Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. New Living Translation So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. English Standard Version And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Berean Standard Bible Then 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. Berean Literal Bible And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to greatly rejoice because they understood concerning the words that were declared to them. King James Bible And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. New King James Version And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. New American Standard Bible Then all the people went away to eat, drink, to send portions, and to celebrate a great feast, because they understood the words which had been made known to them. NASB 1995 All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them. NASB 1977 And all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them. Legacy Standard Bible Then all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions, and to celebrate with great gladness, because they understood the words which had been made known to them. Amplified Bible Then all the people went on their way to eat, to drink, to send portions [of food to others] and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been communicated to them. Berean Annotated Bible Then 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. Christian Standard Bible Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them. American Standard Version And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. Contemporary English Version When the people returned to their homes, they celebrated by eating and drinking and by sharing their food with those in need, because they had understood what had been read to them. English Revised Version And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then all the people went to eat and drink and to send portions. They had a big, joyful celebration because they understood the words that had been explained to them. Good News Translation So all the people went home and ate and drank joyfully and shared what they had with others, because they understood what had been read to them. International Standard Version So all the people went to eat, to drink, to send something to those who had nothing, and to celebrate with great joy, because they understood the words that were being declared to them. NET Bible So all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food with others and to enjoy tremendous joy, for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them. New Heart English Bible All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Webster's Bible Translation And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen 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. World English Bible All the people went their way to eat, to drink, to send portions, and to celebrate, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all the people go to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great joy, because they have understood concerning the words that they made known to them. Berean Literal Bible And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to greatly rejoice because they understood concerning the words that were declared to them. Young's Literal Translation And all the people go to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great joy, because they have understood concerning the words that they made known to them. Smith's Literal Translation And all the people will go to eat and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great gladness, for they understood the words that were made known to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo all the people went to eat and drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth: because they understood the words that he had taught them. Catholic Public Domain Version And so all the people went forth, so that they might eat and drink, and so that they might send portions, and so that they might make a great rejoicing. For they understood the words that he had taught to them. New American Bible Then all the people began to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been explained to them. New Revised Standard Version And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the people went their way to eat and to drink and to send portions and to rejoice because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the people went to eat and to drink and to send food and to make great celebration, and they were obedient to those words that they had made known to them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. Brenton Septuagint Translation So all the people departed to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, for they understood the words which he made known to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ezra Reads the Law…11And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” 12 Then 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 Then all the people began to eat and drink, Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works: Deuteronomy 14:26 Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household. Deuteronomy 12:7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. to send out portions, 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. 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. Genesis 43:34 When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph. and to rejoice greatly, 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. Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Psalm 126:2-3 Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. because they understood the words that had been made known to them. Luke 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple. 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, … Deuteronomy 16:14-15 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. Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 119:111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Isaiah 55:12 You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Treasury of Scripture And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. to send 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. to make Psalm 126:1-3 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream… because Nehemiah 8:7,8 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place… Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Psalm 19:8-11 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes… Jump to Previous Celebrate Clear Declared Drink Eat Festival Food Glad Great Joy Mirth Others Portions Rejoicing Understood Way WordsJump to Next Celebrate Clear Declared Drink Eat Festival Food Glad Great Joy Mirth Others Portions Rejoicing Understood Way WordsNehemiah 8 1. The reverent manner of reading and hearing the law9. They comfort the people 13. The eagerness of the people to hear and be instructed 16. They keep the feast of tabernacles Then all the people began to eat and drink This phrase indicates a communal celebration, reflecting the Jewish tradition of feasting after significant religious events. Eating and drinking together symbolize unity and fellowship among the people. In the context of Nehemiah, this celebration follows the reading of the Law, signifying a renewal of covenantal commitment. The act of eating and drinking is reminiscent of other biblical feasts, such as the Passover (Exodus 12), which also involved communal meals as a form of worship and remembrance. to send out portions and to rejoice greatly because they understood the words that had been made known to them Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe governor of Judah who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. 