Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the Law. New Living Translation On October 9 the family leaders of all the people, together with the priests and Levites, met with Ezra the scribe to go over the Law in greater detail. English Standard Version On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And on the second day the heads of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, even to act wisely concerning the words of the Law. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now on the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law. New American Standard Bible Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe so that they might gain insight into the words of the Law. NASB 1995 Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law. NASB 1977 Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law. Legacy Standard Bible Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law. Amplified Bible On the second day, all of the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, were gathered before Ezra the scribe to gain insight into the words of the Law (divine instruction). Berean Annotated Bible On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and Levites, gathered around Ezra (help) the scribe to study the words of the Law. Christian Standard Bible On the second day, the family heads of all the people, along with the priests and Levites, assembled before the scribe Ezra to study the words of the law. Holman Christian Standard Bible On the second day, the family leaders of all the people, along with the priests and Levites, assembled before Ezra the scribe to study the words of the law. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version On the second day of the seventh month, the leaders of all the family groups came together with the priests and the Levites, so Ezra could teach them the Law English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation On the second day the leaders of the families of all the people, including the priests and the Levites, met with Ezra the scribe to study the words of God's Teachings. Good News Translation The next day the heads of the clans, together with the priests and the Levites, went to Ezra to study the teachings of the Law. International Standard Version The next day, the heads of the families of all the people were gathered together, along with the priests and the descendants of Levi, to meet with Ezra the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law. NET Bible On the second day of the month the family leaders met with Ezra the scribe, together with all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to consider the words of the law. New Heart English Bible On the second day were gathered together the heads of ancestral houses of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd on the second day have been gathered heads of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to act wisely concerning the words of the Law. Berean Literal Bible And on the second day the heads of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, even to act wisely concerning the words of the Law. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation And in the second day were gathered together the heads of the fathers to all the people, the priests, the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, and to understand to the words of the law. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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. Catholic Public Domain Version And on the second day, the leaders of the families of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered together to Ezra the scribe, so that he might interpret for them the words of the law. New American Bible On the second day, the heads of ancestral houses of the whole people, and also the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to study the words of the law. New Revised Standard Version On the second day the heads of ancestral houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to the scribe Ezra in order to study the words of the law. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd on the second day were gathered together the chiefs of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe to understand from him the word of the law. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And in the second day, the Chiefs of the fathers of all the people and the Priests and the Levites were gathered to Azra the Scribe to obey from him all the book of the Law. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And on the second day the heads of families assembled with all the people, also the priests and Levites, to Esdras the scribe, to attend to all the words of the law. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Feast of Tabernacles13On 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.… Cross References On the second day of the month, 1 Samuel 20:27 But on the day after the New Moon, the second day, David’s place was still empty, and Saul asked his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal either yesterday or today?” Haggai 1:1 In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating Ezra 7:9 He had begun the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him. the heads of all the families, Numbers 1:4 And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you. 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. Exodus 6:14 These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben. along with the priests and Levites, Deuteronomy 31:9-13 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. / Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, / when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. … 2 Chronicles 34:30 And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the Levites—all the people great and small—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. Ezra 6:18 They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses. gathered around Ezra the scribe Ezra 10:1 While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well. Ezra 7:6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him. Ezra 7:11 This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel: to study the words of the Law. Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. Joshua 8:34-35 Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. / There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Leviticus 23:33-43 And the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Feast of Tabernacles to the LORD begins, and it continues for seven days. / On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly. You must not do any regular work. … Treasury of Scripture And on the second day were gathered together 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. the second 2 Chronicles 30:23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness. Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; … Proverbs 8:33,34 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not… to understand the words of the law. 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… Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 2 Timothy 2:24,25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, … Jump to Previous Assembled Attention Chief Ezra Families Fathers Gain Gathered Heads Houses Levites Month Order Priests Scribe Second Study Together Understand WordsJump to Next Assembled Attention Chief Ezra Families Fathers Gain Gathered Heads Houses Levites Month Order Priests Scribe Second Study Together Understand 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 On the second day of the month This phrase refers to the day following the Feast of Trumpets, which is the first day of the seventh month, Tishri, in the Jewish calendar. This time is significant as it marks the beginning of the civil year and is a period of reflection and renewal. The second day indicates a continuation of the spiritual revival that began with the public reading of the Law on the first day. the heads of all the families along with the priests and Levites gathered around Ezra the scribe to study the words of the Law Persons / Places / Events 1. Ezra the ScribeA priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, Ezra played a crucial role in teaching the Israelites the Law after their return from exile. 