Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah 8:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.”

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to them, Go away now, and take the fat for your food and the sweet for your drink, and send some to him for whom nothing is made ready: for this day is holy to our Lord: and let there be no grief in your hearts; for the joy of the Lord is your strong place.

Free Bible Version FBV

Nehemiah went on, “Go and enjoy some good food and sweet drinks, and share some with those who don't have anything ready, because today is a special, holy day to our Lord. Don't be sad, for your strength comes from the Lord who makes you happy.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

He saide also vnto the, Go, and eate of the fat, and drinke the sweete, and send part vnto them, for whome none is prepared: for this day is holie vnto our Lord: be ye not sorie therefore: for the ioy of the Lord is your strength.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.'

World English Bible WEB

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 the LORD is your strength.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then I said to them, “Now go home and enjoy some good food and drink some sweet wine. And send some of it to people who do not have anything to eat or drink. This is a day that Yahweh considers sacred. Do not be sad! Yahweh will cause you to be joyful and make you strong.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 8:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 8:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר לָ/הֶ֡ם לְכוּ֩ אִכְל֨וּ מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים וּ/שְׁת֣וּ מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים וְ/שִׁלְח֤וּ מָנוֹת֙ לְ/אֵ֣ין נָכ֣וֹן ל֔/וֹ כִּֽי קָד֥וֹשׁ הַ/יּ֖וֹם לַ/אֲדֹנֵ֑י/נוּ וְ/אַל תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ כִּֽי חֶדְוַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה הִ֥יא מָֽעֻזְּ/כֶֽם

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶ֡ם Prep | Suff

לְכוּ֩ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אִכְל֨וּ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Impv-2mp

מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים mashmân H4924 fat N-mp

וּ/שְׁת֣וּ shâthâh H8354 to drink Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים mamtaq H4477 sweetness N-mp

וְ/שִׁלְח֤וּ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

מָנוֹת֙ mânâh H4490 portion N-fp

לְ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Prep | Part

נָכ֣וֹן kûwn H3559 to establish V-Niphal

ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

קָד֥וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj

הַ/יּ֖וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

לַ/אֲדֹנֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĂdônây H136 Lord Prep | N-mp | Suff

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 not Conj | Part

תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ ʻâtsab H6087 to hurt V-Niphal-Juss-2mp

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

חֶדְוַ֥ת chedvâh H2304 joy N-fs

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

הִ֥יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

מָֽעֻזְּ/כֶֽם mâʻôwz H4581 security N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 8:10

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לָ/הֶ֡ם "" Prep | Suff

לְכוּ֩ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

אִכְל֨וּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים mashmân H4924 "fat" N-mp

Mashman means a rich or fertile thing, such as a fat piece of food, a robust person, or a productive field, emphasizing abundance and richness.

Definition: fatness, fat, fertile place

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fat (one, -ness, -test, -test place). See also: Genesis 27:28; Psalms 78:31; Isaiah 10:16.

וּ/שְׁת֣וּ shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים mamtaq H4477 "sweetness" N-mp

This Hebrew word describes something sweet, like a delicious treat. It's used in Ezekiel 3:3 to describe a sweet taste, like honey.

Definition: sweetness, sweet thing

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: (most) sweet. See also: Nehemiah 8:10; Song of Solomon 5:16.

וְ/שִׁלְח֤וּ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

מָנוֹת֙ mânâh H4490 "portion" N-fp

This Hebrew word means a portion or division of something, like food or land. It refers to a part or share of something, as seen in various Bible translations. The concept of portion is important in biblical times.

Definition: part, portion

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: such things as belonged, part, portion. See also: Exodus 29:26; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 16:5.

לְ/אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Prep | Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

נָכ֣וֹן kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-Niphal

This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.

Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

קָד֥וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj

Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.

Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.

הַ/יּ֖וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

לַ/אֲדֹנֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" Prep | N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

וְ/אַל ʼal H408 "not" Conj | Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ ʻâtsab H6087 "to hurt" V-Niphal-Juss-2mp

To shape or carve something, like a craftsman forming wood or stone, can also mean to worry or cause pain, as in the emotional distress of King David in Psalm 38:18.

Definition: 1) to hurt, pain, grieve, displease, vex, wrest 1a) (Qal) to hurt, pain 1b)(Niphal) to be in pain, be pained, be grieved 1c) (Piel) to vex, torture 1d) (Hiphil) to cause pain 1e) (Hithpael) to feel grieved, be vexed Aramaic equivalent: a.tsav (עֲצַב "to pain" H6088)

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: displease, grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex, worship, wrest. See also: Genesis 6:6; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 56:6.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

חֶדְוַ֥ת chedvâh H2304 "joy" N-fs

Joy or gladness, like the feeling of celebration when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after exile. This word is about happy emotions and rejoicing.

Definition: joy, gladness Aramaic equivalent: ched.vah (חֶדְוָה "joy" H2305)

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: gladness, joy. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:27; Nehemiah 8:10.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

הִ֥יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

מָֽעֻזְּ/כֶֽם mâʻôwz H4581 "security" N-ms | Suff

A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.

Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 8:10

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Context — Ezra Reads the Law

8So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. 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.

10Then 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.”

11And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” 12Then 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 28:7–8	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. The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.
2	Proverbs 17:22	A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
3	2 Corinthians 12:8–9	Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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.
4	Ecclesiastes 9:7	Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
5	Isaiah 12:1–3	In that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You. Although You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You have comforted me. 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.” With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,
6	Psalms 149:2	Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
7	Isaiah 61:10	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.
8	Esther 9:19	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.
9	2 Corinthians 8:2	In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
10	Esther 9:22	as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.

Nehemiah 8:10 Summary

[Nehemiah 8:10 means that when we follow God and obey His commands, we can find joy and strength in Him, even on difficult days. This is because the joy of the Lord is our strength, as stated in this verse, and it reminds us to trust in God's love and care for us, just as it is written in Psalms 23:4 that God is with us even in the darkest valley. By celebrating and giving thanks to God for His goodness, as expressed in Psalms 100:4-5, we can turn our sorrow to joy and find strength in His presence.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nehemiah tell the people to eat and drink what is rich and sweet?

Nehemiah told the people to eat and drink what is rich and sweet to celebrate the holy day and to find joy in the Lord, as stated in Nehemiah 8:10, because the joy of the LORD is their strength, just as it is written in Psalms 28:7 that the Lord is our strength and shield.

What is the significance of sending out portions to those who have nothing prepared?

Sending out portions to those who have nothing prepared, as mentioned in Nehemiah 8:10, is an act of kindness and generosity, reflecting the love and care of God for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:7-8, where God commands the Israelites to be openhanded towards their brothers who are poor.

Why does Nehemiah tell the people not to grieve?

Nehemiah tells the people not to grieve because the joy of the Lord is their strength, as stated in Nehemiah 8:10, reminding them that their sorrow should be turned to joy, just as Jesus said in John 16:20 that their sorrow will turn to joy.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that as believers, we can find strength and joy in the Lord, even in difficult times, as stated in Nehemiah 8:10, and that we should celebrate and give thanks to God for His goodness, as expressed in Psalms 100:4-5, where we are called to enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can celebrate the joy of the Lord in my life today?
How can I show kindness and generosity to those around me who may be in need, just as the people were instructed to do in Nehemiah 8:10?
What are some things that grieve me, and how can I turn my sorrow to joy by focusing on the Lord's strength and love?
How can I balance the seriousness of following God's commands with the joy and celebration that comes from knowing Him, as seen in Nehemiah 8:10 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them,.... Nehemiah the Tirshatha or governor: go your way; to their own houses, and refresh themselves; it being noon, and they had stood many hours attentive to the reading and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:10

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:10

Eat the fat, and drink the sweet; feast before the Lord, as the duty of the day obligeth you to do. Send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for the relief of your poor brethren, who else must mourn whilst you rejoice. See of this duty and practice ,14 Es 9:19. This day is holy unto our Lord; being the feast of trumpets, , and the beginning of this joyful month, wherein so many days of feasting and thanksgiving were to be observed. The joy of the Lord is your strength, i.e. rejoicing in God in the manner prescribed in his word, or serving him with cheerfulness and thankfulness, which is your duty always, but now especially, will give you that strength both of mind and body which you greatly need, both to perform all the duties required of you, and to endure and oppose all the crafty counsels and malicious designs of your enemies against you; whereas this dejection of mind, and excessive grief, if you indulge it, will both offend God, and damp your spirits, and weaken your very bodies, and make you unfit for God’ s service, or for your own necessary occasions, and so an easy prey to your enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah 8:10 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.Ver. 10. Then he said unto them, Go your way] A friendly dismission. We must so reprove or admonish others, as that we ever preserve in them an opinion of our good will unto them; for this is that sugar that sweeteneth all such tartar pills. Go your way, eat, &c.] One being asked whether a good man might not feed upon sweet and delicate meat; eat the fat, and drink the sweet, even the choicest wines and chiefest viands? answered, Yes; except God made bees only for fools. God freely permitteth to his best children the use of his best creatures, even to an honest affluence (on thanksgiving days), especially provided that they feed with fear, and keep within the bounds of sobriety. And send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared] That is, to the poor, the fatherless, and the widows, Deuteronomy 16:14, who have not their set meals, nor certain dishes; but as hard fare for their holy day cheer, as Christ’ s disciples had once for their Sabbath day’ s dinner, Matthew 12:1. For this day is holy unto the Lord] A holy convocation, Leviticus 23:24, a day of blowing trumpets, a feast day: see Zechariah 8:19. A more liberal use of the creature dilateth and exhilarateth the heart, and so disposeth it to thankfulness, James 5:13 Psalms 92:2-3. Eat, that thy soul may bless me, Genesis 27:19. The idolatrous Israelites sat down to eat and drink, and then rose up to play. God’ s people should much more rejoice in the Lord, when refreshed by the creatures, speaking good of his name, and serving him with cheerfulness in the abundance of all things, Deuteronomy 28:47. Neither be ye sorry] No, not for your sins now, lest it prove a sinful sorrow, see Nehemiah 8:9. For the joy of the Lord is your strength] Or, your fortification and place of defence against sin, and all the ill fruits of it. Laeti igitur sitis, sed non securi: gaudeatis in Domino, sed caveatis a recidivo Let us be joyful, but not untroubled, let us rejoice in God, but let us beware of backsliding. (Bernard). "A merry heart," grounded upon a good conscience, "doeth good like a medicine," Proverbs 17:22. It is as marrow to the bones; as oil to the wheels; as a bait by the way to a generous horse; as a back of steel to a bended bow, &c. Surely, as true gold strengtheneth the heart (that alchemy-gold doth not), so doth spiritual joy much more; making a man insuperable under sufferings, and unsatisfiable in performance of duties. It is such a precious commodity, as that no good can match it, no evil too powerful for it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:10

