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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 8:16 And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the court of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/8-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/16_Neh_08_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 8:16 - The Feast of Tabernacles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm" title="Nehemiah 8:15">◄</a> Nehemiah 8:16 <a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm" title="Nehemiah 8:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8.htm">New International Version</a> So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> So the people went out and cut branches and used them to build shelters on the roofs of their houses, in their courtyards, in the courtyards of God’s Temple, or in the squares just inside the Water Gate and the Ephraim Gate. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8.htm">King James Bible</a> So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, or in their courtyards or the courts of the house of God, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the open square of the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courtyards and in the courtyards of the house of God, and in the public square at the Water Gate, and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate, and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on the roof of his house, and in their courtyards and the courtyards of God’s house, and in the open square of the Water Gate and in the square of the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The people went out, brought back branches, and made shelters for themselves on each of their rooftops and courtyards, the court of the house of God, the square by the Water Gate, and the square by the Ephraim Gate. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The people went out, brought back branches, and made booths for themselves on each of their rooftops, and courtyards, the court of the house of God, the square by the Water Gate, and the square by the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So the people gathered branches and made shelters on the flat roofs of their houses, in their yards, in the courtyard of the temple, and in the open areas around the Water Gate and Ephraim Gate. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So the people went to get branches to make booths for themselves. Some made booths on their roofs, others in their courtyards, in the courtyards of God's temple, in the open area by Water Gate, or in the open area at Ephraim Gate. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> So the people got branches and built shelters on the flat roofs of their houses, in their yards, in the Temple courtyard, and in the public squares by the Water Gate and by the Ephraim Gate. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the people went out and found branches to make tents for themselves on the roofs of their houses, in their courtyards, and in the courts of God's Temple, in the plaza near the Water Gate, and in the plaza near the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/net/nehemiah/8.htm">NET Bible</a> So the people went out and brought these things back and constructed temporary shelters for themselves, each on his roof and in his courtyard and in the courtyards of the temple of God and in the plaza of the Water Gate and the plaza of the Ephraim Gate. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So the people went out, and brought them, and made themselves booths, everyone on the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of God's house, and in the broad place of the Water Gate, and in the broad place of the Ephraim Gate. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water-gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/web/nehemiah/8.htm">World English Bible</a> So the people went out and brought them, and made themselves temporary shelters, everyone on the roof of his house, in their courts, in the courts of God’s house, in the wide place of the water gate, and in the wide place of Ephraim’s gate. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the people go out, and bring in, and make for themselves shelters, each on his roof, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the Water Gate, and in the broad place of the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the people go out, and bring in, and make for themselves booths, each on his roof, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water-gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the people will go forth, and will bring and make for themselves booths, each upon his roof, and in their enclosures, and in the enclosures of the house of God, and in the broad place of the gate of the waters and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the people went forth, and brought. And they made themselves tabernacles every man on the top of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the people went forth and brought. And they made for themselves tabernacles, each one at his own dwelling, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/8.htm">New American Bible</a> The people went out and brought in branches with which they made booths for themselves, on the roof of their houses, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares of the Water Gate and the Gate of Ephraim. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So the people went out and brought them, and made booths for themselves, each on the roofs of their houses, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So the people went forth and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house and in their courts and in the court of the house of the LORD and in the street of the water gate and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the people went out, and they brought and they made for themselves, each man on his roof and in their courts and in the court of the house of LORD JEHOVAH and in the street of the Gate of Waters and in the street of the Gate of Ephraim.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the people went forth, and brought them, and made booths for themselves, each one upon his roof, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the streets of the city, and as far as the gate of Ephraim. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/8-16.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=2207" 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">The Feast of Tabernacles</a> …15So they proclaimed this message and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.” 16<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.">And the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">went out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇî·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">brought back branches,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘ă·śū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and made</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5521.htm" title="5521: suk·kō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A thicket, booth. Fem of cok; a hut or lair.">booths</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">their own</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: gag·gōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">rooftops,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2691.htm" title="2691: ū·ḇə·ḥaṣ·rō·ṯê·hem (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-cpc:: 3mp) -- A yard, a hamlet.">in their courtyards,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2691.htm" title="2691: ū·ḇə·ḥaṣ·rō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-cpc) -- A yard, a hamlet.">in the court</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7339.htm" title="7339: ū·ḇir·ḥō·wḇ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">and in the squares</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.">by 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/7339.htm" title="7339: ū·ḇir·ḥō·wḇ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">and</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.">by the Gate</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·rā·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim.</a> 17The whole assembly who had returned from exile made booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated like this. And there was great rejoicing.…<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="/leviticus/23-39.htm">Leviticus 23:39-43</a> On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the produce of the land, you are to celebrate a feast to the LORD for seven days. There shall be complete rest on the first day and also on the eighth day. / On the first day you are to gather the fruit of majestic trees, the branches of palm trees, and the boughs of leafy trees and of willows of the brook. And you are to rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. / You are to celebrate this as a feast to the LORD for seven days each year. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come; you are to celebrate it in the seventh month. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/16-13.htm">Deuteronomy 16:13-15</a> You are to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress. / 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. <a href="/ezra/3-4.htm">Ezra 3:4</a> They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with what is written, and they offered burnt offerings daily based on the number prescribed for each day. <a href="/zechariah/14-16.htm">Zechariah 14:16-19</a> Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. / And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them. / And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/8-13.htm">2 Chronicles 8:13</a> He observed the daily requirement for offerings according to the commandment of Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons, and the three annual appointed feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. <a href="/1_kings/8-2.htm">1 Kings 8:2</a> And all the men of Israel came together to King Solomon at the feast in the seventh month, the month of Ethanim. <a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Exodus 23:16</a> You are also to keep the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the produce from what you sow in the field. And keep the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather your produce from the field. <a href="/numbers/29-12.htm">Numbers 29:12-38</a> On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work, and you shall observe a feast to the LORD for seven days. / As a pleasing aroma to the LORD, you are to present a food offering, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished, / along with the grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil with each of the thirteen bulls, two-tenths of an ephah with each of the two rams, ... <a href="/john/7-2.htm">John 7:2</a> However, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. <a href="/john/7-37.htm">John 7:37-39</a> On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” / He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. <a href="/matthew/17-4.htm">Matthew 17:4</a> Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You wish, I will put up three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> 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, <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="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Hebrews 11:9</a> By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9-10</a> After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. / And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one on the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.the roof<a href="/deuteronomy/22-8.htm">Deuteronomy 22:8</a> When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.<a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a> And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.<a href="/jeremiah/19-13.htm">Jeremiah 19:13</a> And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.the courts<a href="/2_chronicles/20-5.htm">2 Chronicles 20:5</a> And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,<a href="/2_chronicles/33-5.htm">2 Chronicles 33:5</a> And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.the street of the water gate<a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Nehemiah 8:3</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="/nehemiah/3-26.htm">Nehemiah 3:26</a> Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.<a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Nehemiah 12:37</a> And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.gate of Ephraim<a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Nehemiah 12:37,39</a> And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward… <a href="/2_kings/14-13.htm">2 Kings 14:13</a> And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm">Booths</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-5.htm">Courts</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-9.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-6.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-61.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-12.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Square</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Street</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Water</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Water-Gate</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm">Booths</a> <a href="/job/8-16.htm">Branches</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-35.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-7.htm">Courts</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-7.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-31.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">House</a> <a href="/job/29-10.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/esther/2-11.htm">Square</a> <a href="/esther/4-6.htm">Street</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-2.