinnethon may be another form of the name Ginnethoi.
1112NEH1217pa3ktranslate-namesזִכְרִ֑י…פִּלְטָֽי1Zichri…PiltaiThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1113NEH1217em6ctranslate-namesלַ⁠אֲבִיָּ֖ה…לְ⁠מִ֨נְיָמִ֔ין לְ⁠מוֹעַדְיָ֖ה1Abijah…Miniamin…MoadiahThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1114NEH1217e7rxלְ⁠מִ֨נְיָמִ֔ין1…of MiniaminThe people who made the copies of Hebrew text mistakenly left out the name of the leader of the family of Miniamin. Translators may supply a footnote explaining this. The ULT uses “…” to show that the name of the leader is missing. Alternate translation: “Someone was the leader of Miniamin”
1115NEH1217h3jlלְ⁠מוֹעַדְיָ֖ה1MoadiahMaadiah may be another form of the name Moadiah.
1116NEH1218zd3ptranslate-namesשַׁמּ֔וּעַ…יְהוֹנָתָֽן1Shammua…JehonathanThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1117NEH1218t8yytranslate-namesלְ⁠בִלְגָּ֣ה…לִֽ⁠שְׁמַעְיָ֖ה1Bilgah…ShemaiahThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1118NEH1219u373translate-namesמַתְּנַ֔י…עֻזִּֽי1Mattenai…UzziThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1119NEH1219s8n3translate-namesוּ⁠לְ⁠יוֹיָרִ֣יב…לִֽ⁠ידַֽעְיָ֖ה1Joiarib…JedaiahThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1120NEH1220y23ctranslate-namesקַלָּ֖י…עֵֽבֶר1Kallai…EberThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1121NEH1220p8dgtranslate-namesלְ⁠סַלַּ֥י…לְ⁠עָמ֥וֹק1Sallu…AmokThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1122NEH1221v16dtranslate-namesחֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה…נְתַנְאֵֽל1Hashabiah…NethanelThese are all names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1123NEH1221vwp6translate-namesלְ⁠חִלְקִיָּ֣ה…לִֽ⁠ידַֽעְיָ֖ה1Hilkiah…JedaiahThese are all names of families that are named after men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1124NEH1222snj3translate-namesאֶלְיָשִׁ֜יב יוֹיָדָ֤ע וְ⁠יוֹחָנָן֙ וְ⁠יַדּ֔וּעַ1Eliashib…Joiada, Johanan…Jadduanames of men (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1125NEH1222cr6dעַל־מַלְכ֖וּת דָּרְיָ֥וֶשׁ1during the reign of DariusAnother possible meaning is “until the reign of Darius”
1126NEH1223q9hzכְּתוּבִ֕ים עַל־סֵ֖פֶר דִּבְרֵ֣י1recorded in the book of the annalsThis may refer to the Book of Chronicles. The scribes wrote the words in the verses above in a book that recorded the events of each day.
1127NEH1223d2rpוְ⁠עַד־יְמֵ֖י יֽוֹחָנָ֥ן בֶּן־אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב1up to the days of Johanan son of EliashibThe records in the temple recorded only up until Johanan.
1128NEH1224kx4ztranslate-namesחֲשַׁבְיָ֨ה שֵֽׁרֵבְיָ֜ה וְ⁠יֵשׁ֤וּעַ…קַדְמִיאֵל֙1Hashabiah, Sherebiah…Jeshua…KadmielThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1129NEH1224d373לְ⁠נֶגְדָּ֔⁠ם לְ⁠הַלֵּ֣ל לְ⁠הוֹד֔וֹת בְּ⁠מִצְוַ֖ת דָּוִ֣יד אִישׁ־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים מִשְׁמָ֖ר לְ⁠עֻמַּ֥ת מִשְׁמָֽר1who stood opposite them to give praise and to give thanks, responding section by sectionThis refers to how they sang some of their songs in worship. A leader or one group would sing a phrase, then one or two groups that “stood opposite them” would sing a phrase in response.
1130NEH1224dl8rבְּ⁠מִצְוַ֖ת דָּוִ֣יד1obedience to the command of DavidKing David had commanded the Levites how they were to organize and lead worship.
