King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 8:10 Mean?

Nehemiah 8:10 in the King James Version says “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is p...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 8:10 · KJV

JoyStrength

Context

8

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

9

And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. the Tirshatha: or, the governor

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.

11

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

12

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.

Read Nehemiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse within Nehemiah 8 addresses themes of Scripture centrality, teaching, understanding, worship. The public Scripture reading demonstrates how spiritual renewal requires understanding God's Word, not mere ritual observance. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 23

“Then he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֡ם2 of 23
H0
לְכוּ֩3 of 23

“unto them Go your way”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

אִכְל֨וּ4 of 23

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים5 of 23

“the fat”

H4924

fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man

וּשְׁת֣וּ6 of 23

“and drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מַֽמְתַקִּ֗ים7 of 23

“the sweet”

H4477

something sweet (literally or figuratively)

וְשִׁלְח֤וּ8 of 23

“and send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מָנוֹת֙9 of 23

“portions”

H4490

properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot

לְאֵ֣ין10 of 23
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נָכ֣וֹן11 of 23

“unto them for whom nothing is prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

ל֔וֹ12 of 23
H0
כִּֽי13 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָד֥וֹשׁ14 of 23

“is holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

הַיּ֖וֹם15 of 23

“for this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לַֽאֲדֹנֵ֑ינוּ16 of 23

“unto our Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וְאַל17 of 23
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ18 of 23

“neither be ye sorry”

H6087

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

כִּֽי19 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חֶדְוַ֥ת20 of 23

“for the joy”

H2304

rejoicing

יְהוָ֖ה21 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִ֥יא22 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מָֽעֻזְּכֶֽם׃23 of 23

“is your strength”

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 8:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:7-8Proverbs 17:222 Corinthians 12:8-9Ecclesiastes 9:7Isaiah 12:1-3Isaiah 61:10

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