The Syntax of Official Documentation and the Function of Titles in Nehemiah 10:1

Introduction to Nehemiah 10:1

Nehemiah 10:1 marks the beginning of a covenant renewal document, listing the names of those who sealed the agreement. The verse highlights Nehemiah’s leadership role and the official nature of the document. This passage reflects the administrative and legal language of post-exilic Judaism, where written agreements and recorded signatories were central to religious and political life.

The passage consists of:

1. An introductory phrase marking the list of signatories (וְעַ֖ל הַחֲתוּמִ֑ים, “And upon the sealed ones”).
2. The title and name of the first signatory (נְחֶמְיָ֧ה הַתִּרְשָׁ֛תָא, “Nehemiah the Tirshatha”).
3. A reference to Nehemiah’s lineage and another signatory (בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה וְצִדְקִיָּֽה, “the son of Hacaliah and Zedekiah”).

This study will analyze the grammatical structure of official documentation, the function of leadership titles, and the significance of covenantal agreements in biblical law.

וְעַ֖ל הַחֲתוּמִ֑ים נְחֶמְיָ֧ה הַתִּרְשָׁ֛תָא בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה וְצִדְקִיָּֽה׃

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. וְעַ֖ל הַחֲתוּמִ֑ים (ve‘al haḥatumim)
   • Root: חָתַם (“to seal, sign”)
   • Form: Qal passive participle masculine plural with definite article
   • Translation: “And upon the sealed ones”
   • Function: Introduces the list of those who affixed their seals to the covenant.
2. נְחֶמְיָ֧ה הַתִּרְשָׁ֛תָא (Neḥemyah haTirshata)
   • Root: Proper noun
   • Form: Definite title with article הַ (“the”)
   • Translation: “Nehemiah the Tirshatha”
   • Function: Identifies Nehemiah as the governor of Judah.
3. בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה (ben-Ḥakalyah)
   • Root: בֵּן (“son of”)
   • Form: Construct chain
   • Translation: “The son of Hacaliah”
   • Function: Provides Nehemiah’s lineage, emphasizing his identity.
4. וְצִדְקִיָּֽה (ve-Tsidqiyah)
   • Root: Proper noun
   • Form: Coordinated noun with conjunction וְ (“and”)
   • Translation: “And Zedekiah”
   • Function: Introduces another signatory in the covenant renewal list.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Passive Participle חֲתוּמִ֑ים (“Sealed Ones”) in Legal Context

Passive participle form → Indicates those who had sealed the covenant document.

Parallels legal documents in ancient Near Eastern contracts, showing binding authority.

The Title הַתִּרְשָׁ֛תָא (“The Tirshatha”) as a Persian Administrative Term

A Persian title for a governor → Used for Nehemiah in Ezra-Nehemiah.

Signifies his official authority over Judea under Persian rule.

The Construct Chain בֶּן־חֲכַלְיָ֖ה (“Son of Hacaliah”) as a Genealogical Marker

Provides identification, reinforcing Nehemiah’s recognized leadership.

Construct state → Shows possession (Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah).

Theological Implications of Covenant Renewal

1. The Binding Nature of Covenant CommitmentsSealing the covenant signifies a solemn agreement before God.
2. Leadership and Responsibility in Post-Exilic IsraelNehemiah, as Tirshatha, leads the people in reaffirming their commitment to God’s law.
3. Restoration of Religious IdentityThe covenant list represents a renewal of Israel’s spiritual and national identity.

The Role of Official Titles in Biblical Administration

Nehemiah 10:1 demonstrates the structured nature of biblical documentation, where titles and names authenticate legal agreements. The passive participle חֲתוּמִים marks the official nature of the covenant, while הַתִּרְשָׁ֛תָא highlights Nehemiah’s political authority.

Thus, this verse serves as both an administrative record and a theological affirmation of covenant fidelity in post-exilic Israel.