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For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/16_Neh_08_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:9 - Ezra Reads the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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Do not mourn or weep.&#8221 For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a> And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, &#8220This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.&#8221 For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites, who provided the people with understanding, said to all the people, “This day is holy to Yahweh your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, &#8220This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.&#8221 For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto Jehovah your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The people started crying when God's Law was read to them. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher, and the Levites who had been teaching the people all said, "This is a special day for the LORD your God. So don't be sad and don't cry!" <a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Nehemiah, which was the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people told them, "This is a holy day for the LORD your God. Don't mourn or cry." All the people were crying as they listened to the reading of God's Teachings. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the people heard what the Law required, they were so moved that they began to cry. So Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra, the priest and scholar of the Law, and the Levites who were explaining the Law told all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God, so you are not to mourn or cry. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Because all the people were weeping as they listened to the words of the Law, Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the descendants of Levi who taught the people told everyone, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." <a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priestly scribe, and the Levites who were imparting understanding to 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 had been weeping when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn, nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Nehemiah, who is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest, the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said to all the people, This day is holy to the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “Today is holy to Yahweh your God. Don’t mourn, nor weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Nehemiah—he [is] the Tirshatha—says (and Ezra the priest, the scribe, and the Levites who are instructing the people) to all the people, “Today is holy to your God YHWH, do not mourn, nor weep”: for all the people are weeping at their hearing the words of the Law. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Nehemiah -- he is the Tirshatha -- saith (and Ezra the priest, the scribe, and the Levites who are instructing the people) to all the people, 'To-day is holy to Jehovah your God, do not mourn, nor weep:' for all the people are weeping at their hearing the words of the law. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Nehemiah, (he the Tirshatha) will say, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites causing the people to understand, To all the people this day is holy to Jehovah your God; ye shall not mourn, and ye shall not weep. For all the people weeping in their hearing to the words of the law.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Nehemias (he is Athersatha) and Esdras the priest and scribe, and the Levites who interpreted to all the people, said: This is a holy day to the Lord our God: do not mourn, nor weep: for all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Nehemiah (the same is the cupbearer) and Ezra, the priest and scribe, and the Levites, who were interpreting for all the people, said: “This day has been sanctified to the Lord our God. Do not mourn, and do not weep.” For all of the people were weeping, as they were listening to the words of the law. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Nehemiah, that is, the governor, and Ezra the priest-scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people: “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not lament, do not weep!”—for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Nehemiah the high priest and Ezra the priest the scribe and the Levites who ministered to the people said to all the people, This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Nekhemiah the Head of the Priests spoke, and Azra the Priest the Scribe, and the Levites who were serving the people, and they were saying to all the people: “Today is holy before LORD JEHOVAH your God! You shall not sorrow for yourselves and you shall not weep!”, because all the people were weeping when they were hearing the scroll of The Torah.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Nehemiah, who was the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people: 'This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep.' For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Neemias, and Esdras the priest and scribe, and the Levites, and they that instructed the people, spoke and said to all the people, It is a holy day to the Lord our God; do not mourn, nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-9.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=2111" 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> …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. 9<a href="/hebrew/5166.htm" title="5166: nə·ḥem·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- Yah comforts, three Isr. From nacham and Yahh; consolation of Jah; Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites.">Nehemiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8660.htm" title="8660: hat·tir·šā·ṯā (Art:: Adj-ms) -- (a Pers. title) governor. Of foreign derivation; the title of a Persian deputy or governor.">the governor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5830.htm" title="5830: wə·‘ez·rā (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Help, three Isr. A variation of ezrah; Ezra, an Israelite.">Ezra</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hên (Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/5608.htm" title="5608: has·sō·p̄êr (Art:: N-ms) -- To count, recount, relate. ">and scribe,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: wə·hal·wî·yim (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">and the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: ham·mə·ḇî·nîm (Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">who were instructing</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/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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to 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.">of them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">“This</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qā·ḏōš- (Adj-ms) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">is holy</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.">to the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/56.htm" title="56: tiṯ·’ab·bə·lū (V-Hitpael-Imperf-2mp) -- To mourn. A primitive root; to bewail.">mourn</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: tiḇ·kū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">or weep.