Nehemiah 8:13
Nehemiah 8:13 in Multiple Translations
On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to study the words of the Law.
¶ And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
And on the second day were gathered together the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law.
And on the second day the heads of families of all the people and the priests and the Levites came together to Ezra the scribe, to give attention to the words of the law.
The next day family leaders of all the people, as well as the priests and Levites, joined with Ezra the scribe to study the Law in more depth.
And on the second day the chiefe fathers of all the people, the Priests and the Leuites were gathered vnto Ezra the scribe, that he also might instruct them in the wordes of the Lawe.
And on the second day have been gathered heads of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to act wisely concerning the words of the law.
On the second day, the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered together to Ezra the scribe, to study the words of the law.
And on the second day were assembled the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
And on the second day the chiefs of the families of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered together to Esdras the scribe, that he should interpret to them the words of the law.
The next day, the leaders of the families and the priests and other descendants of Levi met with Ezra to study carefully the laws that Yahweh had given to Moses.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 8:13
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 8:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בַ/יּ֣וֹם
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֡י
נֶאֶסְפוּ֩
רָאשֵׁ֨י
הָ/אָב֜וֹת
לְ/כָל
הָ/עָ֗ם
הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
אֶל
עֶזְרָ֖א
הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר
וּ/לְ/הַשְׂכִּ֖יל
אֶל
דִּבְרֵ֥י
הַ/תּוֹרָֽה
וּ/בַ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Conj | Prep | N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֡י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
נֶאֶסְפוּ֩
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
רָאשֵׁ֨י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הָ/אָב֜וֹת
ʼâb
H1
father
Art | N-mp
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֶזְרָ֖א
ʻEzrâʼ
H5830
Ezra
N-proper
הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Art | N-ms
וּ/לְ/הַשְׂכִּ֖יל
sâkal
H7919
be prudent
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
הַ/תּוֹרָֽה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 8:13
וּ/בַ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Conj | Prep | 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.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֡י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
נֶאֶסְפוּ֩
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
רָאשֵׁ֨י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/אָב֜וֹת
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Art | N-mp
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/כֹּֽהֲנִים֙
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עֶזְרָ֖א
ʻEzrâʼ
H5830
"Ezra"
N-proper
Ezra was an Israelite priest and scribe who led reforms in Jerusalem after the Exile, working with Nehemiah. His name means 'help'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.1 § Ezra = "help" 1) the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah 2) a priest with Zerubbabel 3) another post-exilic Jew
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Ezra. See also: Ezra 7:1; Nehemiah 8:2; Nehemiah 12:36.
הַ/סֹּפֵ֑ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
וּ/לְ/הַשְׂכִּ֖יל
sâkal
H7919
"be prudent"
Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/תּוֹרָֽה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 8:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 8:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:13
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 8:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
- Sermons on Nehemiah 8:13
Context — The Feast of Tabernacles
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.
13On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to study the words of the Law.
14And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month, 15and that they should proclaim 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 2:1–6 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:33–34 | Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:1 | Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. |
| 4 | Acts 13:42 | As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged them to continue this message on the next Sabbath. |
| 5 | Luke 19:47–48 | Jesus was teaching at the temple every day, but the chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people were intent on killing Him. Yet they could not find a way to do so, because all the people hung on His words. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 8:7–8 | The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places. So 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. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 30:23 | The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy. |
| 8 | Mark 6:33–34 | But many people saw them leaving and recognized them. They ran together on foot from all the towns and arrived before them. When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things. |
| 9 | Acts 4:1 | While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, |
| 10 | Luke 24:32 | They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” |
Nehemiah 8:13 Summary
Nehemiah 8:13 shows us the importance of taking time to study and learn from God's Word. The Israelites gathered around Ezra to understand the Law, just like we can gather with others to study the Bible today (Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42). By prioritizing the study of God's Word, we can grow in our faith and learn to obey God's commands, just like the psalmist in Psalm 119:97-104. As we read and learn from Scripture, we can apply its teachings to our lives and relationships, becoming more like Jesus and fulfilling God's plan for us (Romans 8:29).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the second day of the month in Nehemiah 8:13?
The second day of the month marks a time of continued celebration and reflection after the initial day of rejoicing, as seen in Nehemiah 8:12, and it is a day when the people gather to study the Law, as commanded in Deuteronomy 31:10-13.
Why did the heads of all the families, along with the priests and Levites, gather around Ezra the scribe?
They gathered around Ezra to study the words of the Law, indicating their desire to understand and obey God's commands, as emphasized in Psalm 119:97-104, where the psalmist expresses his love for God's Law and his desire to learn from it.
What can we learn from the example of the Israelites gathering to study the Law in Nehemiah 8:13?
We can learn the importance of prioritizing the study of God's Word, as seen in Acts 2:42, where the early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and in 2 Timothy 2:15, where believers are encouraged to be diligent in their study of Scripture.
How does Nehemiah 8:13 relate to the concept of community in the Bible?
Nehemiah 8:13 highlights the value of community in the Bible, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to gather together to spur one another on towards love and good deeds, and in Acts 2:46, where the early church met together daily to share meals and study God's Word.