2. Ezra A scribe and priest who read the Law to the people, helping them understand God's Word. 3. The People of Israel The community gathered in Jerusalem, who listened to the reading of the Law and responded with joy and celebration. 4. Jerusalem The city where the events took place, specifically during the time of the rebuilding of its walls and the restoration of its spiritual life. 5. The Reading of the Law A significant event where the Law of Moses was read aloud to the people, leading to their understanding and subsequent celebration. Teaching Points The Power of Understanding God's WordUnderstanding Scripture leads to transformation and joy. When the Israelites understood the Law, it resulted in a celebration. We should seek to understand God's Word deeply to experience its full impact in our lives. The Importance of Community in Worship The communal aspect of the Israelites' celebration highlights the importance of gathering together to worship and learn. We should prioritize community in our spiritual practices. Generosity as a Response to God's Blessings The people shared portions of food with those who had none, demonstrating generosity. As we receive understanding and blessings from God, we should be moved to share with others. Joy as a Fruit of Obedience The joy experienced by the Israelites was a direct result of their obedience and understanding. True joy in the Christian life comes from aligning our lives with God's will. Celebration as a Spiritual Discipline Celebrating God's goodness is a vital part of spiritual life. We should regularly take time to celebrate what God has done in our lives, fostering a spirit of gratitude and joy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 8:12?2. How can we apply Nehemiah 8:12's joy in understanding God's Word today? 3. What role does community play in celebrating and understanding Scripture in Nehemiah 8:12? 4. How does Nehemiah 8:12 connect with Psalm 119:105 about God's Word guiding us? 5. Why is sharing food and joy important in Nehemiah 8:12's context? 6. How can we ensure understanding when reading Scripture, as seen in Nehemiah 8:12? 7. What does Nehemiah 8:12 reveal about the importance of understanding God's Word in community? 8. How does Nehemiah 8:12 emphasize the role of joy in spiritual obedience? 9. Why is sharing food and drink significant in Nehemiah 8:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 8? 11. What does the Bible say about celebrating events? 12. Is God opposed to human enjoyment and happiness? 13. Why do Nehemiah 8:9–12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures? 14. What brings you the joy of the Lord? What Does Nehemiah 8:12 Mean Then all the people began to eat and drink“Then all the people went to eat and drink…” (Nehemiah 8:12). • After hours of public Scripture reading and repentance (Nehemiah 8:1-11), the gathering moves naturally from confession to celebration. Deuteronomy 12:7 pictures the same pattern: “There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and rejoice in all you have undertaken…” • God never separates body from soul; He invites His people to taste tangible goodness once hearts are set right (Psalm 34:8; Acts 2:46). • The meal confirms covenant fellowship. Just as the elders of Israel ate before the LORD at Sinai (Exodus 24:11), the returned exiles now share a covenant meal that says, “We belong to Him again.” to send out portions “…to send out portions…” (Nehemiah 8:12). • The celebration is intentionally outward-looking. Sharing food with those who have none fulfills Moses’ repeated command that no one be left out of the feasts (Deuteronomy 16:11-14). • Esther 9:19, 22 shows the same impulse during Purim—gifts of food flow to friends and the poor. • This generosity anticipates New-Testament giving: “Whoever has two tunics must share with him who has none” (Luke 3:11; see also James 2:15-17). The people’s restored relationship with God immediately produces restored relationships with neighbors. and to rejoice greatly “…and to rejoice greatly…” (Nehemiah 8:12). • Joy is not optional; it is commanded (Deuteronomy 12:12). Sin has been confessed, forgiveness declared (Nehemiah 8:9-11), so the only appropriate response is overflowing gladness. • Psalm 32:11 captures the rhythm: “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; shout for joy…” • Jesus echoes this note when He says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). True exposure to God’s Word always elevates the heart. because they understood the words that had been made known to them “…because they understood the words that had been made known to them.” (Nehemiah 8:12). • The cause of their celebration is clear: comprehension. Ezra and the Levites “gave the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8). • Psalm 119:130 affirms, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” When truth sinks in, worship ignites. • Luke 24:32 shows the same dynamic on the Emmaus road: hearts burn when Scripture is opened. • Understanding births obedience and durable joy (Colossians 1:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). The people are not merely stirred emotionally; they are informed, convinced, and therefore transformed. summary Nehemiah 8:12 portrays a redeemed community whose physical celebration mirrors inner renewal. Once the people grasp God’s Word, they eat together, share generously, and erupt in joy. Right doctrine leads to right duty and delight, proving again that when God’s people understand His truth, they cannot help but worship with their whole lives. (12) They had understood.--They had caught the meaning of the command to rejoice.Verse 12. - To make great mirth. Or "great rejoicing," not "mirth" in the sense which the word now commonly bears. CHAPTER 8:13-18 Hebrew Then allכָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֜ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock began to eat לֶאֱכֹ֤ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 398: To eat and drink, וְלִשְׁתּוֹת֙ (wə·liš·tō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8354: To imbibe to send out וּלְשַׁלַּ֣ח (ū·lə·šal·laḥ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out portions, מָנ֔וֹת (mā·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4490: Something weighed out, a division, a ration, a lot and וְלַעֲשׂ֖וֹת (wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make to rejoice שִׂמְחָ֣ה (śim·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee greatly, גְדוֹלָ֑ה (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent because כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they understood הֵבִ֙ינוּ֙ (hê·ḇî·nū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand the words בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים (bad·də·ḇā·rîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause that אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had been made known הוֹדִ֖יעוּ (hō·w·ḏî·‘ū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know to them. לָהֶֽם׃ (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew Links Nehemiah 8:12 NIVNehemiah 8:12 NLT Nehemiah 8:12 ESV Nehemiah 8:12 NASB Nehemiah 8:12 KJV Nehemiah 8:12 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 8:12 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 8:12 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 8:12 French Bible Nehemiah 8:12 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 8:12 All the people went their way (Neh Ne) |
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