2. Heads of Families These were the leaders of the various family groups within the Israelite community, responsible for guiding their families in spiritual and communal matters. 3. Priests and Levites Religious leaders tasked with performing temple duties and teaching the Law to the people. 4. The Law Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites. 5. Jerusalem The city where this gathering took place, significant as the spiritual and political center of the Jewish people. Teaching Points The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipSpiritual leaders, like the heads of families, priests, and Levites, play a crucial role in guiding others in understanding and applying God's Word. The Value of Community Study Gathering together to study the Scriptures strengthens community bonds and ensures a unified understanding of God's commandments. Commitment to God's Word Just as the leaders in Nehemiah's time committed to studying the Law, we too should prioritize regular engagement with Scripture in our lives. The Role of Teachers in Faith Teachers of the Word, like Ezra, are vital in helping others understand and apply biblical truths, highlighting the need for sound teaching in the church. Application of Scripture in Daily Life Understanding the Law is not just for knowledge but for practical application in daily living, guiding decisions and actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 8:13?2. How does Nehemiah 8:13 emphasize the importance of studying God's Law regularly? 3. Why did the leaders gather to "gain insight into the words of the Law"? 4. How can church leaders today implement the practice seen in Nehemiah 8:13? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Nehemiah 8:13 and Psalm 119:105? 6. How can we apply the leaders' example in Nehemiah 8:13 to our lives? 7. Why did the leaders gather to study the Law in Nehemiah 8:13? 8. How does Nehemiah 8:13 emphasize the importance of understanding Scripture? 9. What role did Ezra play in Nehemiah 8:13? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 8? 11. What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? 12. Is there any extra-biblical evidence for the large-scale celebration of the Feast of Booths as described in Nehemiah 8:14-18? 13. Why do Nehemiah 8:9-12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures? 14. In Nehemiah 12:1-7, are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the specific priests and Levites named here? What Does Nehemiah 8:13 Mean On the second day of the month“On the second day” signals that God’s people did not treat the public reading of the Law on day one as a one-and-done event (Nehemiah 8:2–12). • The gathering continued immediately, showing eagerness for God’s Word (Psalm 119:97; Acts 2:46). • It was the seventh month, a season packed with holy days (Leviticus 23:23-44); by day two they were already asking, “What does God want next?” • Obedience often requires sustained attention, not a single emotional moment (Joshua 1:8). the heads of all the families Family leaders stepped forward first. • They accepted their God-given role to shepherd households in truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4). • Their presence made certain that what was learned would be carried home, multiplying impact (Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15). • When fathers and mothers learn, children benefit (Proverbs 22:6). along with the priests and Levites Spiritual leadership joined domestic leadership. • Priests and Levites were charged with teaching (Deuteronomy 31:9-13; Malachi 2:7). • Their inclusion shows that instruction belongs to the whole covenant community, not a clerical elite alone (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6). • Collaboration between home and sanctuary strengthens obedience (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). gathered around Ezra the scribe Ezra had “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to practice it” (Ezra 7:10). • They literally drew near to the person most immersed in Scripture, modeling humble teachability (Proverbs 13:20). • The phrase hints at a small-group setting rather than a massive crowd—ideal for questions, clarification, and application (2 Timothy 2:2; Acts 18:26). • True authority rests not in personality but in fidelity to God’s written Word (Nehemiah 8:5; Matthew 28:20). to study the words of the Law The goal was comprehension that leads to obedience. • “Study” implies careful, repeated inquiry (Psalm 1:2; Acts 17:11). • They soon discover the Feast of Booths command (Nehemiah 8:14-17), proving that diligent study uncovers neglected truth. • Scripture study is communal: questions asked, answers weighed, lives changed (Colossians 3:16; James 1:22-25). summary Nehemiah 8:13 pictures a determined, multi-layered pursuit of God’s Word. Day two finds family heads, priests, and Levites clustering around Ezra to dig deeper into the Law, eager to translate truth into action. Leadership takes initiative, community joins hands, and Scripture remains central—an enduring pattern for believers who long to know and obey the living God. (13-18) The Feast of Tabernacles.(13) The chief of the fathers.--Not the vast multitude now, as the great feast was not yet. Even to understand.--To consider, or give attention to: that is, to learn the full meaning of the almost forgotten festival. The dwelling in booths had fallen into disuse. Verse 13. - And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers. At times it is true that "increase of appetite doth grow by what it feeds on." Once let the sweetness of the Divine word be tasted and appreciated, and there springs up in the heart instantly a desire for more - a wish to continue in the study - a feeling like that of the Psalmist when he said, "Lord, what love have I unto thy law: all the day long is my study in it" (Psalm 119:97). The Jews, taught by Ezra in the law of God on the first day of the month, return to him on the second, desirous of hearing more, hungering and thirsting after the word of life, of which they have felt the power and the excellency. To understand. Rather, "to consider," as in Psalm 41:1.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew On the secondהַשֵּׁנִ֡י (haš·šê·nî) Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number) day [of the month], וּבַיּ֣וֹם (ū·ḇay·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day the heads רָאשֵׁ֨י (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7218: The head of all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the families, הָאָב֜וֹת (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1: Father along with the priests הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ (hak·kō·hă·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest and Levites, וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi gathered נֶאֶסְפוּ֩ (ne·’es·p̄ū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove around אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Ezra עֶזְרָ֖א (‘ez·rā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5830: Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites the scribe הַסֹּפֵ֑ר (has·sō·p̄êr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate to study וּלְהַשְׂכִּ֖יל (ū·lə·haś·kîl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent the words דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause of the Law. הַתּוֹרָֽה׃ (hat·tō·w·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law Links Nehemiah 8:13 NIVNehemiah 8:13 NLT Nehemiah 8:13 ESV Nehemiah 8:13 NASB Nehemiah 8:13 KJV Nehemiah 8:13 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 8:13 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 8:13 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 8:13 French Bible Nehemiah 8:13 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 8:13 On the second day were gathered together (Neh Ne) |
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