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Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/16_Neh_08_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:10 - Ezra Reads the Law" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Nehemiah told them, Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. 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This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a> 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 this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then he said to them, “Go, eat the festival foods, drink the sweet drinks, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your refuge.” <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then he said to them, &#8220Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.” <a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the LORD is your strength and your stronghold.” <a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the LORD is your strength.” <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then he said to them, &#8220Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the LORD is your stronghold.&#8221 <a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye grieved; for the joy of Jehovah is your strength. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Nehemiah told the people, "Enjoy your good food and wine and share some with those who didn't have anything to bring. Don't be sad! This is a special day for the LORD, and he will make you happy and strong." <a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then he told them, "Go, eat rich foods, drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who cannot provide for themselves. Today is a holy day for the Lord. Don't be sad because the joy you have in the LORD is your strength." <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don't have enough. Today is holy to our Lord, so don't be sad. The joy that the LORD gives you will make you strong." <a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> He also told them, "Go eat the best food, drink the best wine, and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be sorrowful, because the joy of the LORD is your strength." <a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Nehemiah told them, ?Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.? <a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a> He said to them, "Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength." <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy to our Lord: neither be ye sad; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. <a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he says to them, “Go, eat fat things, and drink sweet things, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today [is] holy to our Lord, and do not be grieved, for the joy of YHWH is your strength.” <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he saith to them, 'Go, eat fat things, and drink sweet things, and sent portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for to-day is holy to our Lord, and be not grieved, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.' <a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to them, Go ye; eat fatnesses, and drink sweetnesses, and send portions to him for whom nothing was prepared: for the day is holy to our Lord: and ye shall not grieve, for the joy of Jehovah this is your strength.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to them: Go, eat fat meats, and drink sweet wine, and send portions to them that have not prepared for themselves: because it is the holy day of the Lord, and be not sad: for the joy of the Lord is our strength. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to them: “Go, eat fat foods and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who have not prepared for themselves. For it is the holy day of the Lord. And do not be sad. For the joy of the Lord is also our strength.” <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a> He continued: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!” <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then he said to them, Go your way, eat and drink and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to the LORD; and do not be sad, for this is a day of joy of the LORD, and he will be your strength. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to them: “Go, eat and drink and send food to him for whom nothing is prepared, because today is holy before LORD JEHOVAH. You shall not sorrow for yourselves, because the day is of LORD JEHOVAH’s joy, and he shall be your helper!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then he said unto them: 'Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord; neither be ye grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.' <a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the governor said to them, Go, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them that have nothing; for the day is holy to our Lord: and faint not, for the Lord is our strength. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-10.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=2130" 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> …9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. 10<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Then Nehemiah told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’iḵ·lū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">and eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/4924.htm" title="4924: maš·man·nîm (N-mp) -- From shaman; fat, i.e. fatness; but usually a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man.">what is rich,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: ū·šə·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/4477.htm" title="4477: mam·ṯaq·qîm (N-mp) -- Sweetness, sweet things. From mathaq; something sweet.">what is sweet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: wə·šil·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">and 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/369.htm" title="369: lə·’ên (Prep-l:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">to those who have nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: nā·ḵō·wn (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">prepared,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</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.">today</a> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qā·ḏō·wōš (Adj-ms) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">is holy</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: la·’ă·ḏō·nê·nū (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">to our Lord.</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6087.htm" title="6087: tê·‘ā·ṣê·ḇū (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to carve, i.e. Fabricate or fashion; hence to worry, pain or anger.">grieve,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/2304.htm" title="2304: ḥeḏ·waṯ (N-fsc) -- Joy. From chadah; rejoicing.">the joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">is</a> <a href="/hebrew/4581.htm" title="4581: mā·‘uz·zə·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- (also mauwz); or mahoz (also ma, uz; from azaz; a fortified place; figuratively, a defence.">your strength.”</a> 11And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.”…<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="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a> Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! <a href="/romans/14-17.htm">Romans 14:17</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. <a href="/psalms/28-7.htm">Psalm 28:7</a> The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song. <a href="/isaiah/12-2.htm">Isaiah 12:2</a> Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, <a href="/john/15-11.htm">John 15:11</a> I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a> Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a> You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. <a href="/isaiah/61-10.htm">Isaiah 61:10</a> I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/habakkuk/3-18.htm">Habakkuk 3:18</a> yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! <a href="/zephaniah/3-17.htm">Zephaniah 3:17</a> The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” <a href="/psalms/33-1.htm">Psalm 33:1</a> Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. <a href="/psalms/126-2.htm">Psalm 126:2-3</a> Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. <a href="/luke/2-10.htm">Luke 2:10</a> But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy to our LORD: neither be you sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.Go your way<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:24</a> There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:13</a> And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.<a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:18</a> Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.eat<a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Song of Solomon 5:1</a> I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.send<a href="/deuteronomy/26-11.htm">Deuteronomy 26:11-13</a> And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you… <a href="/esther/9-19.htm">Esther 9:19,22</a> Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another… <a href="/job/31-16.htm">Job 31:16-18</a> If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; … the joy<a href="/psalms/28-7.htm">Psalm 28:7,8</a> The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him… <a href="/psalms/149-2.htm">Psalm 149:2</a> Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.