The Law Is Read; Renewal and Celebration
Nehemiah 7:73-8:18
Neh.8.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כאיש: PREP
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הרחוב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לפני: PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- לעזרא: PREP+PN,sg,m
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להביא: VERB,hif,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תורת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (quotation): Moses commands a public, communal reading of the Law before all Israel (men, women, children, sojourners) so that the people may hear and learn — directly parallels the assembly to hear the Book of the Law in Neh 8:1.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (structural): The Book of the Law is read aloud before all Israel at the assembly after conquest; Joshua’s public reading and hearing of the law mirrors the communal reading occasion and purpose in Neh 8:1.
- 2 Kings 23:1-3 (thematic): King Josiah gathers all the people, reads the covenant-book, and leads a national covenant renewal — a parallel episode of public reading and communal recommitment to the Torah, like Neh 8’s gathering around Ezra and the Law.
- Ezra 7:6 (verbal): Identifies Ezra as a skilled 'scribe' versed in the Law of Moses; this connects to Neh 8:1’s naming of 'Ezra the scribe' who is asked to bring the Book of the Law.
- Luke 4:16-20 (allusion): Jesus reads Scripture publicly in the synagogue with the gathered assembly and then explains it; reflects the practice of public reading and proclamation of Scripture exemplified in Neh 8:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the people gathered as one man to the street before the Water Gate; and they said to Ezra the scribe, “Bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD commanded Israel.”
- And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand, on the first day of the seventh month.
Neh.8.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויביא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפני: PREP
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- מבין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשמע: INF,qal,infc
- ביום: PREP
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לחדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (verbal): Commands a public reading of the law 'before all Israel' including 'men, women, children' so that the people may hear and learn—parallels Ezra bringing the Torah before the assembly and 'every man and woman who could understand.'
- Ezra 7:10 (verbal): Describes Ezra's dedication to 'seek the law of the LORD, to do it, and to teach in Israel'—connects Ezra the priest/scribe's role in publicly reading and instructing the people in Neh 8:2.
- 2 Chronicles 34:30-32 (thematic): Josiah reads the book of the law to the people and leads a covenantal response—similar scene of public proclamation of the law and communal reaction/renewal.
- Luke 4:16-21 (thematic): Jesus reads Scripture in the synagogue and announces its meaning—parallels the synagogue/assembly setting where Scripture is read publicly and interpreted for the people.
- Acts 8:30-31 (thematic): The Ethiopian reads Scripture and asks for help to understand—echoes the concern in Neh 8:2 for presenting the law 'to all who could understand' and the need for interpretation.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly—men and women and all who could understand to hear—on the first day of the seventh month.
- He read it aloud from the book, facing the square before the Water Gate from morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the Law.
Neh.8.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לפני: PREP
- הרחוב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לפני: PREP
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מן: PREP
- האור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- מחצית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נגד: PREP
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והנשים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
- והמבינים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואזני: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,construct
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (verbal): Commands public reading of the law 'before all Israel — men, women, and little ones' so they may hear, closely paralleling the inclusive assembly and public reading in Neh 8:3.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (verbal): Records Joshua reading 'all the words of the law' aloud to the people, with the people listening — a direct parallel in form and function to the daytime public reading in Neh 8:3.
- 2 Chronicles 34:30-32 (structural): During Josiah's reform the book of the law is read 'in the hearing of the people,' leading to covenant renewal — parallels the communal hearing and response to the Torah reading in Neh 8:3.
- Ezra 7:10 (thematic): Describes Ezra's dedication 'to study the law of the LORD, and to teach' — provides the scribe-teacher context for the public reading and instruction exemplified in Neh 8:3.