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-15.htm">Water</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Water-Gate</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>And the people went out This phrase indicates the obedience of the Israelites to the command given by Ezra and the leaders to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. It reflects a communal action, emphasizing unity and collective participation in religious observance. This obedience is reminiscent of the Israelites' response to God's commands during the Exodus.brought back branches The gathering of branches is a direct fulfillment of the instructions found in <a href="/leviticus/23-40.htm">Leviticus 23:40</a>, where the Israelites are commanded to take branches of palm trees, willows, and other leafy trees to construct booths. This act symbolizes the Israelites' reliance on God's provision during their wilderness journey.and made booths The construction of booths, or temporary shelters, is central to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This practice serves as a reminder of the Israelites' 40 years in the wilderness, living in temporary dwellings. It is a physical representation of God's protection and provision during that time.on their own rooftops In ancient Israel, flat rooftops were common and often used as additional living space. Building booths on rooftops signifies personal and family participation in the festival, highlighting the importance of individual and household involvement in religious practices.in their courtyards Courtyards were common in Israelite homes and served as communal spaces for family gatherings. Constructing booths in courtyards indicates the extension of the festival's observance into the private and communal areas of life, reinforcing the integration of faith into daily living.in the courts of the house of God This phrase shows the centrality of the temple in the religious life of Israel. By building booths in the temple courts, the people demonstrate their reverence for God and the importance of worship in the community. It also signifies the restoration of proper worship practices after the return from exile.and in the squares by the Water Gate The Water Gate was located on the eastern side of Jerusalem, near the Gihon Spring. This area was significant for public gatherings and access to water, a vital resource. The use of public squares for building booths indicates the festival's communal nature and the inclusion of all people in the celebration.and by the Gate of Ephraim The Gate of Ephraim was one of the northern gates of Jerusalem, named after the tribe of Ephraim. Its mention here highlights the geographical spread of the festival's observance throughout the city. This widespread participation underscores the unity of the people in worship and the collective remembrance of their shared history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a> The Israelites who returned from exile and are now participating in the Feast of Booths as instructed by the Law. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ezra_the_scribe.htm">Ezra the Scribe</a> Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Ezra plays a crucial role in reading the Law to the people, which leads to the observance of the feast. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_feast_of_booths.htm">The Feast of Booths (Sukkot)</a> A Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, living in temporary shelters. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_water_gate.htm">The Water Gate</a> A location in Jerusalem where part of the assembly took place, significant for its proximity to the temple and its role in the communal life of the city. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gate_of_ephraim.htm">The Gate of Ephraim</a> Another location in Jerusalem, indicating the widespread observance of the feast throughout the city.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a> The Israelites' response to Ezra's reading of the Law demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands. We are called to respond to God's Word with action. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_worship.htm">Community and Worship</a> The communal aspect of the Feast of Booths highlights the importance of gathering together in worship and celebration. Christians are encouraged to foster community within the church. <a href="/topical/r/remembrance_and_thanksgiving.htm">Remembrance and Thanksgiving</a> The feast serves as a reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. We should regularly remember and give thanks for God's work in our lives. <a href="/topical/l/living_as_pilgrims.htm">Living as Pilgrims</a> The temporary nature of the booths reminds believers that our time on earth is temporary, and we are to live with an eternal perspective. <a href="/topical/j/joy_in_obedience.htm">Joy in Obedience</a> The celebration of the feast was marked by joy, showing that obedience to God leads to true joy and fulfillment.<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/names_of_jerusalem's_gates.htm">What are the names of Jerusalem's gates?</a> <a href="/q/extra-biblical_proof_of_feast_of_booths.htm">Is there any extra-biblical evidence for the large-scale celebration of the Feast of Booths as described in Nehemiah 8:14-18?</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/why_does_nehemiah_8_9-12_urge_joy,_not_sorrow.htm">Why do Nehemiah 8:9-12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) And in their courts.--Not only on the roofs, but in the internal courtyards.Of the house of God.--The ministers of the Temple made these; and strangers to Jerusalem made them in the streets or open spaces near the gates.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - The flat roofs of Oriental houses, and the court round which they were commonly built, furnished convenient sites for the booths, and would be preferred by the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The incomers from the country districts (ver. 15) would have to occupy the open places or "squares" of the city, and the temple courts, which would accommodate large numbers. On the street of the water gate see the comment on ver. 1. The street of the gate of Ephraim was probably a similar square, inside the great northern gateway. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And the people הָעָם֮ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock went out, וַיֵּצְא֣וּ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim brought back [branches], וַיָּבִיאוּ֒ (way·yā·ḇî·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go and made וַיַּעֲשׂוּ֩ (way·ya·‘ă·śū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make booths סֻכּ֜וֹת (suk·kō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5521.htm">Strong's 5521: </a> A thicket, booth on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against their own אִ֤ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person rooftops, גַּגּוֹ֙ (gag·gōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> A roof, the top of an altar in their courtyards, וּבְחַצְרֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם (ū·ḇə·ḥaṣ·rō·ṯê·hem) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2691.htm">Strong's 2691: </a> A yard, a hamlet in the court וּבְחַצְר֖וֹת (ū·ḇə·ḥaṣ·rō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2691.htm">Strong's 2691: </a> A yard, a hamlet of the house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of God, הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and in the squares וּבִרְחוֹב֙ (ū·ḇir·ḥō·wḇ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> A broad open place, plaza by the Water הַמַּ֔יִם (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen Gate שַׁ֣עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate [and] וּבִרְח֖וֹב (ū·ḇir·ḥō·wḇ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> A broad open place, plaza by the Gate שַׁ֥עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate of Ephraim. אֶפְרָֽיִם׃ (’ep̄·rā·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/8-16.htm">Nehemiah 8:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-16.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 8:16 So the people went forth and brought (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 8:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 8:17" /></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>