King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 8:14 Mean?

Nehemiah 8:14 in the King James Version says “And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in boo...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: by: Heb. by the hand of”

Nehemiah 8:14 · KJV

Context

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.

13

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. to understand: or, that they might instruct in the words of the law

14

And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: by: Heb. by the hand of

15

And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches , and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

16

So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

Read Nehemiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 16 words
וַֽיִּמְצְא֖וּ1 of 16

“And they found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כָּת֣וּב2 of 16

“written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּתּוֹרָ֑ה3 of 16

“in the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֤ה5 of 16

“had commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָה֙6 of 16

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּיַד7 of 16

“by”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֹשֶׁ֔ה8 of 16

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֲשֶׁר֩9 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽשְׁב֨וּ10 of 16

“should dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְנֵֽי11 of 16

“that the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל12 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בַּסֻּכּ֛וֹת13 of 16

“in booths”

H5521

a hut or lair

בֶּחָ֖ג14 of 16

“in the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ15 of 16

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי׃16 of 16

“of the seventh”

H7637

seventh

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:34Leviticus 23:40-43Deuteronomy 16:13-15Zechariah 14:16-19John 7:2Genesis 33:17

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 8 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes