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Amen!&#8221 Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a> And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” with the raising of their hands; then they kneeled down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, &#8220Amen, Amen!&#8221 while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Ezra blessed Yahweh the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; and they knelt down and worshiped the LORD with their faces toward the ground. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, “Amen, Amen! ” Then they knelt low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, &#8220Amen, Amen!&#8221 Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Ezra blessed Jehovah, the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped Jehovah with their faces to the ground. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ezra praised the great LORD God, and they lifted their hands, shouting "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed with their faces to the ground and worshiped the LORD. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Ezra thanked the LORD, the great God. All the people responded, "Amen! Amen!" as they raised their hands and then bowed with their faces to the ground and worshiped the LORD. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Ezra said, "Praise the LORD, the great God!" All the people raised their arms in the air and answered, "Amen! Amen!" They knelt in worship, with their faces to the ground. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with uplifted hands, all the people responded, "Amen! Amen!" They bowed down and worshipped the LORD prostrate on the ground. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, ?Amen, Amen!? Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people replied "Amen! Amen!" as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. All the people answered, "Amen, Amen," with the lifting up of their hands. They bowed their heads, and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” with the lifting up of their hands. They bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Ezra blesses YHWH, the great God, and all the people answer, “Amen, Amen,” with lifting up of their hands, and they bow and pay respect to YHWH—faces to the earth. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Ezra blesseth Jehovah, the great God, and all the people answer, 'Amen, Amen,' with lifting up of their hands, and they bow and do obeisance to Jehovah -- faces to the earth. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Ezra will praise Jehovah the great God: and all the people will answer, Amen, Amen, in lifting up their hands: and they will bow down and worship to Jehovah, with faces to the earth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Esdras blessed the Lord the great God: and all the people answered, Amen, amen: lifting up their hands: and they bowed down, and adored God with their faces to the ground. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people responded, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed down, and they adored God, facing the ground. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, “Amen, amen!” Then they knelt down and bowed before the LORD, their faces to the ground. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting up their hands; and they knelt down and worshipped before the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Azra blessed LORD JEHOVAH, the great God, and all the people answered, and they said: “Amen and Amen!” And when they lifted up their hands, they knelt and they bowed before LORD JEHOVAH on their faces unto the ground.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered: 'Amen, Amen', with the lifting up of their hands; and they bowed their heads, and fell down before the LORD with their faces to the ground. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Esdras blessed the Lord, the great God: and all the people answered, and said, Amen, lifting up their hands: and they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their face to the ground. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=2066" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Ezra Reads the Law</a> …5Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up. 6<a href="/hebrew/5830.htm" title="5830: ‘ez·rā (N-proper-ms) -- Help, three Isr. A variation of ezrah; Ezra, an Israelite.">Then Ezra</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: way·ḇā·reḵ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">blessed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gā·ḏō·wl (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">the great</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">God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yə·ḏê·hem (N-fdc:: 3mp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">and with their hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/4607.htm" title="4607: bə·mō·‘al (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A lifting. From alah; a raising.">uplifted,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘ă·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To answer, respond.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/543.htm" title="543: ’ā·mên (Adv) -- Verily, truly. From 'aman; sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly.">“Amen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/543.htm" title="543: ’ā·mên (Adv) -- Verily, truly. From 'aman; sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly.">Amen!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/6915.htm" title="6915: way·yiq·qə·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to shrivel up, i.e. Contract or bend the body in deference.">Then they bowed down</a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥă·wu (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">and worshiped</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pa·yim (N-md) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">with their faces</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·rə·ṣāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the ground.