Nehemiah 8:4

Nehemiah 8:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

King James Version KJV

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

American Standard Version ASV

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Ezra the scribe took his place on a tower of wood which they had made for the purpose; and by his side were placed Mattithiah and Shema and Anaiah and Uriah and Hilkiah and Maaseiah on the right; and on the left, Pedaiah and Mishael and Malchijah and Hashum and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Free Bible Version FBV

Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden stage built for this event. On his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ezra the Scribe stoode vpon a pulpit of wood which he had made for the preaching, and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Ananiah, and Vriiah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hande, and on his left hand Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Ezra the scribe standeth on a tower of wood that they made for the purpose, and Mattithiah standeth near him, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right; and on his left Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddana, Zechariah, Meshullam.

World English Bible WEB

Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Esdras the scribe stood upon a step of wood, which he had made to speak upon, and there stood by him Mathathias, and Semeia, and Ania, and Uria, and Helcia, and Maasia, on his right hand: and on the left, Phadaia, Misael, and Melchia, and Hasum, and Hasbadana, Zacharia and Mosollam.

Translation for Translators T4T

Ezra stood on top of a high wooden platform that had been built just for that event. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. At his left side stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 8:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֞ד עֶזְרָ֣א הַ/סֹּפֵ֗ר עַֽל מִגְדַּל עֵץ֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשׂ֣וּ לַ/דָּבָר֒ וַ/יַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד אֶצְל֡/וֹ מַתִּתְיָ֡ה וְ/שֶׁ֡מַע וַ֠/עֲנָיָה וְ/אוּרִיָּ֧ה וְ/חִלְקִיָּ֛ה וּ/מַעֲשֵׂיָ֖ה עַל יְמִינ֑/וֹ וּ/מִ/שְּׂמֹאל֗/וֹ פְּ֠דָיָה וּ/מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל וּ/מַלְכִּיָּ֛ה וְ/חָשֻׁ֥ם וְ/חַשְׁבַּדָּ֖נָה זְכַרְיָ֥ה מְשֻׁלָּֽם

וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֞ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עֶזְרָ֣א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 Ezra N-proper

הַ/סֹּפֵ֗ר çâphar H5608 to recount Art | N-ms

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מִגְדַּל migdâl H4026 tower N-cs

עֵץ֮ ʻêts H6086 tree N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשׂ֣וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לַ/דָּבָר֒ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms

וַ/יַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶצְל֡/וֹ ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep | Suff

מַתִּתְיָ֡ה Mattithyâh H4993 Mattithiah N-proper

וְ/שֶׁ֡מַע Shemaʻ H8087 Shema Conj | N-proper

וַ֠/עֲנָיָה ʻĂnâyâh H6043 Anaiah Conj | N-proper

וְ/אוּרִיָּ֧ה ʼÛwrîyâh H223 Uriah Conj | N-proper

וְ/חִלְקִיָּ֛ה Chilqîyâh H2518 Hilkiah Conj | N-proper

וּ/מַעֲשֵׂיָ֖ה Maʻăsêyâh H4641 Maaseiah Conj | N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יְמִינ֑/וֹ yâmîyn H3225 Ben]jamin N-fs | Suff

וּ/מִ/שְּׂמֹאל֗/וֹ sᵉmôʼwl H8040 left Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff

פְּ֠דָיָה Pᵉdâyâh H6305 Pedaiah N-proper

וּ/מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל Mîyshâʼêl H4332 Mishael Conj | N-proper

וּ/מַלְכִּיָּ֛ה Malkîyâh H4441 Malchiah Conj | N-proper

וְ/חָשֻׁ֥ם Châshum H2828 Hashum Conj | N-proper

וְ/חַשְׁבַּדָּ֖נָה Chashbaddânâh H2806 Hashbaddanah Conj | N-proper

זְכַרְיָ֥ה Zᵉkaryâh H2148 Zechariah N-proper

מְשֻׁלָּֽם Mᵉshullâm H4918 Meshullam N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 8:4

וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֞ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

עֶזְרָ֣א ʻEzrâʼ H5830 "Ezra" N-proper

Ezra was an Israelite priest and scribe who led reforms in Jerusalem after the Exile, working with Nehemiah. His name means 'help'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.1 § Ezra = "help" 1) the priest and scribe who led the reforms of the returned exiles in Jerusalem; co-worker with Nehemiah 2) a priest with Zerubbabel 3) another post-exilic Jew

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Ezra. See also: Ezra 7:1; Nehemiah 8:2; Nehemiah 12:36.