- Luke 4:16-20 (thematic): Jesus reads Scripture in the synagogue and the assembly listens attentively — a New Testament instance of public Scripture-reading and attentive audience analogous to Neh 8:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he read in it before the street that was before the Water Gate, from morning until midday, in front of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
- And Ezra the scribe stood upon a wooden platform which they had made for the purpose. Beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchiah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
Neh.8.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- מגדל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לדבר: INF,qal
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אצלו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מתתיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמע: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- ועניה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואוריה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחלקיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומעשיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ימינו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3ms
- ומשמאלו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- פדיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומישאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומלכיה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחשם: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וחשבדנה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משלם: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (structural): Prescribes public reading of the covenant law ‘‘before all Israel’’ by the Levitical leaders so that everyone—men, women, children—may hear and understand, paralleling Ezra standing to read the Law to the assembled people.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (structural): Joshua reads ‘‘all the words of the law’’ before the assembly of Israel at Shechem; like Neh 8:4–8, this passage depicts a communal public reading of the Torah with the people standing to hear.
- 2 Chronicles 34:30-32 (thematic): After Hilkiah finds the book of the law, it is read publicly and prompts corporate repentance and covenant renewal—paralleling Ezra’s public proclamation of the law and its effect on the community.
- Ezra 7:10 (verbal): Describes Ezra the scribe as one who set his heart to study, to do, and to teach the law—providing a direct portrait of Ezra’s role and mission that underlies his public reading and instruction in Neh 8:4–8.
- Luke 4:16-20 (thematic): Jesus stands up in the synagogue to read and proclaim Scripture (Isaiah), echoing the Jewish practice of standing to read sacred texts and the role of a public reader/teacher exemplified by Ezra in Neh 8:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the occasion; beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and on his left, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
- And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; for he stood above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood up.
Neh.8.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפתח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- מעל: PREP
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וכפתחו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:10-13 (thematic): Moses commands a public, periodic reading of the Law 'before all Israel' so that men, women, children and strangers may hear—parallel to Ezra opening the book for the whole people.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (verbal): Joshua reads 'all that Moses commanded' publicly before the assembly, with the detail that nothing commanded was omitted—closely parallels the public, comprehensive reading in Nehemiah.
- Nehemiah 8:2-3,8 (structural): Immediate literary parallels in the same chapter: verses before and after describe the assembly, Ezra reading the law, and the Levites explaining it—showing the same public-reading episode and its interpretation.
- Luke 4:17-20 (verbal): Jesus 'opened the book' in the synagogue and read Scripture aloud—shares the distinctive verbal image of opening a scroll/book and reading publicly before an assembled people.
- Acts 13:15 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas are invited to speak after 'the reading of the law and the prophets' in the synagogue—reflects the New Testament practice of public Scripture reading and subsequent exposition, analogous to Ezra's reading and interpretation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And 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.
- Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD.
Neh.8.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עזרא: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אמן: INTJ
- אמן: INTJ
- במעל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידיהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ויקדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 29:20–22 (structural): A communal response of blessing the LORD followed by bowing and worship—crowd praises God and prostrates themselves, paralleling Ezra's blessing and the people's 'Amen' and prostration.
- Psalm 134:2 (verbal): Explicit call to 'lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the LORD' echoes the people's lifting of hands and vocal 'Amen, Amen' in Nehemiah 8:6.
- Psalm 95:6 (thematic): An exhortation to worship by bowing down and kneeling before the LORD parallels the physical posture of reverence (bowing faces to the ground) in Nehemiah 8:6.
- Ezra 9:5 (verbal): Ezra himself is described praying with kneeling and outstretched hands—similar bodily gestures of humility and prayer associated with Ezra in Nehemiah 8:6.
- 2 Chronicles 20:18 (structural): A mass worship scene in which the king and people bow with faces to the ground before the LORD, closely mirroring the communal prostration described in Nehemiah 8:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
- Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelayah—these Levites instructed the people in the Law; and the people stood in their places.
Neh.8.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישוע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ושרביה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עקוב: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- שבתי: VERB,qal,inf
- הודיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעשיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קליטא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוזבד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- פלאיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מבינים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לתורה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- עמדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Nehemiah 8:8 (verbal): Immediate literary continuation: describes the Levites reading from the Law and giving the sense so the people could understand, directly paralleling the function named in v.7.
