Nehemiah 8 10

Nehemiah 8:10 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 8:10 nkjv

Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10 niv

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10 esv

Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10 nlt

And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"

Nehemiah 8 verses

Nehemiah 8 10 Meaning

Nehemiah 8:10 contains a pivotal command from Nehemiah to the post-exilic community. Following a deep sense of conviction and grief after hearing God's Law, the people are instructed to turn their sorrow into joyful celebration. They are to feast on rich food and sweet drinks, symbolizing God's abundant provision and the blessing of the holy day. Crucially, this celebration must include sharing generously with the poor, ensuring communal participation in God's blessings. The foundational reason given is that "this day is holy to our Lord," making lamentation inappropriate. The verse culminates in the profound declaration: "do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength," highlighting that divine joy, not human sorrow, is the source of spiritual fortitude and the means to live faithfully according to God's covenant.

Nehemiah 8 10 Context

Nehemiah 8 records a pivotal moment in post-exilic Judah's history. After the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, the people assembled in the open square before the Water Gate, calling on Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses. From morning until midday on the first day of the seventh month (Rosh Hashanah, a holy day designated in Lev 23:24-25), Ezra read the Law. The Levites helped the people understand its meaning, translating and explaining. As the people comprehended the Law, especially the long-neglected covenant obligations, they began to weep in deep sorrow and conviction over their sins (Neh 8:9). Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites recognized this sincere repentance but quickly redirected their focus. Knowing the sacredness and celebratory nature of the day, Nehemiah declares in verse 10 that their weeping should cease, encouraging them instead to embrace joy, communal generosity, and feasting, because this divine joy is the very source of their strength for obedience and living out the covenant.

Nehemiah 8 10 Word analysis

• Then he said: Refers to Nehemiah, acting as the governor, in collaboration with Ezra the priest and the Levites. Their unified message conveyed divine authority.

• to them,: The assembled Israelite community in Jerusalem, who had just experienced deep conviction and grief upon hearing the Law.

• "Go your way,: A command to depart from the assembly and embark on specific actions. It implies an immediate and deliberate response to what was heard.

• eat the fat: Refers to rich, desirable portions of food (חֵלֶב - chelev), which was historically considered the best and often reserved for sacrifices to God (e.g., Lev 3:16). Here, it signifies consuming the choicest parts of food, symbolizing abundance, celebration, and God's provision. It is about partaking of blessings.

• and drink the sweet,: Refers to pleasant drinks (מַמְתַקִּים - mamtaqqim), such as wine, juice, or sweetened beverages. It reinforces the theme of joyful feasting and enjoying God's generosity, not merely subsisting.

• and send portions: (מָנוֹת - manot). This instruction emphasizes acts of generosity and charity, a common practice during Jewish festivals (e.g., Esth 9:19, 22). It implies sharing meals, specifically the rich foods mentioned.

• to those for whom nothing is prepared;: This highlights the social justice and communal responsibility inherent in God's Law. It refers to the poor, the needy, widows, orphans, and others who might not have resources to celebrate adequately. Ensuring all partake reflects true communal celebration and covenant faithfulness.

• for this day is holy: (קֹדֶשׁ - qodesh). The first day of the seventh month was a sacred holiday, Rosh Hashanah (Lev 23:24-25). Mourning or fasting was inappropriate on a consecrated day meant for celebration of God's new year and trumpets. The holiness of the day demanded joyful thanksgiving, not sorrow.

• to our Lord. Referring to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. His holiness on this specific day meant it was set apart for joy in Him.

• And do not be grieved,: (אַל־תֵּעָצֵבוּ - al-te'atzevu). An imperative command to cease sorrow or dejection. While their weeping was a righteous response of conviction, persistent grief could weaken them. This directs them away from despair towards faith and joyful obedience.

• for the joy of the LORD: (חֶדְוַת יְהוָה - chedd'vat Yahweh). This is the theological heart of the verse. It refers to a deep, spiritual delight that originates from the LORD (from His presence, salvation, goodness, promises) and is directed towards the LORD (finding delight in Him). It is not superficial human happiness, but a divine, inner well-spring of gladness that sustains.

• is your strength.": (מָעוּז - ma'oz). This Hebrew word often means "fortress," "refuge," or "stronghold," signifying divine power, might, or protection. The joy received from God and expressed in God acts as a spiritual fortification, empowering believers to fulfill God's commands, overcome obstacles, and remain faithful. It enables resilience, endurance, and capability for service.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "Go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions": This is a prescriptive instruction for how to celebrate. It combines personal enjoyment (feasting) with communal responsibility (generosity to the needy). It illustrates a holistic and outward expression of inner joy and thanksgiving for God's provision.
  • "for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved,": This group clarifies the reason for the command. The sacred nature of the day, set apart by God Himself, makes prolonged sorrow inappropriate. It's a call to shift from internal emotional pain to an externally expressed gladness that aligns with the divine intention for the day.
  • "for the joy of the LORD is your strength.": This is the profound theological anchor of the verse. It identifies the true source of endurance and ability for God's people. Their strength is not inherent, nor from worldly happiness, but from a divine joy found in Yahweh. This joy equips them spiritually to face challenges and live faithfully.

Nehemiah 8 10 Bonus section

• The progression in Nehemiah 8 is significant: hearing God's Word leads to understanding, understanding leads to conviction (weeping), conviction leads not to despair but to joyful obedience and communal celebration, because joy in the LORD is their power. This demonstrates a healthy spiritual journey.
• The "strength" from the joy of the LORD (מָעוּז - ma'oz) isn't just about emotional well-being but provides a solid foundation, a divine stronghold, against spiritual weakness and worldly discouragement. It empowers practical service and resilience.
• This verse counters any misconception that holiness is solely about somber asceticism or a constant state of penitence. While conviction for sin is vital, God also desires His people to experience profound, restorative joy, especially when returning to Him and His covenant.

Nehemiah 8 10 Commentary

Nehemiah 8:10 provides a profound lesson on the balance between godly sorrow and divine joy. Upon hearing the Law, the Israelites were rightly grieved by their sin, recognizing their departure from God's commands. This conviction was a necessary first step towards repentance. However, Nehemiah redirects them from dwelling in despair, which can incapacitate, to embracing joyful celebration and active obedience. The "holy day" signifies that God's intention for His people is not perpetual lament but celebratory life under His grace. The command to feast ("eat the fat and drink the sweet") symbolizes embracing God's abundant blessings and provision, moving from guilt to gratitude. Critically, this celebration is not self-indulgent; it demands practical expression through generous sharing ("send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared"), embodying the community love central to the Law they had just understood. The capstone declaration, "the joy of the LORD is your strength," reveals that true spiritual strength for living faithfully and facing challenges does not come from human emotional fortitude or mere optimism, but from a profound delight rooted in God Himself. This God-given joy empowers and sustains them to overcome their past failures and build a future aligned with His will.