Nehemiah 8:18
What does Nehemiah 8:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 8:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 8:18 means
The Word remains central throughout the feast. Day by day, from the first to the last, Ezra reads from “the book of the law of God.” They keep the seven-day feast and hold a solemn assembly on the eighth day “according unto the ordinance.” Joy is sustained by Scripture, not by a single stirring moment. Their worship is ordered by God’s pattern, combining festal gladness with reverent closure. This steady rhythm forms a people whose celebrations are anchored in truth. The Feast of Booths would later provide the setting for Jesus’ public teaching in Jerusalem, pointing to the fullness of God’s provision. Here, its faithful keeping crowns Israel’s renewed obedience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the ordinance.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the ordinance.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And day by day, from the first day till the last, he was reading from the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast for seven days: and on the eighth day there was a holy meeting, as it is ordered in the law.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he readeth in the book of the law of God day by day, from the first day till the last day, and they make a feast seven days, and on the eighth day a restraint, according to the ordinance.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he read in the book of the law of God day by day, from the first day till the last, and they kept the solemnity seven days, and in the eighth day a solemn assembly according to the manner.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law ofGod. And they observed the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.
Context
The chapter closes by showing continued reading and precise obedience to the ordinance for the feast’s duration and conclusion. This seals the community’s renewal: Scripture governs both their emotions and their practices. The scene prepares for the next chapter’s confession and covenant renewal, revealing that revival matures through sustained exposure to the Word and responsive, ordered worship.
v.17And all the assembly of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and dwelt in the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.
v.18This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 23:36
Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: on the eighth day shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah: it is a solemn assembly; ye shall do no servile work.
- Deuteronomy 31:10
And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,
- John 7:37
Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.
- Numbers 29:35
On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work;
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