Reflection Questions
- What role does the study of God's Word play in my life, and how can I prioritize it in my daily routine?
- How can I, like the Israelites in Nehemiah 8:13, gather with others to learn from Scripture and grow in my faith?
- What are some ways I can apply the teachings of the Law, as studied by the Israelites, to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I, like Ezra the scribe, be a source of spiritual guidance and teaching for those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:13
And on the second day were gathered together,.... The second day of the month, and of the new year, the day after the feast of blowing of trumpets, and after the law had been read and explained: the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:13
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
Choosing rather to confess their ignorance for their edification, than vainly to pretend to more knowledge than they had; wherein they show both true humility and serious godliness, that they were more careful to learn and practise their duty, than to preserve their reputation with the people. Even to understand the words of the law; that they might more exactly understand the meaning of some things which they had heard before, and so instruct the people in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
Nehemiah 8:13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.Ver. 13. And on the second day] The next day after they had heard the law expounded, but were not so well satisfied in some points or cases: they "follow on to know the Lord," Hosea 6:3. Divine knowledge is as a great lady, that will not easily be acquainted with us but upon further suit, Proverbs 2:3-4. Were gathered together the chief of the fathers, &c.] Aeneas Sylvius was wont to say of knowledge, Popular men should esteem it as silver, noblemen as gold, princes prize it as pearls. The priests, and Levites] These teachers of others took no scorn to learn from Ezra, that perfect scribe. The wisest here know but in part; because we prophesy but in part, 1 Corinthians 13:9; that is, we are taught but imperfectly, and those that should show us the way are themselves to seek; to teach us to run to Ithiel, the arch-prophet, as that great wise man did, Proverbs 30:1. The greatest part of those things which we know is the least part of the things which we know not, as that father saith. Unto Ezra the scribe] Who was well instructed to the kingdom of God; and no less ready to throw out of his treasury, &c., Matthew 13:52. It is said of Tacitus, that he knew all that he should know of the affairs of the world; and that he was primus in Historia; first in history, and that ex eius ore nil temere excidit he cut up nothing rashly from his mouth. (Scalig.).
Think the same of Ezra, and much more; he was an able teacher of the ablest teachers, a sacred oracle, a living library, the argutest and accuratest of men after the prophets; as Austin is said to have been after the apostles, in contemplation and disputation. Even to understand the words of the law] Which he had the day before expounded; and in some passages whereof they had a desire to be better resolved and satisfied. No man can possibly speak all at once, or deliver the mind of God so clearly and fully, but that there may be place left for cases and queries.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
(13-18) The Feast of Tabernacles.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:13
13–18. The Feast of Tabernacles13. the second day] i.e. of the month Tisri, cf. Nehemiah 8:2. the chief of the fathers] R.V. the heads of the fathers’ houses. The leading men of the nation apply to Ezra for further instruction in ‘the law.’ It will be observed that ‘the priests and the Levites’ join in this application with the laymen. Are we to suppose that they too were ignorant of the full contents of ‘the law’? This is possible, if the contents of ‘the law’ had hitherto been chiefly known by oral tradition or by disconnected writings. If this had been the case and Ezra had made himself master of the complete continuous ‘law,’ we shall be able to understand the action of ‘the priests and Levites.’ From the subsequent verses (Nehemiah 8:14-15) it appears that Ezra supplied them not so much with profound interpretations of the Law as with statements relative to its contents and positive enactments. even to understand] R.V. even to give attention to. The Hebrew word (l’haskîl) denotes intelligent consideration, as in Psalms 41:1, ‘Blessed is he that considereth the poor;’ Psalms 101:2, ‘I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way’ (marg. ‘give heed unto’); Daniel 9:13, ‘have discernment in thy truth.’ The copula, rendered ‘even,’ with the infinitive defines the action of the main verb, as in Isaiah 44:28, ‘shall perform all my pleasure: even saying (lit. and to say) of Jerusalem, She shall be built.’ This is better than supposing the infinitive to be used for the finite verb = ‘and they gave attention.’
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 8:13
To understand - Rather, “to consider.”
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:13
THE FEAST OF , Nehemiah 8:13-18. 13. The second day — The second day of the month, the next day after the feast of the new moon.
Sermons on Nehemiah 8:13
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Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. He describes a gathering in a large tent where people from different backgrounds come together to worship a |
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A Father's Counsel by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of following God's counsel. He highlights five admonitions given by God in this chapter. Th |
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(Guidelines) Read the Bible by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and teaching the Word of God. He quotes Dr. Morgan who said that inspiration is 95% perspiration, highlighting th |
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(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, |
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The Fully Surrendered Life by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the need for a fully surrendered life to God, highlighting the importance of breaking free from sin, arrogance, and fear. It challenges individuals to seek G |
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It Is Time for the Lord to Work by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the increasing violence and lawlessness in society and the need for God to intervene. The psalmist's declaration that it is time for God to wo |
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(Christ Formed) 04 - Christ as Young Adult by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing the principle of coming to God as a little child and crying out to Him. The speaker also highlights the significa |