King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 8:6 Mean?

Nehemiah 8:6 in the King James Version says “And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.”

Nehemiah 8:6 · KJV

Context

4

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. pulpit: Heb. tower of wood

5

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: sight: Heb. eyes

6

And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7

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.

8

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

Read Nehemiah 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

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 · 18 words
וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ1 of 18

“blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

עֶזְרָ֔א2 of 18

“And Ezra”

H5830

ezra, an israelite

אֶת3 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה4 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים5 of 18

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַגָּד֑וֹל6 of 18

“the great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיַּֽעֲנ֨וּ7 of 18

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

כָל8 of 18
H3605

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

הָעָ֜ם9 of 18

“And all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אָמֵן֙10 of 18

“Amen”

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

אָמֵן֙11 of 18

“Amen”

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

בְּמֹ֣עַל12 of 18

“with lifting up”

H4607

a raising (of the hands)

יְדֵיהֶ֔ם13 of 18

“their hands”

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

וַיִּקְּד֧וּ14 of 18

“and they bowed”

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֻּ֛15 of 18

“their heads and worshipped”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה16 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אַפַּ֥יִם17 of 18

“with their faces”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אָֽרְצָה׃18 of 18

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 2:8Lamentations 3:41Exodus 4:312 Chronicles 20:18Revelation 7:11Genesis 24:26

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