King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 8:15 Mean?

Nehemiah 8:15 in the King James Version says “And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fe...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 8:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

Read Nehemiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 26 words
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 26
H834

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

יַשְׁמִ֗יעוּ2 of 26

“And that they should publish”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְיַֽעֲבִ֨ירוּ3 of 26

“and proclaim”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

ק֥וֹל4 of 26
H6963

a voice or sound

בְּכָל5 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָֽרֵיהֶם֮6 of 26

“in all their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִַ֣ם7 of 26

“and in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לֵאמֹר֒8 of 26

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צְא֣וּ9 of 26

“Go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הָהָ֗ר10 of 26

“unto the mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְהָבִ֙יאוּ֙11 of 26

“and fetch”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַֽעֲלֵ֖י12 of 26

“and branches”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

זַ֙יִת֙13 of 26

“olive”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

וַֽעֲלֵ֖י14 of 26

“and branches”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

עֵ֣ץ15 of 26

“branches”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שֶׁ֔מֶן16 of 26

“and pine”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וַֽעֲלֵ֖י17 of 26

“and branches”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

הֲדַס֙18 of 26

“and myrtle”

H1918

the myrtle

וַֽעֲלֵ֖י19 of 26

“and branches”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

תְמָרִ֔ים20 of 26

“and palm”

H8558

a palm tree

וַֽעֲלֵ֖י21 of 26

“and branches”

H5929

a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage

עֵ֣ץ22 of 26

“branches”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

עָבֹ֑ת23 of 26

“of thick”

H5687

intwined, i.e., dense

לַֽעֲשֹׂ֥ת24 of 26

“to make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

סֻכֹּ֖ת25 of 26

“booths”

H5521

a hut or lair

כַּכָּתֽוּב׃26 of 26

“as it is written”

H3789

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

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:40Leviticus 23:4Deuteronomy 16:16Matthew 21:1John 12:13Genesis 8:11

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 8 →

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