King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:4 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:4 in the King James Version says “Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God. stairs: or, scaffold”

Nehemiah 9:4 · KJV

Context

2

And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers , and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. strangers: Heb. strange children

3

And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

4

Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God. stairs: or, scaffold

5

Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

6

Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Read Nehemiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.

This verse within Nehemiah 9 addresses themes of confession, God's faithfulness, corporate prayer, covenant history. Extended corporate prayer recounts God's faithfulness through Israel's history while honestly confessing persistent covenant violations. 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
וַיָּ֜קָם1 of 18

“Then stood up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עַֽל2 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה3 of 18

“upon the stairs”

H4608

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

הַלְוִיִּ֗ם4 of 18

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

יֵשׁ֨וּעַ5 of 18

“Jeshua”

H3442

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

בָּנִ֣י6 of 18

“Bani”

H1137

bani, the name of five israelites

קַדְמִיאֵ֧ל7 of 18

“Kadmiel”

H6934

kadmiel, the name of three israelites

שְׁבַנְיָ֛ה8 of 18

“Shebaniah”

H7645

shebanjah, the name of three or four israelites

בֻּנִּ֥י9 of 18

“Bunni”

H1138

bunni or buni, an israelite

שֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֖ה10 of 18

“Sherebiah”

H8274

sherebjah, the name of two israelites

בָּנִ֣י11 of 18

“Bani”

H1137

bani, the name of five israelites

כְנָ֑נִי12 of 18

“and Chenani”

H3662

kenani, an israelite

וַֽיִּזְעֲקוּ֙13 of 18

“and cried”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

בְּק֣וֹל14 of 18

“voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

גָּד֔וֹל15 of 18

“with a loud”

H1419

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

אֶל16 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 18

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶֽם׃18 of 18

“their 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

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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:72 Chronicles 20:19Nehemiah 9:5Nehemiah 10:9-13Nehemiah 12:8John 11:43

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