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (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/1058.htm" title="1058: ḇō·w·ḵîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">were weeping</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: kə·šā·mə·‘ām (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">as they heard</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/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the words</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: hat·tō·w·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">of the Law.</a> 10Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”…<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/3-12.htm">Ezra 3:12-13</a> But many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first temple wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this temple. Still, many others shouted joyfully. / The people could not distinguish the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people were making so much noise. And the sound was heard from afar. <a href="/2_kings/22-11.htm">2 Kings 22:11-13</a> When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes / and commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: / “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.” <a href="/2_chronicles/34-19.htm">2 Chronicles 34:19-21</a> When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes / and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king: / “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for those remaining in Israel and Judah concerning the words in the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that has been poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD by doing all that is written in this book.” <a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Jeremiah 31:9</a> They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” <a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a> Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1-3</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, / to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. <a href="/leviticus/23-24.htm">Leviticus 23:24-25</a> “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts. / You must not do any regular work, but you are to present a food offering to the LORD.’” <a href="/deuteronomy/31-11.htm">Deuteronomy 31:11-13</a> 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.” <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">2 Corinthians 7:9-10</a> yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. / Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. <a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a> Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a> Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. <a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a> As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ... <a href="/acts/2-37.htm">Acts 2:37-38</a> When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” / Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9-10</a> Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said to all the people, This day is holy to the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.Nehemiah<a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Nehemiah 7:65,70</a> And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim… <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Nehemiah 10:1</a> Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,<a href="/ezra/2-63.htm">Ezra 2:63</a> And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.Tirshatha.<a href="/ezra/7-11.htm">Ezra 7:11</a> Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.the Levites<a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7,8</a> Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place… <a href="/2_chronicles/15-3.htm">2 Chronicles 15:3</a> Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.<a href="/2_chronicles/30-22.htm">2 Chronicles 30:22</a> And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.This day<a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Nehemiah 8:2</a> And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.<a href="/leviticus/23-24.htm">Leviticus 23:24</a> Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.<a href="/numbers/29-1.htm">Numbers 29:1-6</a> And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you… mourn not<a href="/deuteronomy/12-7.htm">Deuteronomy 12:7,12</a> And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee… <a href="/deuteronomy/16-11.htm">Deuteronomy 16:11,14,15</a> And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there… <a href="/deuteronomy/26-14.htm">Deuteronomy 26:14</a> I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.all the people<a href="/2_kings/22-11.htm">2 Kings 22:11,19</a> And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Ezra</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-70.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-13.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-4.htm">Scribe</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-70.htm">Tirshatha</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">Ezra</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-9.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/job/2-11.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Nehemiah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-38.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">Scribe</a> <a href="/psalms/71-17.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Tirshatha</a> <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Words</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'; 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Appointed by the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His role as governor highlights the political and administrative authority he held, which was essential for the restoration efforts. Nehemiah's governance is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people, as seen in the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah.Ezra the priest and scribe Ezra, a priest and scribe, was instrumental in the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. As a scribe, he was well-versed in the Law of Moses, and his priestly role emphasized his responsibility in teaching and interpreting the Law. Ezra's leadership in this context underscores the importance of returning to God's Word as the foundation for the community's identity and worship. His work parallels the prophetic call to return to covenant faithfulness.and the Levites who were instructing the people The Levites, members of the tribe set apart for religious duties, played a crucial role in teaching the Law to the people. Their involvement signifies the communal effort in ensuring that the Law was understood by all. This reflects the biblical principle that knowledge of God's Word is not limited to the clergy but is accessible to the entire community. The Levites' instruction is reminiscent of the teaching roles seen in Deuteronomy and the Psalms.said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. The