Nehemiah 8:13 kjv
And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
Nehemiah 8:13 nkjv
Now on the second day the heads of the fathers' houses of all the people, with the priests and Levites, were gathered to Ezra the scribe, in order to understand the words of the Law.
Nehemiah 8:13 niv
On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah 8:13 esv
On the second day the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law.
Nehemiah 8:13 nlt
On October 9 the family leaders of all the people, together with the priests and Levites, met with Ezra the scribe to go over the Law in greater detail.
Nehemiah 8 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 17:18-19 | ...he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn... | Leaders must continually study the Law |
| Deut 31:10-13 | ...at the end of every seven years... thou shalt read this law before... | Command for public reading of the Law |
| 2 Kgs 22:8-13 | Hilkiah the high priest said... "I have found the book of the law..." | Discovery of the Law prompts a return to its truth |
| Ezr 7:10 | For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it | Ezra's dedication to study, observe, and teach |
| Neh 8:1-3 | Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood... And he read therein... | The preceding public reading on the first day |
| Neh 8:7-8 | Also Jeshua, and Bani... caused the people to understand the law... | Levites' role in teaching and explaining |
| Psa 1:2 | But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate | Delight and meditation upon God's Law |
| Psa 119:104 | Through thy precepts I get understanding... | God's commands give understanding and wisdom |
| Prov 2:3-6 | Yea, if thou criest after knowledge... then shalt thou understand... | Diligent seeking of wisdom leads to understanding |
| Isa 30:20-21 | ...thine eyes shall see thy teachers: and thine ears shall hear a word... | God provides teachers to guide His people |
| Mal 2:7 | For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law | Priests' responsibility to guard and teach the Law |
| Matt 13:23 | ...but he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth... | Hearing and understanding God's Word yields fruit |
| Lk 24:45 | Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures | The need for divine enablement to understand Scripture |
| Acts 2:42 | And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine... | Early Church's devotion to apostles' teaching (Word) |
| Acts 17:11 | ...and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. | Active, diligent searching and understanding Scripture |
| Rom 15:4 | For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning | The Old Testament Scriptures are for Christian learning |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches | Importance of orderly teaching and understanding |
| Eph 4:11-12 | ...for the perfecting of the saints... for the work of the ministry... | Leaders equipping the saints for ministry through teaching |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not... | Diligent study of the Word for service |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | All scripture is given by inspiration of God... for doctrine... | The inspiration and purpose of Scripture for training |
| Heb 5:12 | ...for when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need... | Spiritual maturity involves understanding and teaching |
Nehemiah 8 verses
Nehemiah 8 13 Meaning
On the second day after the initial public reading of God's Law, the leaders representing the families, along with the priests and Levites, specifically assembled with Ezra the scribe. Their purpose was to gain a more profound understanding and insight into the very words of the Law of God. This assembly highlights a crucial step in spiritual revival, moving from general hearing to focused, interpretive learning, especially for those in leadership who bore the responsibility of guiding the people according to God’s commands.
Nehemiah 8 13 Context
Nehemiah chapter 8 describes a pivotal moment in post-exilic Israel. After the physical walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under Nehemiah, attention turned to the spiritual restoration of the people. This chapter opens with the entire assembly of people gathered in the open square, requesting Ezra the scribe to bring forth the Book of the Law of Moses. This public reading (Neh 8:1-8) was followed by a moving demonstration of the people's repentance and Ezra's admonition to cease weeping and celebrate the joy of the Lord (Neh 8:9-12). Verse 13 immediately follows this general public experience, signifying a deeper, more intentional pursuit of God's Word by the leaders themselves. This second day gathering lays the groundwork for the rediscovery and implementation of the Feast of Booths (Sukkot) in subsequent verses (Neh 8:14-18), showing that true understanding leads to obedience and revival. It demonstrates that the spiritual health of the community hinges upon its leaders' deep commitment to and comprehension of divine revelation.
Nehemiah 8 13 Word analysis
And on the second day: This indicates continuity with the previous day's events but marks a shift. After the public assembly, a more focused meeting occurred, showing sustained interest and intentionality in God's Law.
were gathered together: The Hebrew verb vayenasfu (וַיֵאָסְפוּ) denotes a deliberate assembly, not a casual meeting, for a specific purpose related to the Law.
the chief of the fathers (ראשׁי האבות - roshei ha'avot): These were the heads of families or clans, acting as representatives of the broader lay community. Their presence signified that leadership beyond religious office was actively engaged.
of all the people: This phrase emphasizes the representative nature of the "chief of the fathers," indicating that all segments of the community were involved through their leaders.
the priests (הכהנים - hakohanim): Direct descendants of Aaron, who traditionally held the responsibility for teaching and preserving the Law, in addition to their cultic duties.
and the Levites (והלוים - v'ha'Leviim): Members of the tribe of Levi, designated assistants to the priests. They had a significant role in instructing the people in the Law, as demonstrated in Neh 8:7-8, explaining its meaning.
unto Ezra the scribe (אל עזרא הסופר - el Ezra hasofer): This highlights Ezra's central and recognized authority as an expert in the Torah. The title sofer ("scribe") here means more than a copyist; it denotes a scholar, interpreter, and teacher of God's Word.
even to understand (ולהשכיל - u'l'haskil): This Hiphil infinitive of sakal means "to gain insight," "to become wise," or "to discern." It signifies an active pursuit of deep comprehension beyond mere surface knowledge, seeking wisdom for practical living.
the words of the law (דברי התורה - divrei haTorah): Refers to the commandments, statutes, and principles found in the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It underscores their focus on the very content of God's revealed will.
Grouped phrases analysis:
- "chief of the fathers... priests, and the Levites": This collective signifies a comprehensive involvement of the various spheres of leadership within the post-exilic community: lay leadership, priestly authority, and Levites dedicated to teaching and ministry. Their united front under Ezra demonstrates the importance of diverse leadership engaging God's Word together.
- "unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law": This phrase emphasizes Ezra's role as the authoritative interpreter and highlights the earnest desire of the leaders to move beyond simply hearing the Law to deeply grasping its meaning and implications, under expert guidance. It reflects a thirst for divine wisdom.
Nehemiah 8 13 Bonus section
The purposeful gathering of leadership on the "second day" suggests an immediate follow-up to reinforce the spiritual awakening. It's an example of leadership accountability, as those responsible for the people's spiritual well-being proactively sought deeper insight into God's commands. This proactive pursuit of understanding (haskil) is more than intellectual assent; it implies a desire to gain the wisdom necessary for implementing the Law in daily life and leading the community toward true obedience. This was crucial for post-exilic Israel, as past failures often stemmed from ignorance or neglect of God's commands, ultimately leading to divine discipline. Ezra's central role as the esteemed "scribe" indicates the crucial necessity of reliable teaching and interpretation of Scripture for spiritual health and societal order.
Nehemiah 8 13 Commentary
Nehemiah 8:13 serves as a pivotal bridge from initial communal awareness of the Law to a more profound, leadership-driven engagement with it. After the general public hearing of the Torah, the chosen leaders—heads of families, priests, and Levites—deliberately assembled with Ezra. Their objective was not merely to re-read, but actively "to understand the words of the law," signaling a move toward discerning comprehension and practical application. This highlights a crucial step in spiritual revival: effective transformation within a community begins with its leaders truly internalizing and understanding God's revealed will. Their diligence would enable them to guide the people faithfully, as seen in the subsequent rediscovery and proper observance of the Feast of Booths. This passage teaches that true leadership is rooted in a deep, informed engagement with God’s Word, preparing leaders to teach, embody, and enforce its truths.