הַ/סֹּפֵ֗ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מִגְדַּל migdâl H4026 "tower" N-cs

Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.

Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.

עֵץ֮ ʻêts H6086 "tree" N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשׂ֣וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לַ/דָּבָר֒ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

וַ/יַּֽעֲמֹ֣ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

אֶצְל֡/וֹ ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep | Suff

Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.

Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.

מַתִּתְיָ֡ה Mattithyâh H4993 "Mattithiah" N-proper

Mattithiah means 'gift of Jehovah' and is the name of four Israelites in the Bible, including a Levite who helped with music and offerings in the time of King David and Ezra. He is mentioned in Nehemiah 8:4. Mattithiah played important roles in Israel's worship and history.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.4 § Mattithiah = "gift of Jehovah" 1) a Levite who presided over the offerings 2) a Levite appointed by David to minister in the musical service before the ark 3) one of the family of Nebo who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) one of the men who stood at the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Mattithiah. n See also: 1 Chronicles 9:31; 1 Chronicles 25:3; Nehemiah 8:4.

וְ/שֶׁ֡מַע Shemaʻ H8087 "Shema" Conj | N-proper

Shema is a name and a place in the Bible, meaning 'hear' or 'listen'. It appears in Nehemiah and other books as the name of several Israelites and a location in Palestine.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.4 § Shema = "hear" 1) a Reubenite, son of Joel, father of Azaz, and grandfather of Bela 2) a Judaite, son of Hebron and father of Raham 3) a Benjamite, son of Elpaal who along with his brother Beriah were heads of their fathers houses in Aijalon and who drove out the inhabitants of Gath. Probably the same as 'Shimhi' 4) an Israelite who stood on the right hand of Ezra as he read the Law to the people

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Shema. See also: 1 Chronicles 2:43; 1 Chronicles 5:8; Nehemiah 8:4.

וַ֠/עֲנָיָה ʻĂnâyâh H6043 "Anaiah" Conj | N-proper

Anaiah was a priest who helped Ezra and signed a covenant with Nehemiah, with his name meaning Jehovah has answered, reflecting his faith and commitment to God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.22 § Anaiah = "Jehovah has answered" a priest who helped Ezra and signed the covenant with Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Anaiah. See also: Nehemiah 8:4; Nehemiah 10:23.

וְ/אוּרִיָּ֧ה ʼÛwrîyâh H223 "Uriah" Conj | N-proper

Uriah was a prophet who lived during the time of King Jehoiakim, as mentioned in Jeremiah 26:20-23. His name means 'God is my light' and he was slain for speaking God's word. Several other Israelites shared this name, including a Hittite warrior in David's army.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.4 § Uriah or Urijah = "Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)" a prophet slain by Jehoiakim

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Uriah, Urijah. See also: 2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 12:10; Isaiah 8:2.

וְ/חִלְקִיָּ֛ה Chilqîyâh H2518 "Hilkiah" Conj | N-proper

Hilkiah was a significant Israelite with several roles, including high priest during Josiah's reign and father of Jeremiah. His name means my portion is Jehovah, reflecting his devotion to God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.1.1; brother of: Shallum (H7967R); father of: Jeremiah (H3414L) § Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah" 1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah 2) high priest in the reign of Josiah 3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi 4) another Merarite Levite, 2nd son of Hosah 5) one of those who stood on the right of Ezra when he read the law and probably a Levite and a priest 6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah 7) father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Hillkiah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:14; Isaiah 22:20.

