Nehemiah 8:8 web — They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

World English Bible

"They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading."

— Nehemiah 8:8, World English Bible

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Nehemiah 8:8 in Other Translations

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Nehemiah 8 — Context

5

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6

and Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, "Amen, Amen," with the lifting up of their hands. They bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground.

7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

8

They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

9

Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, "This day is holy to Yahweh your God. Don't mourn, nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10

Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength."

11

So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, "Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be grieved."

Nehemiah 8:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Nehemiah 8:8 say?
Nehemiah 8:8 in the World English Bible reads: “They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.”
Where is Nehemiah 8:8 in the Bible?
Nehemiah 8:8 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Nehemiah, chapter 8, verse 8.
Who wrote Nehemiah?
Nehemiah is traditionally attributed to Nehemiah (largely from his memoirs). It was written c. 445–425 BC.
What is the book of Nehemiah about?
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls against fierce opposition. The book combines stirring leadership with covenant renewal, ending with reform of priesthood, sabbath, and intermarriage.
What are the major themes of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah explores themes including Leadership, Prayer, Rebuilding, Opposition, Covenant Renewal. These themes shape the meaning and context of Nehemiah 8:8.
What translation should I read Nehemiah 8:8 in?
Nehemiah 8:8 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Nehemiah 8:8?
Nehemiah 8:8 reads (WEB): “They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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