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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 8:12 Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/16_Neh_08_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:12 - Ezra Reads the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the 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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 />Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people went away to eat, drink, to send portions, and to celebrate a great feast, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions, and to celebrate with great gladness, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people went on their way to eat, to drink, to send portions [of food to others] and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been communicated to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the people returned to their homes, they celebrated by eating and drinking and by sharing their food with those in need, because they had understood what had been read to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then all the people went to eat and drink and to send portions. They had a big, joyful celebration because they understood the words that had been explained to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So all the people went home and ate and drank joyfully and shared what they had with others, because they understood what had been read to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So all the people went to eat, to drink, to send something to those who had nothing, and to celebrate with great joy, because they understood the words that were being declared to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food with others and to enjoy tremendous joy, for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />All the people went their way to eat, to drink, to send portions, and to celebrate, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people go to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great joy, because they have understood concerning the words that they made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And all the people go to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great joy, because they have understood concerning the words that they made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all the people will go to eat and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great gladness, for they understood the words that were made known to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So all the people went to eat and drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth: because they understood the words that he had taught them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so all the people went forth, so that they might eat and drink, and so that they might send portions, and so that they might make a great rejoicing. For they understood the words that he had taught to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then all the people began to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been explained to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat and to drink and to send portions and to rejoice because they had understood the words that were declared to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And all the people went to eat and to drink and to send food and to make great celebration, and they were obedient to those words that they had made known to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So all the people departed to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, for they understood the words which he made known to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-12.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=2156" 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">11</span>And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></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.">Then 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/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">began to eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: wə·liš·tō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">and drink,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: ū·lə·šal·laḥ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">to send out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4490.htm" title="4490: mā·nō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Part, portion. From manah; properly, something weighed out, i.e. a division; specifically a ration; also a lot.">portions,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">to rejoice</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">greatly,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: hê·ḇî·nū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">they understood</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: bad·də·ḇā·rîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">the words</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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: hō·w·ḏî·‘ū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">had been made known</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">to them.</a> </span><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="/deuteronomy/12-7.htm">Deuteronomy 12:7</a></span><br />There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-14.htm">Deuteronomy 16:14-15</a></span><br />And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. / For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-8.htm">Psalm 19:8</a></span><br />The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-111.htm">Psalm 119:111</a></span><br />Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-12.htm">Isaiah 55:12</a></span><br />You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/15-16.htm">Jeremiah 15:16</a></span><br />Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/16-27.htm">1 Chronicles 16:27</a></span><br />Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/30-21.htm">2 Chronicles 30:21-23</a></span><br />The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD. / And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. / The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/9-19.htm">Esther 9:19</a></span><br />This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a></span><br />A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46-47</a></span><br />With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, / praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-13.htm">Romans 15:13</a></span><br />Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a></span><br />Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:6</a></span><br />And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">1 Peter 1:8</a></span><br />Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.</p><p class="hdg">to send</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a></b></br> Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for <i>this</i> day <i>is</i> holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.</p><p class="hdg">to make</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1-3</a></b></br> A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream… </p><p class="hdg">because</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7,8</a></b></br> 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 <i>stood</i> in their place… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-12.htm">Job 23:12</a></b></br> Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary <i>food</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-8.htm">Psalm 19:8-11</a></b></br> The statutes of the LORD <i>are</i> right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD <i>is</i> pure, enlightening the eyes… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/35-16.htm">Celebrate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-23.htm">Festival</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-25.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Others</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-18.htm">Rejoicing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Way</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Celebrate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-15.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-25.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Festival</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Food</a> <a href="/esther/5-9.