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (thematic): God's instruction that the law be read publicly to all Israel so the people may hear, learn, and fear the LORD—the same communal reading and teaching motive behind the Levites' explanation in Neh 8:7.
- 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 (thematic): King Jehoshaphat sends Levites and priests throughout Judah to teach the people the book of the Law, paralleling the Levites' role as teachers/interpreters in Neh 8:7.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (structural): Account of the law being read aloud before the whole assembly of Israel (at Mount Ebal/Gerizim) so that all might hear and obey—the same public proclamation and instruction embodied in Neh 8:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Paltiel—these were the Levites who instructed the people in the Law; and the people remained standing.
- They read from the book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the sense so that the people understood the reading.
Neh.8.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתורת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,const
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מפרש: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- ושום: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- שכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויבינו: VERB,hiph,imperfect,3,m,pl
- במקרא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (structural): Moses commands periodic public reading of the Law to all Israel ‘so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD’—the same institutional practice and purpose as the reading, explanation, and understanding in Neh 8:8.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (verbal): After victory Joshua reads ‘all the words of the law’ to the assembly; like Neh 8:8, the law is read aloud publicly to the whole people and its words are presented for their understanding.
- Ezra 7:10 (thematic): Describes Ezra’s commitment to study, do, and teach the Law—paralleling Neh 8:8’s emphasis on reading with explanation and instruction so the people might understand the Torah.
- 2 Chronicles 34:30-32 (structural): When the Book of the Law is discovered in Josiah’s reign it is read publicly and leads to covenant renewal; parallels Neh 8:8 in the public reading of the law, explanation, and communal response.
Alternative generated candidates
- They read from the Book of the Law of God clearly, giving the sense and explaining so that the people understood the reading.
- And Nehemiah—and Ezra the priest—and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all the people, "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.
Neh.8.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נחמיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- התרשתא: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- המבינים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- תתאבלו: VERB,hitpael,impf,2,m,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תבכו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- בוכים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כשמעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Nehemiah 8:10 (verbal): Immediate continuation: leaders tell the people not to grieve and give the reason and consolation (’do not be grieved…for the joy of the LORD is your strength’), directly linked to the response to hearing the Law.
- Deuteronomy 31:10-13 (structural): Prescribes public reading of the Law 'to all Israel' so that 'all the people' hear and learn—parallel in scope and intent to Ezra/Nehemiah’s public reading and explanation.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (structural): After covenant renewal Joshua reads 'all the words of the law' to the assembled people; parallels the public proclamation and communal hearing of the Torah in Nehemiah 8.
- 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 (thematic): Jehoshaphat sends Levites and priests throughout Judah to teach the people the Law—parallels the role of Levites/priests explaining Scripture to the assembly in Nehemiah 8.
- 2 Kings 22:11 (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:19) (thematic): When the Book of the Law is read in Josiah’s time the king tears his clothes (an emotional, penitential response); parallels the strong emotional reaction of the people who 'wept when they heard the words of the Law.'
Alternative generated candidates
- And Nehemiah, Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law.
- Then he said to them, "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to any who have nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Neh.8.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אכלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משמנים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ושתו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- ממתקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושלחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לאין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- קדוש: ADJ,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאדנינו: PREP+NOUN+PRON,3,m,sg,1,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תעצבו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- חדות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- מעזכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 118:24 (verbal): Both verses call attention to a particular day as belonging to the LORD and command rejoicing: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” paralleling Neh 8:10’s injunction not to be sad because the day is holy.
- Psalm 30:11-12 (thematic): Speaks of God reversing mourning into joy and gladness—similar to Neh 8:10’s movement from sorrow to celebration and the emphasis on joy as God-given strength.