1131NEH1225p55ltranslate-namesמַתַּנְיָ֧ה וּ⁠בַקְבֻּֽקְיָ֛ה עֹבַדְיָ֥ה מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם טַלְמ֣וֹן עַקּ֑וּב1Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and AkkubThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1132NEH1226wk2ztranslate-namesיוֹיָקִ֥ים…יֵשׁ֖וּעַ…יוֹצָדָ֑ק…נְחֶמְיָ֣ה…וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א1Joiakim…Jeshua…Jozadak…Nehemiah…EzraThese are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1133NEH1226k9bkבִּ⁠ימֵ֛י יוֹיָקִ֥ים…יוֹצָדָ֑ק וּ⁠בִ⁠ימֵי֙ נְחֶמְיָ֣ה הַ⁠פֶּחָ֔ה וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֖ן הַ⁠סּוֹפֵֽר1in the days of Joiakim…Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra…scribeThe date was fixed by listing those who were leading the Jews at the time. “when Joiakim…Jozadak was high priest, and when Nehemiah was governor and Ezra…was the scribe”
1134NEH1227e63yוּ⁠בַ⁠חֲנֻכַּ֞ת חוֹמַ֣ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם1At the dedication of the wall of JerusalemPossible meanings are (1) “At the time when they dedicated the wall of Jerusalem” or (2) “So that the dedication of Jerusalems wall could take place.”
1135NEH1227s6xvtranslate-unknownמְצִלְתַּ֖יִם1cymbalstwo thin, round metal plates that are hit together to make a loud sound (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1136NEH1229lnm1translate-namesוּ⁠מִ⁠בֵּית֙ הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל…גֶּ֖בַע וְ⁠עַזְמָ֑וֶת1Beth Gilgal…Geba and AzmavethThese are the names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1137NEH1231zsj6אֶת־שָׂרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה1the leaders of Judahthe leaders of the people who lived in the region of Judah
1138NEH1232ni9qtranslate-namesהוֹשַׁ֣עְיָ֔ה1HoshaiahThese are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1139NEH1233x16dtranslate-namesוַ⁠עֲזַרְיָ֥ה עֶזְרָ֖א וּ⁠מְשֻׁלָּֽם1Azariah, Ezra, MeshullamThese are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1140NEH1234t5untranslate-namesיְהוּדָה֙ וּ⁠בִנְיָמִ֔ן וּֽ⁠שְׁמַֽעְיָ֖ה וְ⁠יִרְמְיָֽה1Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, JeremiahThese are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1141NEH1235h1hmtranslate-namesזְכַרְיָ֨ה…יֽוֹנָתָ֜ן…שְׁמַֽעְיָ֗ה…מַתַּנְיָה֙…מִ֣יכָיָ֔ה…זַכּ֖וּר…אָסָֽף1Zechariah…Jonathan…Shemaiah…Mattaniah…Micaiah…Zaccur…AsaphThese are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1142NEH1235cp3qוּ⁠מִ⁠בְּנֵ֥י הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֖ים בַּ⁠חֲצֹצְר֑וֹת זְכַרְיָ֨ה1some of the priests sons with trumpets, and ZechariahSome versions read, “from among the priests with trumpets, Zechariah”
1143NEH1235q33vזְכַרְיָ֨ה בֶן־יֽוֹנָתָ֜ן בֶּן־שְׁמַֽעְיָ֗ה בֶּן־מַתַּנְיָה֙ בֶּן־מִ֣יכָיָ֔ה בֶּן־זַכּ֖וּר בֶּן־אָסָֽף1Zechariah son of Jonathan son of Shemaiah son of Mattaniah son of Micaiah son of Zaccur son of AsaphAll 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”
1144NEH1236kmk3translate-namesשְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה וַ⁠עֲזַרְאֵ֡ל מִֽלֲלַ֡י גִּֽלֲלַ֡י מָעַ֞י נְתַנְאֵ֤ל וִֽ⁠יהוּדָה֙ חֲנָ֔נִי…דָּוִ֖יד…וְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א1Zechariah…Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, Hanani…David…EzraThese are the names of males. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1145NEH1236n2tlוְ⁠עֶזְרָ֥א הַ⁠סּוֹפֵ֖ר לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶֽ1Ezra the scribe was in front of them“Ezra the scribe was leading them”
1146NEH1237c38rשַׁ֨עַר הָ⁠עַ֜יִן…שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מַּ֖יִם1Fountain Gate…Water GateThese are the names of openings in the wall.
1147NEH1238fbi3וְ⁠הַ⁠תּוֹדָ֧ה1choirgroup of singers
1148NEH1238t11kוַ⁠אֲנִ֣י אַחֲרֶ֑י⁠הָ1I followed themNehemiah followed them.
