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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 8:3 So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/16_Neh_08_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:3 - Ezra Reads the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. 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And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And he read from it before the public square which was in front of the Water Gate, from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the ears of the people were attentive to the book of the law. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then he read from it, in front of the open square which was in front of the Water Gate, from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and women, those who could understand; and all the people listened carefully to the Book of the Law. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From early morning till noon, he read the Law of Moses to them, and they listened carefully. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From daybreak until noon, he read from it in the courtyard in front of Water Gate to the men, women, and [children] who could understand it. All the people listened to the Book of Moses' Teachings. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> There in the square by the gate he read the Law to them from dawn until noon, and they all listened attentively. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ezra read from it, facing the plaza in front of the Water Gate, from early in the morning until mid-day in the presence of the men and women, as well as all who could understand. All the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. <a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a> So he read it before the plaza in front of the Water Gate from dawn till noon before the men and women and those children who could understand. All the people were eager to hear the book of the law. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And he read in it before the square that was before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the scroll of the law. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he read therein before the street that was before the water-gate from the morning until mid-day, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. <a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a> He read from it before the wide place that was in front of the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand. The ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he reads in it before the broad place that [is] before the Water Gate, from the light until the middle of the day, in front of the men, and the women, and those intelligent, and the ears of all the people [are] toward the Scroll of the Law. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he readeth in it before the broad place that is before the water-gate, from the light till the middle of the day, over-against the men, and the women, and those intelligent, and the ears of all the people are unto the book of the law. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will read in it before the broad place which is before the gate of the waters, from the light even to the half of the day, before the men and the women, and those understanding; and the ears of all the people will be to the book of the law.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he read it plainly in the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before the men, and the women, and all those that could understand: and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he read it openly in the street which was before the water gate, from morning even until midday, in the sight of the men and women, and those who understood. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the book. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a> In the square in front of the Water Gate, Ezra read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he read the book in the street that was in front of the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women and before those who could hear: and the ears of the people were attentive to the book of the law. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he read the scroll in the street of the Water Gate from dawn and unto midday before the men and the women and before those who listened, and the ears of the people were inclined and they listened to the commandments of the Torah.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the Law. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he read in it from the time of sun-rise to the middle of the day, before the men and the women; and they understood it, and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-3.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=2016" 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> …2On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. 3<a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">So Ezra read</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">it aloud</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: hā·’ō·wr (Art:: N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">daybreak</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/4276.htm" title="4276: ma·ḥă·ṣîṯ (N-fsc) -- Half, middle. From chatsah; a halving or the middle.">noon</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">as he faced</a> <a href="/hebrew/7339.htm" title="7339: hā·rə·ḥō·wḇ (Art:: N-fs) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">the square</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">the Water</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: ša·‘ar- (N-msc) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">Gate,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">in front of</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·han·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">and women</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: wə·ham·mə·ḇî·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">and those who could understand.</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.">And 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/241.htm" title="241: wə·’ā·zə·nê (Conj-w:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">listened attentively to</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5612.htm" title="5612: sê·p̄er (N-msc) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">the Book</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> 4Ezra 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.…<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/7-10.htm">Ezra 7:10</a> 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. <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_kings/23-2.htm">2 Kings 23:2</a> 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. <a href="/joshua/8-34.htm">Joshua 8:34-35</a> 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. <a href="/2_chronicles/34-30.htm">2 Chronicles 34:30</a> 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. <a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Acts 13:15</a> 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.” <a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Luke 4:16-20</a> 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: / “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, ... <a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Acts 15:21</a> For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” <a href="/matthew/13-19.htm">Matthew 13:19</a> When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. <a href="/mark/12-37.htm">Mark 12:37</a> David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight. <a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a> Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a> Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">1 Timothy 4:13</a> Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. <a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Revelation 1:3</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2</a> But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.he read<a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Luke 4:16-20</a> 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… <a href="/acts/13-15.htm">Acts 13:15,27</a> And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on… <a href="/acts/15-21.htm">Acts 15:21</a> For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.morning.<a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Acts 20:7,11</a> And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight… <a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Acts 28:23</a> And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.ears<a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Matthew 7:28,29</a> And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: … <a href="/mark/12-37.htm">Mark 12:37</a> David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.<a href="/luke/8-18.htm">Luke 8:18</a> Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/1-11.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Book</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">Early</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-15.