declaration of the day as holy underscores the significance of the occasion. It was likely the Feast of Trumpets, a time of sacred assembly and reflection. The holiness of the day is a reminder of God's presence and the need for reverence. This concept of holiness is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen throughout the Pentateuch and the Prophets.Do not mourn or weep.” The instruction not to mourn or weep indicates a shift from sorrow to joy. While the initial response to the Law was one of conviction and repentance, the leaders encouraged the people to embrace the joy of the Lord. This reflects the biblical theme of transformation and renewal, where mourning is turned into joy, as seen in the Psalms and the prophetic writings.For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. The weeping of the people upon hearing the Law reveals their deep conviction and recognition of their shortcomings. This response is indicative of a genuine encounter with God's Word, leading to repentance. The emotional reaction is similar to other biblical instances where God's Word brings about a profound change, such as in the ministries of the prophets and in the New Testament with the preaching of Jesus and the apostles.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The governor of Judah, a key leader in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, and a central figure in the spiritual renewal of the people. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a> A priest and scribe, instrumental in teaching the Law to the people and leading them in spiritual revival. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a> Members of the tribe of Levi, responsible for religious instruction and assisting in the worship practices of Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The community gathered in Jerusalem, experiencing a profound emotional response to the reading of the Law. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and identity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a> The reading of the Law brought conviction and emotional response, demonstrating the power of Scripture to touch hearts and reveal truth. <a href="/topical/a/a_call_to_holiness.htm">A Call to Holiness</a> The leaders remind the people that the day is holy, emphasizing the importance of setting apart time for worship and reflection on God's holiness. <a href="/topical/j/joy_in_repentance.htm">Joy in Repentance</a> While the people initially weep, they are encouraged to find joy in the Lord, illustrating that repentance leads to restoration and joy. <a href="/topical/c/community_worship.htm">Community Worship</a> The gathering of the people to hear the Law underscores the importance of communal worship and learning in the life of believers. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_spiritual_renewal.htm">Leadership in Spiritual Renewal</a> Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites model effective spiritual leadership by guiding the people in understanding and applying God's Word.<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/why_does_nehemiah_8_9-12_urge_joy,_not_sorrow.htm">Why do Nehemiah 8:9–12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures? </a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_nethinim.htm">Who were the Nethinim in biblical history?</a> <a href="/q/could_all_ages_stand_attentive_for_hours.htm">In Nehemiah 8:3, is it plausible that people of all ages could stand attentive “from early morning until midday”? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'tirshatha'_mean.htm">What does "Tirshatha" mean in the Bible?</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>(9) Mourn not, nor weep.--The days of high festival were unsuitable for public and, as it were, objective sorrow. The Day of Atonement was coming for that; as also the special day of fasting and covenant, which was already in the plan of Nehemiah and Ezra.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha. The term "Tirshatha" had previously been applied only to Zerubbabel (<a href="/ezra/2-63.htm">Ezra 2:63</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Nehemiah 7:65</a>), but it was applicable to any governor. The writer of the section, introducing Nehemiah here for the first time, naturally gives him a title of reverence. Nehemiah's modesty had made him content to describe himself by the general and comparatively weak term pechah. Said unto the people... Mourn not. A combined remonstrance is made against the open grief of the people by the civil and ecclesiastical rulers, and by the order of Levites. Mourning was unsuitable for a day of high festivity, the opening day of the civil year and of the sabbatical month, itself a sabbath or day of rest, and one to be kept by blowing of trumpets (<a href="/leviticus/23-24.htm">Leviticus 23:24, 25</a>; <a href="/numbers/29-1.htm">Numbers 29:1-6</a>). <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Nehemiah נְחֶמְיָ֣ה (nə·ḥem·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5166.htm">Strong's 5166: </a> Nehemiah -- 'Yah comforts', three Israelites the governor, הַתִּרְשָׁ֡תָא (hat·tir·šā·ṯā) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8660.htm">Strong's 8660: </a> (a person title) governor Ezra וְעֶזְרָ֣א (wə·‘ez·rā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5830.htm">Strong's 5830: </a> Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites the priest הַכֹּהֵ֣ן ׀ (hak·kō·hên) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest and scribe, הַסֹּפֵ֡ר (has·sō·p̄êr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5608.htm">Strong's 5608: </a> To count, recount, relate and the Levites וְהַלְוִיִּם֩ (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi who were instructing הַמְּבִינִ֨ים (ham·mə·ḇî·nîm) Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> To separate mentally, understand 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 וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to all of them, לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every “This ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day הַיּ֤וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day is holy קָדֹֽשׁ־ (qā·ḏōš-) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary to the LORD לַיהוָ֣ה (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 your God. אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֔ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not mourn תִּֽתְאַבְּל֖וּ (tiṯ·’ab·bə·lū) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_56.htm">Strong's 56: </a> To bewail or weep.” תִּבְכּ֑וּ (tiḇ·kū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> To weep, to bemoan For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were weeping בוֹכִים֙ (ḇō·w·ḵîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> To weep, to bemoan as they heard כְּשָׁמְעָ֖ם (kə·šā·mə·‘ām) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently the words דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the Law. הַתּוֹרָֽה׃ (hat·tō·w·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> Direction, instruction, law <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Nehemiah 8:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah who was the governor and Ezra (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:10" /></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>