1149NEH1238j2zntranslate-namesלְ⁠מִגְדַּ֣ל הַ⁠תַּנּוּרִ֔ים1Tower of OvensThis is the name of a tall structure where people kept watch for danger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1150NEH1238a5wwהַ⁠חוֹמָ֥ה הָ⁠רְחָבָֽה1Broad WallThis is a name for part of the wall.
1151NEH1239v1nitranslate-namesוּ⁠מִגְדַּ֤ל חֲנַנְאֵל֙ וּ⁠מִגְדַּ֣ל הַ⁠מֵּאָ֔ה1Tower of Hananel…Tower of the HundredThese are the names of tall structures where people kept watch for danger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1152NEH1239v264לְ⁠שַֽׁעַר־אֶ֠פְרַיִם…שַׁ֨עַר הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה…שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠דָּגִ֗ים…שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠צֹּ֑אן…בְּ⁠שַׁ֖עַר הַ⁠מַּטָּרָֽה1Gate of Ephraim…Old Gate…Fish Gate…Sheep Gate…Gate of the GuardThese are the names of openings in the wall.
1153NEH1240ai1vוַ⁠אֲנִ֕י1I also took my placeNehemiah is speaking here. Alternate translation: “I, Nehemiah, also took my place”
1154NEH1241s4t8translate-namesאֶלְיָקִ֡ים מַעֲשֵׂיָ֡ה מִ֠נְיָמִין מִיכָיָ֧ה אֶלְיוֹעֵינַ֛י זְכַרְיָ֥ה חֲנַנְיָ֖ה1Eliakim…Maaseiah…Miniamin…Micaiah…Elioenai…Zechariah…HananiahThese are the names of males who were the priests at that time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1155NEH1241bnz5בַּ⁠חֲצֹצְרֽוֹת1with the trumpetsPossible meanings are (1) only the first seven priests listed from Eliakim to Hananiah carried trumpets or (2) all 15 priests listed from Eliakim to Ezer carried trumpets.
1156NEH1242gqe1translate-namesוּ⁠מַעֲשֵׂיָ֨ה וּֽ⁠שְׁמַֽעְיָ֜ה וְ⁠אֶלְעָזָ֧ר וְ⁠עֻזִּ֛י וִֽ⁠יהוֹחָנָ֥ן וּ⁠מַלְכִּיָּ֖ה וְ⁠עֵילָ֣ם וָ⁠עָ֑זֶר1Maaseiah…Shemaiah…Eleazar…Uzzi…Jehohanan…Malkijah…Elam…EzerThese are the names of males who were the priests at that time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1157NEH1242tdc8וְ⁠יִֽזְרַחְיָ֖ה1JezrahiahThis is the name of a male who was the leader of the singers.
1158NEH1242y2qjוַ⁠יַּשְׁמִ֨יעוּ֙1made themselves heard“sang loudly”
1159NEH1243jgp9שִׂמְּחָ⁠ם֙ שִׂמְחָ֣ה1rejoice with great joy“rejoice greatly”
1160NEH1243p5fefigs-metonymyוַ⁠תִּשָּׁמַ֛ע שִׂמְחַ֥ת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם מֵ⁠רָחֽוֹק1So the joy of Jerusalem could be heard far away“The joy of Jerusalem” here is a metonym for “the sound that the people of Jerusalem made.” This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people far away from Jerusalem could hear the sound that the people of Jerusalem made as they celebrated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1161NEH1244fsb6figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּפָּקְד֣וּ בַ⁠יּוֹם֩ הַ⁠ה֨וּא אֲנָשִׁ֜ים עַל1men were appointed to be in chargeThis can be stated in active form. It is not clear who appointed the men. Alternate translation: “they appointed men to be in charge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1162NEH1244bnw2לָ⁠א֨וֹצָר֥וֹת1the contributionsthings the people gave to the priests
1163NEH1244g347כִּ֚י שִׂמְחַ֣ת יְהוּדָ֔ה עַל־הַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֥ים וְ⁠עַל־הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם1For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the LevitesIt seems that the people appointed the men because the people of Judah were grateful for the priests and Levites who were serving.
1164NEH1244g9pgfigs-explicitהָ⁠עֹמְדִֽים1who were standing before themThe Levites and priests were not just standing, they were serving in their roles. The meaning can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “who were standing before them serving God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1165NEH1245lm4jוְ⁠הַ⁠שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים1gatekeepersThese 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](../07/01.md).