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/job/20-5.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/job/4-3.htm">Others</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-22.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-43.htm">Rejoicing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-7.htm">Understood</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-12.htm">Way</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">They comfort the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">The eagerness of the people to hear and be instructed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">They keep the feast of tabernacles</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </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>Then all the people began to eat and drink</b><br>This phrase indicates a communal celebration, reflecting the Jewish tradition of feasting after significant religious events. Eating and drinking together symbolize unity and fellowship among the people. In the context of Nehemiah, this celebration follows the reading of the Law, signifying a renewal of covenantal commitment. The act of eating and drinking is reminiscent of other biblical feasts, such as the Passover (Exodus 12), which also involved communal meals as a form of worship and remembrance.<p><b>to send out portions</b><br>Sending out portions refers to the practice of sharing food with those who may not have enough, emphasizing the importance of generosity and community support. This practice is rooted in the Jewish law, which encourages care for the poor and needy (<a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>). It reflects the spirit of the festivals, where inclusivity and provision for all, including the less fortunate, are paramount. This act of sharing can be seen as a precursor to the Christian practice of charity and hospitality.<p><b>and to rejoice greatly</b><br>Rejoicing greatly signifies the deep joy and gratitude of the people upon understanding God's Word. This joy is not merely emotional but is rooted in spiritual renewal and enlightenment. The joy of the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with strength and salvation (<a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a>, <a href="/psalms/28-7.htm">Psalm 28:7</a>). This rejoicing is a response to the realization of God's faithfulness and mercy, as well as the people's renewed commitment to His covenant.<p><b>because they understood the words that had been made known to them</b><br>Understanding the words indicates that the people comprehended the Law as it was read and explained to them. This understanding is crucial, as it leads to genuine repentance and transformation. The Levites and Ezra played a key role in interpreting the Law, ensuring that the people grasped its meaning (<a href="/nehemiah/8-7.htm">Nehemiah 8:7-8</a>). This moment of understanding is pivotal, as it marks a turning point in the spiritual life of the community, akin to the enlightenment brought by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament (<a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a>). The clarity and comprehension of God's Word lead to a heartfelt response of obedience and joy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The governor of Judah who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a></b><br>A scribe and priest who read the Law to the people, helping them understand God's Word.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a></b><br>The community gathered in Jerusalem, who listened to the reading of the Law and responded with joy and celebration.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where the events took place, specifically during the time of the rebuilding of its walls and the restoration of its spiritual life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_reading_of_the_law.htm">The Reading of the Law</a></b><br>A significant event where the Law of Moses was read aloud to the people, leading to their understanding and subsequent celebration.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_understanding_god's_word.htm">The Power of Understanding God's Word</a></b><br>Understanding Scripture leads to transformation and joy. When the Israelites understood the Law, it resulted in a celebration. We should seek to understand God's Word deeply to experience its full impact in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_in_worship.htm">The Importance of Community in Worship</a></b><br>The communal aspect of the Israelites' celebration highlights the importance of gathering together to worship and learn. We should prioritize community in our spiritual practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_a_response_to_god's_blessings.htm">Generosity as a Response to God's Blessings</a></b><br>The people shared portions of food with those who had none, demonstrating generosity. As we receive understanding and blessings from God, we should be moved to share with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_as_a_fruit_of_obedience.htm">Joy as a Fruit of Obedience</a></b><br>The joy experienced by the Israelites was a direct result of their obedience and understanding. True joy in the Christian life comes from aligning our lives with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/celebration_as_a_spiritual_discipline.htm">Celebration as a Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>Celebrating God's goodness is a vital part of spiritual life. We should regularly take time to celebrate what God has done in our lives, fostering a spirit of gratitude and joy.<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/what's_the_power_of_truth.htm">What does the Bible say about celebrating events?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_oppose_human_happiness.htm">Is God opposed to human enjoyment and happiness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_brings_you_the_joy_of_the_lord.htm">What brings you the joy of the Lord?</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>(12) <span class= "bld">They had understood.</span>--They had caught the meaning of the command to rejoice.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To make great mirth</span>. Or "great rejoicing," not "mirth" in the sense which the word now commonly bears. <p> CHAPTER 8:13-18 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-12.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">Then 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">הָעָ֜ם</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">began to eat</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶאֱכֹ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(le·’ĕ·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and drink,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִשְׁתּוֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liš·tō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imbibe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to send out</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְשַׁלַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·šal·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">portions,</span><br /><span class="heb">מָנ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mā·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4490.htm">Strong's 4490: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something weighed out, a division, a ration, a lot</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלַעֲשׂ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to rejoice</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">greatly,</span><br /><span class="heb">גְדוֹלָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</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">they understood</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵבִ֙ינוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḇî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the words</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(bad·də·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had been made known</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹדִ֖יעוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·ḏî·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Nehemiah 8:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:12 All the people went their way (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:13" /></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>