- Deuteronomy 16:14-15 (structural): Gives law-regulation language for rejoicing at appointed festivals—feasting, sharing with others, and rejoicing before the LORD—parallel to Neh 8:10’s call to eat, share, and honor a holy day.
- Zechariah 8:19 (allusion): Promises that former fasts will become times of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts for Judah—echoing Neh 8:10’s transformation of solemn observance into holy rejoicing and communal celebration.
- Isaiah 12:3-4 (thematic): Urges drawing water with joy, giving thanks and calling on the LORD—connects to Neh 8:10’s themes of joyful worship, thanksgiving on a holy day, and public proclamation of God’s goodness.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he said to them, “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for this day is holy; do not be grieved."
Neh.8.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מחשים: VERB,qal,part,1,m,pl
- לכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הסו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תעצבו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Nehemiah 8:10 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same scene: the Levites tell the people not to be sad because 'this day is holy' and encourage rejoicing ('the joy of the LORD is your strength').
- Leviticus 23:27-32 (structural): Gives the legal framework for 'holy' days—some are to be marked by solemn convocation and affliction (Day of Atonement), highlighting that different holy days require different responses (mourning/fasting vs. celebration).
- Psalm 46:10 (thematic): Uses the motif of silence/ceasing ('Be still'/'be silent') before God, paralleling the Levites' command to quiet the people so they will honor the holiness of the day.
- Zechariah 8:19 (thematic): Speaks of former fasts being turned into seasons of joy and gladness, echoing the reversal in Nehemiah where a holy day is to be kept with joy rather than mourning.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet—for this day is holy; do not be grieved.”
- So all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that had been declared to them.
Neh.8.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאכל: INF,qal
- ולשתות: VERB,qal,inf
- ולשלח: VERB,qal,inf
- מנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולעשות: CONJ+VERB,qal,inf
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הבינו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בדברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הודיעו: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Nehemiah 8:10 (structural): Immediate context: leaders command the people to 'go and eat... and make merry' and to find strength in the joy of the LORD—same celebration motif and rationale.
- Ezra 6:22 (thematic): Joyous public celebration after restoration of worship/temple; communal feasting and rejoicing as a response to God's work for Israel.
- Esther 9:22 (verbal): Instituted festival customs include 'sending portions one to another' and celebrating with gladness—language and practice parallel to sending portions and great joy.
- Deuteronomy 16:11-15 (thematic): Festival legislation linking communal feasting, rejoicing, and sharing with family/Levites/strangers—provides the cultic/social background for Neh. 8’s celebration.
- Psalm 19:8 (verbal): Connection between understanding God's instruction and rejoicing ('the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart')—explains why comprehension of the law provokes great joy.
Alternative generated candidates
- So all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that had been made known to them.
- On the second day the heads of the fathers' houses of all the people, the priests and the Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe to gain understanding of the words of the Law.
Neh.8.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- נאספו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,pl
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לכל: PREP
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולהשכיל: CONJ+VERB,hifil,inf
- אל: NEG
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- התורה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:11-13 (verbal): Commands the assembly of the people to hear the law read publicly — closely parallels the gathering of leaders, priests, and Levites to hear and consult the book of the Law.
- Joshua 8:34-35 (structural): The law is read aloud to all Israel by the Levites/leader and the people respond; mirrors the public reading/exposition context and communal instruction in Nehemiah.
- Ezra 7:10 (thematic): Describes Ezra as a scribe dedicated to studying, practicing, and teaching the Law — parallels Ezra’s role in Neh 8:13 as the teacher/scribe to whom leaders and priests come for instruction.
- 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 (thematic): Jehoshaphat commissions Levites and priests to teach the book of the Law throughout Judah — parallels the Levites’ and priests’ instructional function in assembling the people to learn the Torah.
Alternative generated candidates
- On the second day the heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, gathered to Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law.
- And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the Israelites should live in booths during the Feast in the seventh month.
Neh.8.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כתוב: ADJ,ptcp,pass,m,sg
- בתורה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בסכות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בחג: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Leviticus 23:33-44 (structural): Gives the full legislation for the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), its timing in the seventh month, and the requirement to observe it—the primary legal source Nehemiah's reading evokes.
- Leviticus 23:42-43 (verbal): Explicitly commands the Israelites to dwell in booths for seven days and explains the reason (to remember the Exodus), language closely echoed by Nehemiah's discovery in the law.
- Deuteronomy 16:13-15 (thematic): Prescribes rejoicing at the Feast of Tabernacles and communal observance in the seventh month, paralleling Nehemiah's emphasis on restoring festival practice.
- Exodus 34:22 (allusion): Refers to the Feast of Ingathering (associated with Sukkot) as a festival at the season of the year, connecting earlier Pentateuchal mentions of the feast with Nehemiah's reference to the law.
- Zechariah 14:16-19 (thematic): Anticipates a future obligation for nations to keep the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem; thematically connects the postexilic restoration of Sukkot observance in Nehemiah with prophetic expectations.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they found written in the Book of the Law, which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the Israelites should dwell in booths during the feast in the seventh month.
- And they proclaimed and spread the word throughout their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, "Go out to the hills and bring olive branches, branches of wild olive, myrtle, palm branches, and branches of leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written."
Neh.8.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- ישמיעו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,pl
- ויעבירו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,pl
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עריהם: NOUN,f,pl,poss:3mp
- ובירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- צאו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והביאו: VERB,hiphil,imp,2,m,pl
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- זית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הדס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- תמרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבת: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לעשת: VERB,qal,infc
- סכת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ככתוב: ADV
Parallels
- Leviticus 23:40 (verbal): Directly parallels the instruction to take branches (palm, leafy tree, myrtle, etc.) for the Feast of Booths; Neh 8:15 echoes the species listed in Lev 23:40.
- Leviticus 23:42-43 (quotation): Speaks of making and dwelling in booths for seven days 'as I commanded'—the practice Neh 8:15 invokes ('to make booths as written').
- Deuteronomy 16:13-15 (thematic): Describes the Feast of Ingathering/booths and communal rejoicing during the festival season, providing the broader festival context for Neh 8:15.
- Zechariah 14:16 (thematic): Prophetic vision that all nations will go up to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Booths—connects the observance in Neh 8 to later eschatological expectations for Sukkot.
- John 7:2, 10-14 (thematic): New Testament account of Jesus going up to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot); thematically parallels Jewish observance of booths and associated practices described in Neh 8:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they proclaimed and spread the word through all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches, branches of oil trees, myrtle branches, palm branches, and leafy branches, and make booths, as it is written.”
- So the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each on his roof and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square by the Water Gate and in the square by the Gate of Ephraim.
Neh.8.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויביאו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- גגו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ובחצרתיהם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ובחצרות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וברחוב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וברחוב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 23:40 (verbal): Lists the branches (palm, leafy boughs, willows) to be taken for the Feast of Booths—directly parallels the people ‘bringing branches’ to make sukkot.
- Leviticus 23:42 (thematic): Commands Israel to live in booths for seven days so future generations remember the Exodus; provides the legal/theological basis for the communal erection of booths in Nehemiah.
- Deuteronomy 16:13-15 (thematic): Prescribes the Feast of Booths as a time to dwell in booths and rejoice before the LORD—parallels the celebratory and communal aspect of making booths in Jerusalem.
- Zechariah 14:16 (thematic): Envisions all nations coming to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Booths in the eschatological future; thematically connects Sukkot’s centrality to worship in Jerusalem as seen in Nehemiah.
- John 1:14 (allusion): Speaks of the Word ‘dwelling/tabernacling’ among us (skēnoō), echoing the imagery of divine/communal dwelling implicit in the Feast of Booths and the people’s making of temporary dwellings.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the people went out and brought them, and made themselves booths—each upon the roofs of their houses, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, in the square by the Water Gate, and in the square by the Gate of Ephraim.