<a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a> A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/10-6.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-14.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ezra/6-22.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-14.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-15.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/ezra/6-10.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-13.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-25.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-5.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/esther/6-12.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/job/16-2.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/esther/10-2.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/esther/2-12.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 8</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law</a> 9. <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">They comfort the people</a> 13. <a href="/nehemiah/8-13.htm">The eagerness of the people to hear and be instructed</a> 16. <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">They keep the feast of tabernacles</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Nehemiah told them Nehemiah, a key leader in the post-exilic period, was instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His leadership was not only administrative but also spiritual, guiding the people in their covenant relationship with God. This moment follows the public reading of the Law, which had a profound impact on the people, leading to a communal response.Go and eat what is rich The instruction to eat rich foods signifies a celebration. In the context of the Jewish calendar, this was likely during the Feast of Trumpets or another significant festival. Such feasts were times of joy and thanksgiving, reflecting God's provision and blessings.Drink what is sweet Sweet drinks, possibly wine or other sweetened beverages, were part of festive occasions. This reflects the cultural practices of the time, where celebrations included both food and drink as expressions of joy and gratitude.And send out portions to those who have nothing prepared This directive emphasizes community and charity. Sharing with those who have nothing prepared highlights the biblical principle of caring for the needy, a recurring theme throughout Scripture (e.g., <a href="/deuteronomy/15-11.htm">Deuteronomy 15:11</a>, <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a>). It reflects God's heart for justice and compassion.Since today is holy to our Lord The holiness of the day underscores its significance. Holy days were set apart for worship and remembrance of God's acts. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God establishes specific times for His people to gather, reflect, and renew their covenant with Him.Do not grieve The people were initially mourning upon hearing the Law, realizing their shortcomings. Nehemiah's encouragement to not grieve is a reminder of God's grace and forgiveness. It points to the transformative power of repentance and the joy that follows reconciliation with God.For the joy of the LORD is your strength This phrase encapsulates a profound theological truth: true strength and resilience come from the joy found in the Lord. This joy is not circumstantial but rooted in the relationship with God. It echoes themes found in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/28-7.htm">Psalm 28:7</a> and <a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4</a>, where joy in the Lord is a source of strength and encouragement.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He was a governor and a man of prayer and action. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a> A scribe and priest who was instrumental in the spiritual revival of the Jewish people. He read the Law to the people, leading to their repentance and renewal. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The Jewish community gathered in Jerusalem to hear the Law. They were in a period of restoration and renewal after returning from exile. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where the events took place, significant as the spiritual and political center of Jewish life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_feast_of_trumpets.htm">The Feast of Trumpets</a> The context of this event is during the celebration of the Feast of Trumpets, a time of gathering and reflection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_joy_of_the_lord_as_strength.htm">The Joy of the Lord as Strength</a> The Hebrew word for "strength" (ma'oz) implies a place of safety or refuge. The joy of the Lord provides spiritual fortitude and protection. <a href="/topical/c/celebration_and_generosity.htm">Celebration and Generosity</a> The command to eat, drink, and share with those in need emphasizes the importance of community and generosity, especially during times of celebration. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_joy.htm">Holiness and Joy</a> The day being "holy to our Lord" suggests that holiness and joy are interconnected. True joy is found in living a life set apart for God. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_grief_with_joy.htm">Overcoming Grief with Joy</a> The instruction "do not grieve" highlights the transformative power of divine joy to overcome sorrow and despair. <a href="/topical/p/practical_joy_in_daily_life.htm">Practical Joy in Daily Life</a> Believers are encouraged to find joy in their relationship with God, which can sustain them through life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 8</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'joy_of_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does "The joy of the Lord is your strength" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_events.htm">What does the Bible say about celebrating events?</a> <a href="/q/do_i_discipline_my_body_and_control_it.htm">What does 'The joy of the Lord is your strength' mean?</a> <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>(10) For the joy of the Lord is your strength This beautiful sentence is, literally, delight in Jehovah is a strong refuge. It is capable of unlimited application in preaching and devotion.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - Then he said. Either Ezra or Nehemiah, but probably the former, to whom it appertained to give religious directions. Eat the fat and drink the sweet. i.e. "Go and enjoy yourselves, eat and drink of the best - let there be no fasting, nor even abstinence, on such a day as this." But at the same time send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared. Make the poor partakers of your joy. "The stranger, the fatherless, and the widow" should have their part in the feast (<a href="/deuteronomy/16-14.htm">Deuteronomy 16:14</a>). And for yourselves, remember that the joy of the Lord, i.e. religious joy, constitutes your strength. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then [Nehemiah] told וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say them, לָהֶ֡ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “Go לְכוּ֩ (lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and eat אִכְל֨וּ (’iḵ·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat what is rich, מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים (maš·man·nîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4924.htm">Strong's 4924: </a> Fat, fatness, a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man drink וּשְׁת֣וּ (ū·šə·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe what is sweet, מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים (mam·ṯaq·qîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4477.htm">Strong's 4477: </a> Sweetness, sweet things and send out וְשִׁלְח֤וּ (wə·šil·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out portions מָנוֹת֙ (mā·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4490.htm">Strong's 4490: </a> Something weighed out, a division, a ration, a lot to those who have nothing לְאֵ֣ין (lə·’ên) Preposition-l | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle prepared, נָכ֣וֹן (nā·ḵō·wn) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> To be erect since כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction today הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day is holy קָד֥וֹשׁ (qā·ḏō·wōš) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary to our Lord. לַאֲדֹנֵ֑ינוּ (la·’ă·ḏō·nê·nū) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord Do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not grieve, תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ (tê·‘ā·ṣê·ḇū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6087.htm">Strong's 6087: </a> To carve, fabricate, fashion, to worry, pain, anger for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the joy חֶדְוַ֥ת (ḥeḏ·waṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2304.htm">Strong's 2304: </a> Rejoicing of the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel is הִ֥יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are your strength.? מָֽעֻזְּכֶֽם׃ (mā·‘uz·zə·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4581.htm">Strong's 4581: </a> A place or means of safety, protection <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them Go your (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:11" /></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>