Nehemiah 8:8
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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
and 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
So 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 1917
And 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…

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Nehemiah 8
1. The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law
9. 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
The Levites and possibly Ezra himself were responsible for explaining the Law, ensuring that the people understood its meaning and implications. This process involved translating the Hebrew text into Aramaic, the common language of the people at the time, and providing interpretation. This practice is akin to expository preaching, where the text is read, explained, and applied. The need for explanation highlights the gap between the ancient text and the contemporary audience, a challenge that persists in biblical interpretation today. This act of explanation is reminiscent of Jesus' own teaching ministry, where He often explained the Scriptures to His disciples (Luke 24:27).

so that the people could understand what was being read
Understanding was the ultimate goal of the reading and explanation. The emphasis on comprehension indicates that the Law was not merely to be heard but to be internalized and acted upon. This aligns with the biblical principle that faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The people's understanding would lead to a renewed commitment to the covenant, as seen later in Nehemiah 8 and 9, where the people respond with worship and confession. This understanding is a precursor to the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33), fulfilled in Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezra
A 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 Scripture
Understanding 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.(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 read
וַֽיִּקְרְא֥וּ (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


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OT History: Nehemiah 8:8 They read in the book (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 8:7
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