1166NEH1246py1cראש הַ⁠מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים1there were directors of singersThis sentence tells why the people did what they did in [Nehemiah 12:45](../12/45.md) and gives us more information about the time when David told people how to worship at the temple.
1167NEH1247flz7בִּ⁠ימֵ֨י זְרֻבָּבֶ֜ל1In the days of ZerubbabelZerubbabel was a descendant of King David and one of the governors in the region of Judah.
1168NEH1247mu9sנֹֽתְנִ֛ים מְנָי֛וֹת1They set aside the portion“All Israel set aside the portion”
1169NEH1247e72pלִ⁠בְנֵ֥י אַהֲרֹֽן1the descendants of Aaronthe priests in Israel, who descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses
1170NEH13introtm5a0# Nehemiah 13 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem<br><br>Nehemiah was eager to make sure that the Jews kept their promise to obey the law. When he returned from Persia, he found many things wrong: one of the store rooms in the temple had been converted into a guest room for Tobiah, the Levites had not received their portions for working in the temple, people were working on the Sabbath, and many had married heathen wives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]])
1171NEH131k9zaבְּ⁠אָזְנֵ֣י הָ⁠עָ֑ם1in the hearing of the people“so that the people could hear it”
1172NEH131j6siיָב֨וֹא…בִּ⁠קְהַ֥ל הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֖ים עַד־עוֹלָֽם1should come into the assembly of God, forever“should ever come into the assembly of God”
1173NEH132tf8zכִּ֣י1This was because“They could not come into the assembly because”
1174NEH134bq8kfigs-activepassiveאֶלְיָשִׁיב֙ הַ⁠כֹּהֵ֔ן נָת֖וּן1Eliashib the priest was appointedThis can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “they appointed Eliashib the priest” or “the leaders appointed Eliashib the priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1175NEH134adq9קָר֖וֹב לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּֽה1He was related to Tobiah“Eliashib and Tobiah worked closely together”
1176NEH134c9hfאֶלְיָשִׁיב֙…לְ⁠טוֹבִיָּֽה1Eliashib…TobiahThese are the names of men.
1177NEH135xi14וַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ ל֜⁠וֹ לִשְׁכָּ֣ה גְדוֹלָ֗ה1Eliashib prepared for Tobiah a large storeroom“Eliashib prepared a large storeroom for Tobiah to use”
1178NEH135v2inוְ⁠הַ⁠שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים1gatekeeperspeople 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](../07/01.md).
1179NEH136hxp8וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־זֶ֕ה לֹ֥א הָיִ֖יתִי בִּֽ⁠ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם1But in all this time I was not in Jerusalem“During the time all this was happening, I was away from Jerusalem”
1180NEH136dpk4לֹ֥א הָיִ֖יתִי1I was notHere “I” refers to Nehemiah.
1181NEH137up8jנִשְׁכָּ֔ה בְּ⁠חַצְרֵ֖י בֵּ֥ית הָ⁠אֱלֹהִֽים1a storeroom in the courts of the house of GodThis was a room which had previously been purified to store offering supplies ([Nehemiah 13:5](../13/05.md)).
