Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. New Living Translation They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. English Standard Version They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. Berean Standard Bible So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. King James Bible So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. New King James Version So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. New American Standard Bible They read from the book, from the Law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. NASB 1995 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. NASB 1977 And they read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Legacy Standard Bible They read from the book, from the law of God, explaining and giving insight, and they provided understanding of the reading. Amplified Bible So they read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and explaining it so that the people understood the reading. Christian Standard Bible They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. Holman Christian Standard Bible They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. American Standard Version And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading. English Revised Version And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading. GOD'S WORD® Translation They read the Book of God's Teachings clearly and explained the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. Good News Translation They gave an oral translation of God's Law and explained it so that the people could understand it. International Standard Version They read from the Book of the Law of God, distinctly communicating its meaning, so they could understand the reading. NET Bible They read from the book of God's law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read. New Heart English Bible They read in the scroll, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading. Webster's Bible Translation So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. World English Bible They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they read in the Scroll, in the Law of God, explaining—so as to give the meaning, and they give understanding to the convocation. Young's Literal Translation and they read in the book, in the law of God, explaining -- so as to give the meaning, and they give understanding to the convocation. Smith's Literal Translation And they will read in the book in the law of God accurately, and he set up the understanding, and they will cause to understand the reading. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they read in the book of the law of God distinctly and plainly to be understood: and they understood when it was read. Catholic Public Domain Version And they read from the book of the law of God, distinctly and plainly, so as to be understood. And when it was read, they did understand. New American Bible Ezra read clearly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. New Revised Standard Version So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo they read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, so that they understood the reading thereof. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they read in book of the Torah of LORD JEHOVAH when it was unrolled, and they were convinced by it, and they understood the reading of it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they read in the book, in the Law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they read in the book of the law of God, and Esdras taught, and instructed them distinctly in the knowledge of the Lord, and the people understood the law in the reading. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ezra Reads the Law…7The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places. 8So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. 9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.… Cross References Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. 2 Chronicles 17:9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people. Deuteronomy 31:11-13 when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. / Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. / Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Acts 8:30-31 So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. / “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple. Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ... Joshua 8:34-35 Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. / There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them. Jeremiah 36:6 so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities. Colossians 4:16 After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. Treasury of Scripture So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. and gave the sense Habakkuk 2:2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Matthew 5:21,22,27,28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: … Luke 24:27,32,45 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself… Jump to Previous Able Book Caused Clear Clearly Convocation Distinctly Explaining Law Making Meaning Minds Read Reading Sense Understand Understanding Understood WordsJump to Next Able Book Caused Clear Clearly Convocation Distinctly Explaining Law Making Meaning Minds Read Reading Sense Understand Understanding Understood WordsNehemiah 8 1. The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law9. They comfort the people 13. The eagerness of the people to hear and be instructed 16. They keep the feast of tabernacles So they read from the Book of the Law of God This phrase refers to the public reading of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which were considered the foundational texts for the Jewish faith and practice. The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, where the Israelites, having returned from Babylonian captivity, are re-establishing their religious and cultural identity. The reading likely took place at the Water Gate, a significant location in Jerusalem, symbolizing the accessibility of God's Word to all people. This public reading echoes the command in Deuteronomy 31:11-13, where Moses instructed that the Law be read to all Israel during the Feast of Tabernacles. It underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding the community and maintaining covenantal faithfulness. explaining it and giving insight so that the people could understand what was being read Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who played a central role in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites. He was responsible for reading the Law to the people. 2. Nehemiah The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and supported the spiritual revival of the people. 3. Levites Members of the tribe of Levi who assisted Ezra in explaining the Law to the people, ensuring they understood its meaning. 4. Jerusalem The city where the reading of the Law took place, specifically at the Water Gate, symbolizing a place of gathering and instruction. 