Nehemiah 8:6

Ezra Reads the Law · Nehemiah 8:1–12
Read Nehemiah 8

Translations

Modern
Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Traditional
And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Literal
And Ezra blessed YHWH, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” with lifting up of their hands, and they bowed and prostrated themselves to YHWH—nostrils to the ground.
Latin
Et benedixit Esdras Domino Deo magno: et respondit omnis populus: Amen, amen, elevans manus suas: et incurvati sunt, et adoraverunt Deum proni in terram.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Notes

This section, possibly from Ezra’s personal memoirs, explains how Ezra’s teaching of God’s law renewed the people's commitment to serve God and follow his instructions. Spiritual revival occurred alongside the civic work of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Theme notes and profiles

Ezra God's Word at the Center

Parallels

Deuteronomy 31:9–13

People

Ezra: Priest; scribe; led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem

Glossary

Book of Nehemiah First Book of Esdras Genealogy Postexilic Period Synagogue Water Gate Writer

Topics

Amen used in Prayer Commandments: General Scriptures Concerning Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic Law: Princes, Priests, and Levites Publicly Taught Praise: Ezra Repentance: After Hearing the Law Expounded by Ezra Scribes: Acted as Religious Teachers Synagogue: The Scriptures Were Read and Expounded In Synagogues: Revival of, After the Captivity Word of God: The People Stood and Responded by Saying |Amen| Word of God: To be Read Publicly Worship: The Word of God Read in Public Assemblies