Nehemiah 8:9-12
Expanded Bible
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and ·teacher [scribe], and the Levites who were ·teaching [instructing; interpreting] said to all the people, “This is a ·holy [sacred] day to the Lord your God. Don’t ·be sad [mourn] or ·cry [weep].” All the people had been ·crying [weeping] as they listened to the words of the ·Teachings [Laws; Instructions; L Torah].
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and ·enjoy good food [L eat of the fat] and sweet drinks [Lev. 3; 2 Sam. 6:19; 1 Chr. 12:40–41; 29:22; 2 Chr. 7:8–10; 30:21–26]. Send ·some [portions] to people who have ·none [nothing prepared], because today is a ·holy [sacred] day to the Lord. Don’t ·be sad [grieve; mourn], because the joy of the Lord ·will make you strong [is your strength].”
11 The Levites helped calm the people, saying, “Be ·quiet [still], because this is a ·holy [sacred] day. Don’t ·be sad [grieve; mourn].”
12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to ·send some of their food to others [share; send portions], and to ·celebrate with [L make] great joy. They finally understood ·what they had been taught [the words/matters that had been made known to them].
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Nehemiah 8:9-12
New American Standard Bible
This Day Is Holy
9 Then Nehemiah, who was the [a](A)governor, and Ezra (B)the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “(C)This day is holy to the Lord your God; (D)do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go, eat the festival foods, drink the sweet drinks, and (E)send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your [b]refuge.” 11 So the Levites silenced all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 Then all the people went away to eat, drink, (F)to send portions, and to [c]celebrate a great feast, (G)because they understood the words which had been made known to them.
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- Nehemiah 8:9 Heb Tirshatha, a Persian title
- Nehemiah 8:10 Or stronghold
- Nehemiah 8:12 Lit make a great rejoicing
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