- And all the assembly that had returned from the exile made booths and lived in the booths; for since the days of Joshua son of Nun the people of Israel had not done so. There was very great gladness.
Neh.8.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- השבים: PART,qal,ptc,masc,pl,def
- מן: PREP
- השבי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בסכות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ותהי: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- שמחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Leviticus 23:39-43 (verbal): Prescribes the Feast of Booths (Sukkot): dwelling in booths for seven days and rejoicing — directly parallels the practice Nehemiah describes.
- Deuteronomy 16:13-15 (thematic): Commands celebration of the Feast of Booths with gladness and family fellowship — echoes the communal joy and observance in Neh.8:17.
- Joshua 24:1-28 (structural): An earlier national assembly under Joshua where the people renew covenantal commitment; thematically parallels the post-exilic public Torah-reading and communal recommitment in Nehemiah.
- Psalm 126:1-3 (thematic): Celebrates the joy of restoration and return from exile — parallels the 'very great gladness' of the returned exiles in Neh.8:17.
- Zechariah 14:16-19 (allusion): Envisions future observance of the Feast of Booths by all nations; thematically links the festival's significance for communal identity and worship across Israel's history.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the assembly that had returned from the exile made booths and dwelt in the booths; for from the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing.
- And they read from the book of the Law of God day by day, from the first day to the last day. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day held a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.
Neh.8.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תורת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- מן: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האחרון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השמיני: ADJ,ord,m,sg,def
- עצרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כמשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 23:34-36 (verbal): Gives the law for the Feast of Booths (Sukkot): celebrate seven days and on the eighth day a solemn assembly — language and ritual structure echoed in Nehemiah 8:18.
- Leviticus 23:39-43 (thematic): Commands dwelling in booths for seven days and keeping the festival so future generations remember — explains the practice Nehemiah records (making booths and celebrating seven days).
- Deuteronomy 31:10-13 (structural): Instructs that the Law be read publicly to all Israel at the Feast (assemble men, women, children) — parallels Nehemiah’s public reading and the festival setting of the event.
- 2 Chronicles 7:8-9 (thematic): Describes Solomon and all Israel keeping a seven-day festival at the dedication — a historical precedent for a seven-day holy celebration in Israelite worship life, comparable to Nehemiah’s seven-day observance.
- Zechariah 14:16-19 (allusion): Prophecies nations coming to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Booths in the age to come — thematically connected to the centrality of Sukkot observance affirmed in Nehemiah 8:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- They read from the Book of the Law of God day by day, from the first day to the last day; and they celebrated the Feast of Booths seven days, and on the eighth day held a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.
All the people gathered as one man into the street that was before the Water Gate. They said to Ezra the scribe, “Bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD commanded Israel.” So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the street that was before the Water Gate, from early morning until midday, in the sight of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
Ezra the scribe stood upon a wooden platform which they had made for the purpose; and beside him were Mattithiah, Shema, Ananiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and on his left, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshillemoth. And 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. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands; and they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah—these Levites helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place.
They read from the book of the Law of God, giving the sense and helping them to understand the reading.
Then Nehemiah, Ezra the priest, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “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. And he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still; for today is holy. Do not be grieved.” So all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
On the second day, the heads of the fathers' houses of all the people, the priests and the Levites, gathered to Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law. And they found written in the Law which the LORD had commanded by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast in the seventh month. And they proclaimed and spread the word throughout their cities and in Jerusalem: “Go out to the hills and bring olive branches, branches of leafy trees, myrtle, palm branches, and branches of thick-leaved trees, and make booths, as it is written.” So the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths—each one on the roof of his house, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, in the street of the Water Gate, and in the street of the Gate of Ephraim. And all the congregation that had returned from the exile made booths and sat in the booths; for since the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day the Israelites had not done so. And there was very great gladness. And they read in the Book of the Law of God day by day, from the first day to the last day; and they observed the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.