King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 8:9 Mean?

Nehemiah 8:9 in the King James Version says “And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 8:9 · KJV


Context

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 30 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 30

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נְחֶמְיָ֣ה2 of 30

And Nehemiah

H5166

nechemjah, the name of three israelites

ה֣וּא3 of 30
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

הַתִּרְשָׁ֡תָא4 of 30

which is the Tirshatha

H8660

tirshatha, the title of a persian deputy or governor

וְעֶזְרָ֣א5 of 30

and Ezra

H5830

ezra, an israelite

הַכֹּהֵ֣ן׀6 of 30

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַסֹּפֵ֡ר7 of 30

the scribe

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וְהַלְוִיִּם֩8 of 30

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַמְּבִינִ֨ים9 of 30

that taught

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

אֶת10 of 30
H853

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

הָעָ֔ם11 of 30

For 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

לְכָל12 of 30
H3605

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

הָעָ֔ם13 of 30

For 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

הַיּ֤וֹם14 of 30

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

קָדֹֽשׁ15 of 30

is holy

H6918

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

הוּא֙16 of 30
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

לַֽיהוָ֣ה17 of 30

unto the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם18 of 30

your 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

אַל19 of 30
H408

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

תִּֽתְאַבְּל֖וּ20 of 30

mourn

H56

to bewail

וְאַל21 of 30
H408

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

בוֹכִים֙22 of 30

not nor weep

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

כִּ֤י23 of 30
H3588

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

בוֹכִים֙24 of 30

not nor weep

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

כָּל25 of 30
H3605

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

הָעָ֔ם26 of 30

For 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

כְּשָׁמְעָ֖ם27 of 30

when they heard

H8085

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

אֶת28 of 30
H853

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י29 of 30

the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַתּוֹרָֽה׃30 of 30

of the law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch


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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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