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:10

Verse 10. Eat the fat, and drink the sweet] Eat and drink the best that you have; and while ye are feeding yourselves in the fear of the Lord, remember those who cannot feast; and send portions to them, that the joy and the thanksgiving may be general. Let the poor have reason to rejoice as well as you. For the joy of the Lord is your strength.] This is no gluttonous and drunken festival that enervates the body, and enfeebles the mind: from your religious feast your bodies will acquire strength and your minds power and fervour, so that you shall be able to DO HIS will, and to do it cheerfully. Religious joy, properly tempered with continual dependence on the help of God, meekness of mind, and self-diffidence, is a powerful means of strengthening the soul. In such a state every duty is practicable, and every duty delightful. In such a frame of mind no man an ever fell, and in such a state of mind the general health of the body is much improved; a cheerful heart is not only a continual feast, but also a continual medicine.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:10

10. Then he said] Who issued the command, we are not told. Clearly either Nehemiah or Ezra. Some think Nehemiah because as governor he would be the person to issue authoritative directions. But more probably Ezra is intended; for (1) Ezra’s name is most conspicuous throughout this whole episode; cf. Nehemiah 8:5-6; (2) the language used is that of the teacher of the Law rather than that of the practical governor. eat the fat, and drink the sweet] A proverbial expression, meaning that the occasion was not one of fasting and grief. LXX. φάγετελιπάσματακαὶπίετεγλυκάσματα. Vulg. ‘comedite pinguia et bibite mulsum.’ send portions &c.] Doubtless with the thought of remembering the poor and needy more especially, as according to the law of Deu 16:14, where the Feast of Tabernacles is described, ‘And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the fatherless and the widow that are within thy gates.’ But the allusion seems primarily to be to the custom of interchanging ‘portions’ on festal occasions, e.g. Esther 9:19, ‘a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions to one another,’ Esther 9:22, ‘days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another and gifts to the poor.’ Nabal’s churlishness was the violation of an almost sacred rule, 1 Samuel 25, cf. R. Smith, Relig. of Semites. For this custom of open-handed distribution on the occasion of great sacrificial feasts, cf. 1 Samuel 9:13; 2 Samuel 6:19; Ezekiel 39:17-20. neither be ye sorry] R.V. grieved. LXX. μὴδιαπέσητε. Vulg. ‘no-lite contristari’. The R.V. gives the same rendering as in Nehemiah 8:11. for the joy of the Lord is your strength] R.V. marg. ‘Or, stronghold’. This joy of the Lord is not the joy of the Lord over Israel; but Israel’s joy in her Lord. Israel’s joy at her great festivals is based on her confidence that the Lord ever protects her. Gladness in Him is in proportion to the faith in the protection which He gives. The English version is that of the Vulgate, ‘gaudium etenim Domini est fortitudo nostra.’ The LXX. ὅτιἐστὶκύριοςἰσχὺςἡμῶν omitted to render the somewhat unusual word for ‘joy,’ which elsewhere occurs in 1 Chronicles 16:27, Ezra 6:16. The rendering ‘stronghold’ in the R.V. marg. gives the more common meaning, cf. Psalms 37:39, ‘He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.’ He that rejoices in Jehovah has a strong fortress from which he can repel all adversaries.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 8:10

The “sending of portions” to the poor is not distinctly mentioned in any but the later historical Scriptures (compare the margin reference).

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:10

10. He said — That is, Nehemiah, the governor. He issued the order, being the public executive. Eat the fat — Literally, fatnesses; that is, the fat pieces of flesh; the fat things.

Sermons on Nehemiah 8:10

	Sermon	Description
	Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr
	Guarding the Sheep by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker identifies himself as a watchman called by God to warn the Church of Jesus Christ. He expresses his concern about the prosperity gospel and the false te
	(God Can Solve Every Problem - 3) Lame Man Healed by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and studying God's word. He explains that the word of God is like food for our spirit and that it is necessary for
	Whatever Happened to Joy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various forms of sadness and tragedy that people experience in life, such as illness, death, and uncertainty. However, the speaker emphasi
	Live Expressed by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap
	The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne
	Hope and Help for Single Mothers by Ann Brubaker	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and hope in life. They encourage listeners to break the cycle of broken homes and pain, and to set a vision