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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 8:5 Ezra 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/16_Neh_08_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:5 - Ezra Reads the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ezra 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." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/nehemiah/8-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/nehemiah/8-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/">Nehemiah</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nehemiah/8-4.htm" title="Nehemiah 8:4">◄</a> Nehemiah 8:5 <a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm" title="Nehemiah 8:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ezra 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was <i>standing</i> above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was <i>standing</i> above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above them; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ezra was up on the high platform, where he could be seen by everyone, and when he opened the book, all the people stood up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ezra, standing higher than all the other people, opened the book in front of all the people. As he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />As Ezra stood there on the platform high above the people, they all kept their eyes fixed on him. As soon as he opened the book, they all stood up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people. Because he was visible above all the people there, as he opened it, all the people stood up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Ezra 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in plain view of all the people, for he was elevated above all the people. When he opened the book, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the scroll in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it, all the people stood up. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opens the scroll before the eyes of all the people—for he has been above all the people—and at his opening [it] all the people have stood up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Ezra openeth the book before the eyes of all the people -- for above all the people he hath been -- and at his opening it all the people have stood up,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Ezra will open the book before the eyes of all the people; for he was above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Esdras opened the book before all the people: for he was above all the people: and when he had opened it, all the people stood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book before all the people. For he stood out above all the people. And when he had opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it, for he was standing higher than any of the people. When he opened it, all the people stood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book of the law in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it all the people stood up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Azra opened the scroll the book of the Law before the eyes of all the people, because he was higher than all the people, and when it opened, all the people stood up.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people--for he was above all the people--and when he opened it, all the people stood up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Esdras opened the book before all the people, for he was above the people; and it came to pass when he had opened it, <i>that</i> all the people stood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-5.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=2056" 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">4</span>Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5830.htm" title="5830: ‘ez·rā (N-proper-ms) -- Help, three Isr. A variation of ezrah; Ezra, an Israelite.">Ezra</a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: way·yip̄·taḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">opened</a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: has·sê·p̄er (Art:: N-ms) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">the book</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: lə·‘ê·nê (Prep-l:: N-cdc) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in full view</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.">of 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/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">he was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">standing above them</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: ū·ḵə·p̄iṯ·ḥōw (Conj-w, Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">and as he opened it,</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/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·mə·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood up.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>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.…<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="/deuteronomy/31-11.htm">Deuteronomy 31:11-12</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/23-2.htm">2 Kings 23:2</a></span><br />And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/34-30.htm">2 Chronicles 34:30</a></span><br />And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people great and small—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Acts 13:15</a></span><br />After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: “Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Luke 4:16-17</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, / the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Matthew 5:1-2</a></span><br />When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, / and He began to teach them, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Acts 15:21</a></span><br />For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”<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="/exodus/24-7.htm">Exodus 24:7</a></span><br />Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.”<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="/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="/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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Revelation 1:3</a></span><br />Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:</p><p class="hdg">opened</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Luke 4:16,17</a></b></br> And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read… </p><p class="hdg">sight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/3-20.htm">Judges 3:20</a></b></br> And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of <i>his</i> seat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/8-14.htm">1 Kings 8:14</a></b></br> And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;)</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Book</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-4.htm">Ezra</a> <a href="/ezra/10-10.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-5.htm">Open</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-3.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-10.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-21.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-5.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-4.htm">Stood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Book</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Ezra</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Higher</a> <a href="/esther/4-6.htm">Open</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/job/27-19.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/job/3-1.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-4.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Stood</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'; </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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Ezra opened the book</b><br>Ezra, a scribe and priest, played a crucial role in the spiritual renewal of Israel after the Babylonian exile. The "book" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were central to Jewish life and worship. This act of opening the book signifies the public reading and teaching of God's Law, emphasizing its importance in guiding the community.<p><b>in full view of all the people</b><br>This phrase highlights the transparency and communal aspect of the event. The public reading was meant to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone could hear and understand the Law. It underscores the communal responsibility to know and follow God's commandments, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel.<p><b>since he was standing above them all</b><br>Ezra's elevated position was likely a practical measure to ensure visibility and audibility, but it also symbolizes the authority of the Word of God. This physical elevation can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual authority and reverence due to the Scriptures, which are considered the ultimate guide for faith and practice.<p><b>and as he opened it, all the people stood up</b><br>The act of standing is a sign of respect and reverence, indicating the people's acknowledgment of the sacredness of the Scriptures. This response reflects a deep respect for God's Word, similar to how people stand in the presence of royalty or during important ceremonies. It also signifies readiness to listen and obey, paralleling other biblical instances where standing is associated with worship and reverence, such as in <a href="/exodus/33-10.htm">Exodus 33:10</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 crucial role in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. He is known for his dedication to the Law of Moses and his leadership in teaching it to the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_book.htm">The Book</a></b><br>Refers to the Law of Moses, which is the first five books of the Old Testament. It was central to the religious life of the Israelites and served as their guide for living in accordance with God's will.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>The assembly of Israelites who had returned from exile. They gathered to hear the reading of the Law, demonstrating their desire to reconnect with their spiritual heritage and covenant with God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_platform.htm">The Platform</a></b><br>Ezra stood on a wooden platform built for the occasion, symbolizing the importance of the event and ensuring that he could be seen and heard by all the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where this event took place, significant as the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people, especially after the rebuilding of the temple and the city walls under Nehemiah's leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reverence_for_god's_word.htm">The Reverence for God's Word</a></b><br>The people's standing as Ezra opened the book signifies deep respect and reverence for God's Word. In our own lives, we should approach Scripture with a similar attitude of honor and readiness to listen.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_public_scripture_reading.htm">The Importance of Public Scripture Reading</a></b><br>Public reading of Scripture serves to unify the community and ensure that everyone hears and understands God's commands. We should value and participate in communal Bible reading and study.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_spiritual_renewal.htm">Leadership in Spiritual Renewal</a></b><br>Ezra's role as a leader in teaching the Law highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward spiritual renewal. We should pray for and support leaders who faithfully teach God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_revival.htm">The Role of Scripture in Revival</a></b><br>The reading of the Law was a catalyst for revival among the Israelites. Personal and communal revival often begins with a return to Scripture, prompting us to prioritize regular Bible study.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/engagement_with_scripture.htm">Engagement with Scripture</a></b><br>The people's response to the reading of the Law shows active engagement with Scripture. We should not only read the Bible but also respond to it with obedience and action.<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/how_can_a_nation_return_to_god.htm">How can a nation return to God after straying?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/iran's_role_in_biblical_prophecy.htm">What role does Iran play in biblical prophecy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_solemn_assembly.htm">What defines a solemn assembly?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">All the people stood up</span>. The Jews commonly sat to hear and stood up to pray; but in hearing they occasionally stood up, to do greater honour to the person or the occasion (see <a href="/judges/3-20.htm">Judges 3:20</a>). It is not to be supposed that they stood during the whole of the six hours that Ezra's reading lasted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-5.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">Ezra</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶזְרָ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(‘ez·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5830.htm">Strong's 5830: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">opened</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·taḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the book</span><br /><span class="heb">הַסֵּ֙פֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(has·sê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">in full view</span><br /><span class="heb">לְעֵינֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·‘ê·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - cdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">since</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">standing above</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them all,</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and as he opened it,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְפִתְח֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·p̄iṯ·ḥōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood up.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָֽמְד֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·mə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Nehemiah 8:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/8-5.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:5 Ezra opened the book in the sight (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:6" /></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>