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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nehemiah 8:8 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/16_Neh_08_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:8 - Ezra Reads the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and they gave the sense, and helped <i>them</i> to understand the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They read from the book, from the Law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They read from the book, from the law of God, explaining and giving insight, and they provided understanding of the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and explaining it so that the people understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They read the Book of God's Teachings clearly and explained the meaning so that the people could understand what was read.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They gave an oral translation of God's Law and explained it so that the people could understand it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They read from the Book of the Law of God, distinctly communicating its meaning, so they could understand the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They read from the book of God's law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They read in the scroll, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they read in the book of the law of God distinctly and plainly to be understood: and they understood when it was read. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ezra read clearly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So they read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, so that they understood the reading thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they read in the book, in the Law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />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 <i>the law</i> in the reading.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=2101" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Ezra Reads the Law</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>The 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. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">So they read</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: ḇas·sê·p̄er (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">from the Book</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: bə·ṯō·w·raṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">of the Law</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6567.htm" title="6567: mə·p̄ō·rāš (V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To make distinct, declare. A primitive root; to separate, literally or figuratively; also to wound.">explaining it</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wə·śō·wm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and giving</a> <a href="/hebrew/7922.htm" title="7922: śe·ḵel (N-ms) -- Prudence, insight. Or sekel; from sakal; intelligence; by implication, success.">insight,</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: way·yā·ḇî·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">so that the people could understand</a> <a href="/hebrew/4744.htm" title="4744: bam·miq·rā (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A convocation, convoking, reading. From qara'; something called out, i.e. A public meeting; also a rehearsal.">what was being read.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Nehemiah 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/7-10.htm">Ezra 7:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/17-9.htm">2 Chronicles 17:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-11.htm">Deuteronomy 31:11-13</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-30.htm">Acts 8:30-31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-27.htm">Luke 24:27</a></span><br />And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-130.htm">Psalm 119:130</a></span><br />The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">1 Timothy 4:13</a></span><br />Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/8-34.htm">Joshua 8:34-35</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/36-6.htm">Jeremiah 36:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-16.htm">Colossians 4:16</a></span><br />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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.</p><p class="hdg">and gave the sense</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-2.htm">Habakkuk 2:2</a></b></br> And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make <i>it</i> plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21,22,27,28</a></b></br> 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: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-27.htm">Luke 24:27,32,45</a></b></br> And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Book</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-27.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/numbers/29-12.htm">Convocation</a> <a href="/ezra/4-18.htm">Distinctly</a> <a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Explaining</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Law</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-14.htm">Making</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-41.htm">Meaning</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-15.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Read</a> <a href="/ezra/4-23.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/ezra/4-18.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-12.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-19.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/11-6.htm">Able</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-18.htm">Book</a> <a href="/esther/6-11.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/job/4-16.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/exodus/12-16.htm">Convocation</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-4.htm">Distinctly</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Explaining</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-14.htm">Law</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-22.htm">Making</a> <a href="/job/7-16.htm">Meaning</a> <a href="/job/6-29.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-18.htm">Read</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-3.htm">Reading</a> <a href="/job/6-6.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-28.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">They comfort the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">The eagerness of the people to hear and be instructed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">They keep the feast of tabernacles</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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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 <a href="/deuteronomy/31-11.htm">Deuteronomy 31:11-13</a>, 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.<p><b>explaining it and giving insight</b><br>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 (<a href="/luke/24-27.htm">Luke 24:27</a>).<p><b>so that the people could understand what was being read</b><br>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 (<a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>). The people's understanding would lead to a renewed commitment to the covenant, as seen later in <a href="/nehemiah/8.htm">Nehemiah 8 and 9</a>, 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 (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>), fulfilled in Christ, who is the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and supported the spiritual revival of the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>Members of the tribe of Levi who assisted Ezra in explaining the Law to the people, ensuring they understood its meaning.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where the reading of the Law took place, specifically at the Water Gate, symbolizing a place of gathering and instruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_the_law_of_god.htm">The Book of the Law of God</a></b><br>Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_understanding_scripture.htm">The Importance of Understanding Scripture</a></b><br>Understanding God's Word is crucial for spiritual growth and obedience. Like the Israelites, we need guidance to comprehend and apply biblical truths.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_teachers_and_leaders.htm">Role of Teachers and Leaders</a></b><br>Spiritual leaders, like Ezra and the Levites, play a vital role in helping others understand Scripture. We should seek out and value sound teaching.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_in_learning.htm">Community in Learning</a></b><br>The communal reading and explanation of the Law emphasize the importance of studying Scripture together, fostering mutual encouragement and accountability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/scripture_as_a_foundation_for_revival.htm">Scripture as a Foundation for Revival</a></b><br>The reading of the Law led to a spiritual revival among the Israelites. Regular engagement with Scripture can lead to personal and communal renewal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/application_of_god's_word.htm">Application of God's Word</a></b><br>Understanding Scripture should lead to action. We must strive to apply God's teachings in our daily lives, allowing His Word to transform us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_nehemiah_8_8_text_preserved_accurately.htm">Could the text introduced in Nehemiah 8:8 have been authentically preserved or accurately read after years of exile? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_jewish_targum_refer_to.htm">What does the Jewish Targum refer to?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_functional_equivalence_translation.htm">What is Functional Equivalence Translation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible_project's_goal.htm">What is the purpose and message of The Bible Project?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Gave the sense.</span>--They expounded obscurer passages, and in doing so naturally translated into the vernacular Aramaic dialect.<p><span class= "bld">Caused them to understand the reading.</span>--This simply explains the former: they <span class= "ital">expounded as they read.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They read in the book in the law of God distinctly</span>. That is, so that every word could be distinctly heard. Compare <a href="/ezra/4-18.htm">Ezra 4:18</a>, where a cognate word is translated "plainly." <span class="cmt_word">And gave the sense</span>. Translated the Hebrew words into the popular Aramaic or Chaldee<span class="cmt_word">. And caused them to understand the reading</span>. Literal]y, "in the reading." In the course of the reading they caused the people to understand by explaining the meaning of each passage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So they read</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּקְרְא֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the Book</span><br /><span class="heb">בַסֵּ֛פֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ḇas·sê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> </span><span class="str2">A missive, document, writing, book</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Law</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּתוֹרַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·w·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">explaining it</span><br /><span class="heb">מְפֹרָ֑שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mə·p̄ō·rāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6567.htm">Strong's 6567: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make distinct, declare</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and giving</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשׂ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">insight,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׂ֔כֶל</span> <span class="translit">(śe·ḵel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7922.htm">Strong's 7922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, success</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that the people could understand</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבִ֖ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what was being read.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמִּקְרָֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(bam·miq·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4744.htm">Strong's 4744: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something called out, a public meeting, a rehearsal</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Nehemiah 8:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:8 They read in the book (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>