5. The Book of the Law of God Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people. Teaching Points The Importance of Understanding ScriptureUnderstanding God's Word is crucial for spiritual growth and obedience. Like the Israelites, we need guidance to comprehend and apply biblical truths. Role of Teachers and Leaders Spiritual leaders, like Ezra and the Levites, play a vital role in helping others understand Scripture. We should seek out and value sound teaching. Community in Learning The communal reading and explanation of the Law emphasize the importance of studying Scripture together, fostering mutual encouragement and accountability. Scripture as a Foundation for Revival The reading of the Law led to a spiritual revival among the Israelites. Regular engagement with Scripture can lead to personal and communal renewal. Application of God's Word Understanding Scripture should lead to action. We must strive to apply God's teachings in our daily lives, allowing His Word to transform us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 8:8?2. How can we "read from the Book" to deepen our understanding of Scripture? 3. What steps can we take to "give the meaning" of biblical texts today? 4. How does Nehemiah 8:8 encourage us to ensure others "understand the reading"? 5. In what ways can we apply Nehemiah 8:8 to our Bible study groups? 6. How does Nehemiah 8:8 connect with 2 Timothy 3:16 on Scripture's purpose? 7. How does Nehemiah 8:8 emphasize the importance of understanding Scripture in one's faith journey? 8. What role does clear explanation play in the spiritual growth described in Nehemiah 8:8? 9. How does Nehemiah 8:8 challenge modern interpretations of biblical literacy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 8? 11. Could the text introduced in Nehemiah 8:8 have been authentically preserved or accurately read after years of exile? 12. What does the Jewish Targum refer to? 13. What is Functional Equivalence Translation? 14. What is the purpose and message of The Bible Project? What Does Nehemiah 8:8 Mean So they readReading Scripture aloud was the first step. Just as Moses commanded a public reading every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:11), Ezra and the Levites gathered everyone to hear God’s word. Public proclamation matters because: • It puts God’s voice, not human opinion, at the center (Revelation 1:3). • It allows whole families to hear together (Joshua 8:35). • It reminds us that “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” (1 Timothy 4:13). from the Book of the Law of God They did not select random writings; they opened the very text God had inspired. Scripture is: • Perfect and soul-reviving (Psalm 19:7). • Stored beside the ark as the covenant’s witness (Deuteronomy 31:26). • “God-breathed and useful” for every aspect of life (2 Timothy 3:16). By appealing to the written Law, Ezra affirmed that true authority lies in God’s revealed word, not shifting culture or personal preference. explaining it After the reading came explanation. The Levites “made it clear” (Nehemiah 8:7)—an early model of expository teaching. Consider: • Jesus “explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself” (Luke 24:27). • Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” and then guided the Ethiopian (Acts 8:30-31). • Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:3). Teaching bridges the gap between ancient text and present listeners. and giving insight Explanation moved deeper into insight—helping people grasp meaning and implications. Insight is God-given: • “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things” (Psalm 119:18). • “The LORD gives wisdom” (Proverbs 2:6). • The Spirit “will teach you all things” (John 14:26) and enlighten “the eyes of your heart” (Ephesians 1:17-18). The leaders didn’t merely lecture; they illuminated truth so hearts could grasp it. so that the people could understand Clarity was the goal. Scripture is not a secret code for scholars only. • Paul preferred “five intelligible words” for the church’s benefit (1 Corinthians 14:19, 9). • Jesus “did not speak to them without a parable; but privately explained everything to His disciples” (Mark 4:34). • Paul’s aim was to “present everyone perfect in Christ” through teaching “with all wisdom” (Colossians 1:28). Understanding invites obedience and joy (Nehemiah 8:12). what was being read Grasping the words had a purpose: living them. • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • The wise man “hears these words of Mine and acts on them” (Matthew 7:24). • God assured Israel, “The word is very near you…so that you may do it” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). Reading, explanation, insight, and understanding find completion in obedient response. summary Nehemiah 8:8 pictures a timeless pattern: God’s word is publicly read, clearly explained, spiritually illuminated, and practically understood so His people can obey with joyful hearts. When churches follow this model—centering on Scripture, teaching it plainly, seeking Spirit-given insight, and aiming for life-changing understanding—believers are strengthened and God is honored. (8) Gave the sense.--They expounded obscurer passages, and in doing so naturally translated into the vernacular Aramaic dialect.Caused them to understand the reading.--This simply explains the former: they expounded as they read. Verse 8. - They read in the book in the law of God distinctly. That is, so that every word could be distinctly heard. Compare Ezra 4:18, where a cognate word is translated "plainly." And gave the sense. Translated the Hebrew words into the popular Aramaic or Chaldee. And caused them to understand the reading. Literal]y, "in the reading." In the course of the reading they caused the people to understand by explaining the meaning of each passage.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So they readוַֽיִּקְרְא֥וּ (way·yiq·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read from the Book בַסֵּ֛פֶר (ḇas·sê·p̄er) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book of the Law בְּתוֹרַ֥ת (bə·ṯō·w·raṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law of God, הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative explaining it מְפֹרָ֑שׁ (mə·p̄ō·rāš) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6567: To make distinct, declare and giving וְשׂ֣וֹם (wə·śō·wm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set insight, שֶׂ֔כֶל (śe·ḵel) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7922: Intelligence, success so that the people could understand וַיָּבִ֖ינוּ (way·yā·ḇî·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand what was being read. בַּמִּקְרָֽא׃ (bam·miq·rā) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4744: Something called out, a public meeting, a rehearsal Links Nehemiah 8:8 NIVNehemiah 8:8 NLT Nehemiah 8:8 ESV Nehemiah 8:8 NASB Nehemiah 8:8 KJV Nehemiah 8:8 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 8:8 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 8:8 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 8:8 French Bible Nehemiah 8:8 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 8:8 They read in the book (Neh Ne) |
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