</a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezra/3-11.htm">Ezra 3:11</a> And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. <a href="/1_chronicles/16-36.htm">1 Chronicles 16:36</a> Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and “Praise the LORD!” <a href="/psalms/106-48.htm">Psalm 106:48</a> Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Hallelujah! <a href="/deuteronomy/27-15.htm">Deuteronomy 27:15-26</a> ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ ... <a href="/2_chronicles/20-18.htm">2 Chronicles 20:18-19</a> Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him. / And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, shouting in a very loud voice. <a href="/psalms/95-6.htm">Psalm 95:6</a> O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. <a href="/psalms/134-2.htm">Psalm 134:2</a> Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD! <a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4</a> So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands. <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a> May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering. <a href="/1_kings/8-14.htm">1 Kings 8:14-15</a> And as the whole assembly of Israel stood there, the king turned around and blessed them all / and said: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His own hand what He spoke with His mouth to my father David, saying, <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a> Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension. <a href="/revelation/7-11.htm">Revelation 7:11-12</a> And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, / saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” <a href="/luke/24-52.htm">Luke 24:52-53</a> And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, / praising God continually in the temple. <a href="/matthew/21-9.htm">Matthew 21:9</a> The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” <a href="/ephesians/5-20.htm">Ephesians 5:20</a> always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.blessed<a href="/1_chronicles/29-20.htm">1 Chronicles 29:20</a> And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.<a href="/2_chronicles/6-4.htm">2 Chronicles 6:4</a> And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,<a href="/psalms/41-13.htm">Psalm 41:13</a> Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.Amen<a href="/nehemiah/5-13.htm">Nehemiah 5:13</a> Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.<a href="/jeremiah/28-6.htm">Jeremiah 28:6</a> Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.<a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Matthew 6:13</a> And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.with lifting<a href="/genesis/14-22.htm">Genesis 14:22</a> And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,<a href="/psalms/28-2.htm">Psalm 28:2</a> Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.<a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4</a> Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.bowed<a href="/genesis/24-26.htm">Genesis 24:26</a> And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.<a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Exodus 4:31</a> And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.<a href="/exodus/12-27.htm">Exodus 12:27</a> That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.with their faces<a href="/leviticus/9-24.htm">Leviticus 9:24</a> And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.<a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a> And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.<a href="/revelation/7-11.htm">Revelation 7:11</a> And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-13.htm">Amen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-29.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/ezra/7-27.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-14.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-17.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-30.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Ezra</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-6.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-24.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-71.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-29.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/ezra/10-11.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-13.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/ezra/7-19.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-22.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-3.htm">Worshipped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/41-13.htm">Amen</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-5.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Ezra</a> <a href="/job/9-24.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-11.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-24.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">Heads</a> <a href="/job/5-11.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-5.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/job/1-21.htm">Praised</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-3.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-3.htm">Worshipped</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 8</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law</a> 9. <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">They comfort the people</a> 13. <a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">The eagerness of the people to hear and be instructed</a> 16. <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">They keep the feast of tabernacles</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God Ezra, a scribe and priest, plays a pivotal role in the spiritual renewal of Israel. His blessing of the LORD signifies a public acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and greatness. This act of blessing is a form of praise and thanksgiving, setting the tone for the communal worship that follows. The title "the great God" emphasizes God's supreme authority and power, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms (e.g., <a href="/psalms/95-3.htm">Psalm 95:3</a>). This moment occurs during the reading of the Law, a significant event in the post-exilic period, highlighting the restoration of religious practices after the Babylonian exile.and with their hands uplifted The lifting of hands is a common biblical gesture of prayer and worship, symbolizing openness, surrender, and a plea for divine intervention. This physical expression of worship is seen in various parts of Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4</a> and <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a>, indicating a posture of reverence and earnestness before God. It reflects the people's readiness to receive God's word and blessing.all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” The repetition of "Amen" underscores the people's agreement and affirmation of the truths being proclaimed. "Amen" is a Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," and its use here signifies the congregation's collective assent to Ezra's blessing and the reading of the Law. This communal response is a powerful expression of unity and shared faith, reminiscent of similar affirmations in <a href="/deuteronomy/27-15.htm">Deuteronomy 27:15-26</a>, where the Israelites confirm their commitment to God's covenant.Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground Bowing down with faces to the ground is an act of deep humility and submission, acknowledging God's holiness and majesty. This posture of worship is seen throughout the Bible, such as in <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Genesis 17:3</a> when Abraham falls facedown before God. It signifies reverence and awe, recognizing the LORD's authority and the people's unworthiness. This act of worship is a physical manifestation of the heart's attitude, aligning with the biblical principle that true worship involves both spirit and truth (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>). The communal nature of this worship reflects the restored identity and unity of the Israelites as God's chosen people, renewed in their covenant relationship with Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a> A scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites. He led the reading and explanation of the Law to the people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The assembly of Israelites who gathered to hear the Law. Their response to Ezra's blessing shows their reverence and commitment to God. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this event took place, specifically at the Water Gate, symbolizing a return to the heart of worship and obedience to God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which Ezra read to the people, leading to their worship and recommitment to God's covenant. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_worship.htm">The Event of Worship</a> This was a significant moment of communal worship and recommitment to God, marked by the people's physical expressions of reverence and agreement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_blessing_god.htm">The Power of Blessing God</a> Ezra's blessing of the Lord sets the tone for worship. We are reminded of the importance of starting our gatherings and personal devotions by acknowledging God's greatness. <a href="/topical/u/unified_response_in_worship.htm">Unified Response in Worship</a> The people's collective "Amen" signifies unity in faith and purpose. In our communities, unified worship strengthens our bond and commitment to God. <a href="/topical/p/physical_expressions_of_worship.htm">Physical Expressions of Worship</a> The lifting of hands and bowing down are outward expressions of inward reverence. Our worship should engage both heart and body, reflecting our total devotion to God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_worship.htm">The Role of Scripture in Worship</a> The reading of the Law was central to this event. Regular engagement with Scripture is vital for spiritual growth and renewal. <a href="/topical/r/reverence_and_humility_before_god.htm">Reverence and Humility Before God</a> Bowing with faces to the ground symbolizes humility. We are called to approach God with a humble heart, recognizing His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 8</a> <a href="/q/what's_'jesus_camp'_about.htm">What is the documentary "Jesus Camp" about?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_all_hear_the_law_in_neh._8_1-3.htm">How could the entire community realistically gather and hear the Law for hours, as stated in Nehemiah 8:1–3? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_raising_hands.htm">What does the Bible say about raising hands in worship?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_49_8_align_with_history.htm">Isaiah 49:8 depicts a grand restoration--how does this align with historical records of Israel's exiles and returns that appear less triumphant?</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>(6) And Ezra blessed the Lord.--The book was formally and solemnly opened in the sight of the people. At this request the multitude arose, and, after a doxology offered by Ezra, they all uttered a double Amen, "with lifting up of their hands," in token of their most fervent assent; and then "with faces bowed to the ground," in token of adoration.The great God is Nehemiah's expression, not Ezra's; the sentence used is not reported.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - Ezra blessed the Lord. Ezra began by an ascription of praise to Jehovah, as the Levites, probably under his direction, begin in <a href="/nehemiah/9-5.htm">Nehemiah 9:5</a>, and as David began his last address to the congregation (<a href="/1_chronicles/29-10.htm">1 Chronicles 29:10</a>). The great God. The epithet belongs to the writer rather than to Ezra himself, who in his own book never uses it. It recurs in this section (<a href="/nehemiah/9-32.htm">Nehemiah 9:32</a>), and is also employed by Nehemiah (<a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Nehemiah 1:5</a>). Amen, Amen. The repetition marks intensity of feeling, as does the lifting up their hands. Compare <a href="/2_kings/11-14.htm">2 Kings 11:14</a>; <a href="/luke/23-21.htm">Luke 23:21</a>; and for the lifting up of the hands, so natural in prayer, see <a href="/psalms/134-2.htm">Psalm 134:2</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">1 Timothy 2:8</a>, etc. Worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Compare <a href="/2_chronicles/7-3.htm">2 Chronicles 7:3</a>; <a href="/ezra/10-2.htm">Ezra 10:2</a>. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Ezra עֶזְרָ֔א (‘ez·rā) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5830.htm">Strong's 5830: </a> Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites blessed וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ (way·ḇā·reḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse the LORD, יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel the great הַגָּד֑וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent God, הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and with their hands יְדֵיהֶ֔ם (yə·ḏê·hem) Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand uplifted, בְּמֹ֣עַל (bə·mō·‘al) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4607.htm">Strong's 4607: </a> A raising all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֜ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock said, וַיַּֽעֲנ֨וּ (way·ya·‘ă·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond “Amen, אָמֵ֤ן ׀ (’ā·mên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_543.htm">Strong's 543: </a> Sure, faithfulness, truly Amen!” אָמֵן֙ (’ā·mên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_543.htm">Strong's 543: </a> Sure, faithfulness, truly Then they bowed down וַיִּקְּד֧וּ (way·yiq·qə·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6915.htm">Strong's 6915: </a> To shrivel up, contract, bend the body, in deference and worshiped וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲוֻּ֛ (way·yiš·ta·ḥă·wu) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> To depress, prostrate the LORD לַיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel with their faces אַפַּ֥יִם (’ap·pa·yim) Noun - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire to the ground. אָֽרְצָה׃ (’ā·rə·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Nehemiah 8:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:6 And Ezra blessed Yahweh the great God (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:7" /></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>