1182NEH1310k9k6figs-explicitמְנָי֥וֹת הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם לֹ֣א נִתָּ֑נָה1the Levites portions had not been given to themThe full meaning of this statement can be made clear. This can also be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people had not been bringing into the storerooms their tithes and offerings of food for the temple priests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1183NEH1310f2ngוַ⁠יִּבְרְח֧וּ אִישׁ־לְ⁠שָׂדֵ֛⁠הוּ הַ⁠לְוִיִּ֥ם וְ⁠הַ⁠מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים עֹשֵׂ֥י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָֽה1they had run away, each to his own field, the Levites and the singers who did the work“the Levites and the singers who did the work had left the temple, each one going to his own field”
1184NEH1311mx4vfigs-rquestionמַדּ֖וּעַ נֶעֱזַ֣ב בֵּית־הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים1Why is the house of God neglected?Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to challenge or even ridicule the officials who had not done their work. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have neglected the house of God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1185NEH1312a9uxfigs-metonymyוְ⁠כָל־יְהוּדָ֗ה1all JudahThe name of the land is a metonym for the people of the land. This is probably a generalization. Alternate translation: “all the people who lived in Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1186NEH1313mu7ftranslate-namesשֶׁלֶמְיָ֨ה…וְ⁠צָד֣וֹק…וּ⁠פְדָיָה֙…חָנָ֥ן…זַכּ֖וּר…מַתַּנְיָ֑ה1Shelemiah…Zadok…Pedaiah…Hanan…Zaccur…MattaniahThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1187NEH1313e8x3figs-activepassiveנֶאֱמָנִים֙ נֶחְשָׁ֔בוּ1they were counted as trustworthyThis can be translated in active form. The abstract noun “trustworthy” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “I knew that I could trust them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1188NEH1314v861זָכְרָ⁠ה־לִּ֥⁠י אֱלֹהַ֖⁠י עַל־זֹ֑את1Call me to mind, my God, concerning this“My God, remember me concerning this”
1189NEH1315cp44figs-metonymyדֹּֽרְכִֽים־גִּתּ֣וֹת1treading winepressesThe word “winepresses” is a metonym for the grapes that were in the winepresses. The people were walking on grapes to get the juice out of them to make wine. Alternate translation: “walking on grapes in winepresses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1190NEH1315z3xhדֹּֽרְכִֽים1treadingwalking on something to crush or press it
1191NEH1316yvh1translate-namesוְ⁠הַ⁠צֹּרִים֙1TyreThis is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1192NEH1317w5nrfigs-rquestionמָֽה־הַ⁠דָּבָ֨ר הָ⁠רָ֤ע הַ⁠זֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתֶּ֣ם עֹשִׂ֔ים וּֽ⁠מְחַלְּלִ֖ים אֶת־י֥וֹם הַ⁠שַּׁבָּֽת1What is this evil thing you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?Nehemiah is using a rhetorical question to scold the leaders of Judah. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are doing an evil thing by profaning the Sabbath day.” or “God will punish you for doing this evil thing, for profaning the Sabbath day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1193NEH1318ge49figs-rquestionהֲ⁠ל֨וֹא כֹ֤ה עָשׂוּ֙ אֲבֹ֣תֵי⁠כֶ֔ם וַ⁠יָּבֵ֨א אֱלֹהֵ֜י⁠נוּ עָלֵ֗י⁠נוּ אֵ֚ת כָּל־הָ⁠רָעָ֣ה הַ⁠זֹּ֔את וְ⁠עַ֖ל הָ⁠עִ֣יר הַ⁠זֹּ֑את1Did not your fathers do this? Did not our God bring all this evil on us and on this city?Nehemiah is using these rhetorical questions to scold the leaders of Judah. These questions can be combined and translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that your fathers did this, and that is why God brought all this evil on us and on this city.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1194NEH1319p31hוַ⁠יְהִ֡י כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר צָֽלֲלוּ֩ שַׁעֲרֵ֨י יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠שַּׁבָּ֗ת1As soon as it became dark…before the Sabbath“When the sun went down…and it was time for the Sabbath to begin”
1195NEH1319vk4tfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּסָּגְר֣וּ הַ⁠דְּלָת֔וֹת וָ⁠אֹ֣מְרָ֔⁠ה אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יִפְתָּח֔וּ⁠ם עַ֖ד אַחַ֣ר הַ⁠שַּׁבָּ֑ת1that the doors be shut and that they should not be opened untilThis can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the guards shut the doors and not open them until” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1196NEH1319wy3qfigs-activepassiveלֹא־יָב֥וֹא מַשָּׂ֖א1no load could be brought inThis can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one could bring in things they wanted to sell” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1197NEH1320s2hvוּ⁠מֹכְרֵ֧י כָל־מִמְכָּ֛ר1sellers of all kinds of wares“people who had brought many different things they wanted to sell”
1198NEH1321hi84figs-rquestionמַדּ֜וּעַ אַתֶּ֤ם לֵנִים֙ נֶ֣גֶד הַ⁠חוֹמָ֔ה1Why do you camp outside the wall?Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to rebuke merchants and to emphasize his command. This question can be translated as a statement. The full meaning of this statement can also be made explicit. Alternate translation: “You are camping outside the wall against what I commanded.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1199NEH1321hfv7figs-metonymyיָ֖ד אֶשְׁלַ֣ח בָּ⁠כֶ֑ם1I will lay hands on you!The word “hands” is a metonym for forceful action. Alternate translation: “I will send you away by force!” or “I will remove you by force!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1200NEH1322mis6גַּם־זֹאת֙ זָכְרָ⁠ה־לִּ֣⁠י אֱלֹהַ֔⁠י1Call me to mind for this also, my God“My God, remember me concerning this also.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Nehemiah 13:14](../13/14.md).