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Front</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">Midday</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">Mid-Day</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-19.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/ezra/5-7.htm">Read</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Square</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Street</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-5.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/28-19.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Water</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-26.htm">Water-Gate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/5-2.htm">Attentive</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-5.htm">Book</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/job/1-5.htm">Early</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-9.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Front</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/job/5-14.htm">Midday</a> <a href="/acts/26-13.htm">Mid-Day</a> <a href="/esther/2-14.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Read</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Square</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Street</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Water</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Water-Gate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-43.htm">Women</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>So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon Ezra's public reading of the Law signifies a return to the centrality of Scripture in the life of the community. The duration from daybreak until noon indicates a deep commitment to understanding God's Word, reflecting the importance of Scripture in guiding the people. This practice echoes the tradition of public reading found in <a href="/deuteronomy/31-11.htm">Deuteronomy 31:11-13</a>, where the Law was to be read to all Israel during the Feast of Tabernacles. The extended time also suggests a hunger for spiritual renewal among the people, reminiscent of the dedication seen in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a>, where early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.as he faced the square before the Water Gate The Water Gate was located on the eastern side of Jerusalem, near the Gihon Spring, a vital water source for the city. This location outside the temple precincts allowed for a larger gathering, emphasizing the accessibility of God's Word to all people, not just the religious elite. The choice of this public space underscores the communal aspect of worship and learning, aligning with the inclusive nature of the Gospel as seen in <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>, where all are one in Christ.in front of the men and women and those who could understand The inclusion of men, women, and those who could understand highlights the communal and inclusive nature of this event. It reflects the biblical principle that God's Word is for everyone, regardless of gender or age, as seen in <a href="/joel/2-28.htm">Joel 2:28</a>, where God's Spirit is poured out on all people. This gathering also mirrors the New Testament church's inclusivity, where all believers are encouraged to participate in the life of the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-14</a>).And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law The attentive listening of the people indicates a collective reverence and eagerness to align their lives with God's commandments. This response is a fulfillment of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to the Law was central (<a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5-6</a>). The scene foreshadows the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (<a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a>), and parallels the Bereans' noble character in <a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a>, who examined the Scriptures daily with eagerness.<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 was responsible for reading the Law to the people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_water_gate.htm">The Water Gate</a> A significant location in Jerusalem where the public reading of the Law took place. It symbolizes a place of cleansing and renewal. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_book_of_the_law.htm">The Book of the Law</a> Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> Men, women, and those who could understand, gathered to hear the Law, demonstrating a communal commitment to God's Word. 5. <a href="/topical/d/daybreak_until_noon.htm">Daybreak until Noon</a> Indicates the dedication and reverence the people had for God's Word, as they listened attentively for several hours.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture_in_community_life.htm">The Importance of Scripture in Community Life</a> Just as the Israelites gathered to hear the Law, modern believers should prioritize communal study and discussion of Scripture. <a href="/topical/a/attentive_listening_to_god's_word.htm">Attentive Listening to God's Word</a> The people's attentive listening serves as a model for how we should approach Scripture—with focus and reverence. <a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_spiritual_practices.htm">Inclusivity in Spiritual Practices</a> The inclusion of men, women, and those who could understand underscores the importance of making Scripture accessible to all. <a href="/topical/d/dedication_to_understanding_god's_word.htm">Dedication to Understanding God's Word</a> The extended time spent listening to the Law challenges us to dedicate time to study and understand Scripture deeply. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_renewal_through_god's_word.htm">Spiritual Renewal through God's Word</a> The public reading led to a spiritual renewal among the Israelites, reminding us of the transformative power of engaging with 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/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/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/how_does_1_tim_4_13_fit_in_a_pluralistic_society.htm">How does 1 Timothy 4:13’s emphasis on public Scripture reading fit in a diverse, pluralistic society that questions biblical authority?</a> <a href="/q/names_of_jerusalem's_gates.htm">What are the names of Jerusalem's gates?</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>(3) From the morning.--From daylight. The Book of the Law must have been a comprehensive one. Out of it Ezra and his companions read hour after hour, selecting appropriate passages.And the ears of all the people . . . unto the book.--A general statement; the detail now follows.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - From the morning until midday. Or, "from daylight." He began as soon as it was light enough, and read on (he and his assistants - ver. 7) till noon, that is, for six hours or more. The reading appears to have been varied by occasional exposition (vers. 7, 8). The ears of all the people were attentive. Though there is no word in the Hebrew for "attentive," yet the meaning is quite correctly given: "the ears of all the people were to the book" Ñ fixed on that, and on nothing else. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So [Ezra] read וַיִּקְרָא־ (way·yiq·rā-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read it aloud בוֹ֩ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of daybreak הָאוֹר֙ (hā·’ō·wr) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> Illumination, luminary until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while noon מַחֲצִ֣ית (ma·ḥă·ṣîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4276.htm">Strong's 4276: </a> A halving, the middle as he faced לִפְנֵ֨י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the square הָרְח֜וֹב (hā·rə·ḥō·wḇ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> A broad open place, plaza before לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the Water הַמַּ֗יִם (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen Gate, שַֽׁעַר־ (ša·‘ar-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate in front of נֶ֛גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the men הָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person and women וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים (wə·han·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female and those who could understand. וְהַמְּבִינִ֑ים (wə·ham·mə·ḇî·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> To separate mentally, understand And all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock listened attentively to וְאָזְנֵ֥י (wə·’ā·zə·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> Broadness, the ear the Book סֵ֥פֶר (sê·p̄er) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> A missive, document, writing, book 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/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:3 He read therein before the broad place (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:4" /></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>