1201NEH1323zxc20Connecting Statement:These verses introduce the action that follows.
1202NEH1323jp2wfigs-explicitאֶת־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ הֹשִׁ֗יבוּ נָשִׁים֙ אשדודיות עמוניות1Jews that had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab“Jews that had married foreign women.” God had forbidden intermarriage. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1203NEH1323l9c2translate-namesאשדודיות1AshdodThis is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1204NEH1323b4nttranslate-namesעמוניות מוֹאֲבִיּֽוֹת1Ammon…MoabThese are the names of nations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1205NEH1324w247וּ⁠בְנֵי⁠הֶ֗ם חֲצִי֙1Half of their children“As a result, half of their children”
1206NEH1325dzu5וָ⁠אָרִ֤יב עִמָּ⁠ם֙1I confronted them“I spoke directly to them about what they had done”
1207NEH1325hg44וָ⁠אַכֶּ֥ה מֵ⁠הֶ֛ם1I hit some of themNehemiah hit some of them with his hands.
1208NEH1325gzx6וָ⁠אַשְׁבִּיעֵ֣⁠ם בֵּֽ⁠אלֹהִ֗ים1I made them swear by God“I made them say a promise before God”
1209NEH1326l9xmfigs-rquestionהֲ⁠ל֣וֹא עַל־אֵ֣לֶּה חָטָֽא־שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה מֶ֣לֶךְ1Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of these women?Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that Solomon king of Israel sinned on account of these women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1210NEH1327vp56figs-rquestionוְ⁠לָ⁠כֶ֣ם הֲ⁠נִשְׁמַ֗ע לַ⁠עֲשֹׂת֙ אֵ֣ת כָּל־הָ⁠רָעָ֤ה הַ⁠גְּדוֹלָה֙ הַ⁠זֹּ֔את לִ⁠מְעֹ֖ל בֵּֽ⁠אלֹהֵ֑י⁠נוּ לְ⁠הֹשִׁ֖יב נָשִׁ֥ים נָכְרִיּֽוֹת1Should we then listen to you and do all this great evil, and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “We will not listen to you or do this great evil or act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1211NEH1328dft4translate-namesיוֹיָדָ֤ע…אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙…לְ⁠סַנְבַלַּ֣ט1Joiada…Eliashib…SanballatThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1212NEH1328f8aktranslate-namesהַ⁠חֹרֹנִ֑י1the HoroniteThis refers to a person from the city of Beth Horon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1213NEH1328rhs8וָ⁠אַבְרִיחֵ֖⁠הוּ מֵ⁠עָלָֽ⁠י1I caused him to flee from my presence“I chased him away” or “I made him leave Jerusalem”
1214NEH1329pa21זָכְרָ֥⁠ה לָ⁠הֶ֖ם1Call them to mind“Think about them” or “Remember what they have done.” See how you translated a similar phrase in [Nehemiah 13:14](../13/14.md).
1215NEH1329mn8kfigs-metaphorעַ֚ל גָּאֳלֵ֣י הַ⁠כְּהֻנָּ֔ה וּ⁠בְרִ֥ית הַ⁠כְּהֻנָּ֖ה וְ⁠הַ⁠לְוִיִּֽם1they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood and the LevitesCausing the priesthood to be dishonored and breaking the covenant is spoken of as if they made the priesthood and covenant physically unclean. Alternate translation: “they have dishonored the priesthood and broken the covenant you made with the priests and Levites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1216NEH1330gd16וְ⁠טִֽהַרְתִּ֖י⁠ם1Thus I cleansed them“In this way I purified them”
1217NEH1330s3y9וָ⁠אַעֲמִ֧ידָ⁠ה מִשְׁמָר֛וֹת לַ⁠כֹּהֲנִ֥ים וְ⁠לַ⁠לְוִיִּ֖ם1established the duties of the priests and the Levites“told the priests and Levites what they were to do”
1218NEH1331vl4aוּ⁠לְ⁠קֻרְבַּ֧ן הָ⁠עֵצִ֛ים1I provided for the wood offering“I arranged for a supply of wood for the wood offerings”
1219NEH1331sh91וְ⁠לַ⁠בִּכּוּרִ֑ים1for the firstfruits“for the offering of firstfruits at harvest time”
1220NEH1331ae94זָכְרָ⁠ה־לִּ֥⁠י אֱלֹהַ֖⁠י לְ⁠טוֹבָֽה1Call 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](../13/14.md).