וּ/מַעֲשֵׂיָ֖ה Maʻăsêyâh H4641 "Maaseiah" Conj | N-proper

Maaseiah means work of Jehovah, a name given to 16 Israelites, including a descendant of Jeshua in Ezra's time. It symbolizes God's action in their lives. Maaseiah is mentioned in Jeremiah 35:4.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.4; son of: Shallum (H7967S) § Maaseiah = "work of Jehovah" 1) a descendant of Jeshua who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 2) a priest of the sons of Harim who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) a priest of the sons of Pashur who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) father of Azariah 6) one who stood on the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people 7) a Levite who assisted when Ezra read the law to the people 8) one of the heads of the people whose descendants signed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a Benjamite ancestor of Sallu 10) a priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 11) another priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 12) father of Zephaniah the prophet in the reign of Zedekiah 13) father of Zedekiah the false prophet in the time of Jeremiah 14) a Levite of the 2nd rank who David appointed to sound with psalteries on Alamoth 15) son of Adaiah and one of the captains of hundreds in the reign of king Joash of Judah 16) an officer of high rank in the reign of king Uzziah 17) son of king Ahaz of Judah who was killed by Zichri in the invasion of Judah by king Pekah of Israel 18) governor of Jerusalem in the reign of Josiah 19) son of Shallum and a Levite of high rand in the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah 20) ancestor of Baruch and Seraiah and a priest

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maaseiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; Nehemiah 8:4; Jeremiah 21:1.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

יְמִינ֑/וֹ yâmîyn H3225 "Ben]jamin" N-fs | Suff

Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.

וּ/מִ/שְּׂמֹאל֗/וֹ sᵉmôʼwl H8040 "left" Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.

Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)

Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.

פְּ֠דָיָה Pᵉdâyâh H6305 "Pedaiah" N-proper

Pedaiah means Jehovah has ransomed, the name of several Israelites, including the father of Zerubbabel and a father-in-law of king Josiah.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.13.13 § Pedaiah = "Jehovah has ransomed" 1) father of Zebudah, the wife of king Josiah and the mother of king Jehoiakim both of Judah 2) father of Zerubbabel and brother of Shealtiel who is usually called the father of Zerubbabel probably because of a lack of an heir from Shealtiel who was in the direct line of succession

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Pedaiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:36; Nehemiah 3:25; Nehemiah 13:13.

וּ/מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל Mîyshâʼêl H4332 "Mishael" Conj | N-proper

Mishael was a godly friend of Daniel, who lived during the time of exile and return. He was given the name Meshach by King Nebuchadnezzar, and refused to eat unclean food from the king's table. Mishael's name means who is what God is.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Meshach at Dan.1.7; 2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; § Mishael = "who is what God is" 1) the godly friend of Daniel who Nebuchadnezzar renamed Meshach; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord 2) a son of Uzziel and a cousin of Moses and Aaron 3) one of those who stood at the left hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Mishael. See also: Exodus 6:22; Daniel 1:6; Daniel 1:19.

וּ/מַלְכִּיָּ֛ה Malkîyâh H4441 "Malchiah" Conj | N-proper

Malchiah means my king is Jehovah, the name of ten Israelites. One Malchiah was the father of Pashhur, mentioned in Jeremiah 21:1. Malchiah was also the name of a priest in the time of David and Ezra.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.21.1; father of: Pashhur (H6583J) § Malchijah or Malchiah or Melchiah = "my king is Jehovah" 1) the father of Pashur in the time of Jeremiah 2) the son of Hammelech into whose dungeon Jeremiah was cast 3) the head of the 5th course of priests in the time of David 4) one of the priests who was at the reading of the law by Ezra, sealed the covenant with Nehemiah, and was at the dedication of the wall with Nehemiah 5) a Levite ancestor of Asaph and descendant of Levi through Gershon 6) son of Parosh who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 7) son of Harim who put away a foreign wife and helped repair the wall and the Tower of Ovens in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah 8) son of Rechab, leader of the district of Beth Haccerem, who helped repair the Refuse Gate in the time of Nehemiah 9) a goldsmith who helped repair the wall in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Malchiah, Malchijah. See also: 1 Chronicles 6:25; Nehemiah 3:31; Jeremiah 21:1.

וְ/חָשֻׁ֥ם Châshum H2828 "Hashum" Conj | N-proper

Chashum was a common name among Israelites, including a family head who returned with Zerubbabel and a priest who stood with Ezra. The name means 'rich' and appears in Nehemiah 10:18. Chashum was a leader of 223 exiles.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.18 § Hashum = "rich" 1) head of a family of 223 exiles returning with Zerubbabel 2) one of the priests or Levites who stood on Ezra's left while he read the law

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Hashum. See also: Ezra 2:19; Nehemiah 7:22; Nehemiah 10:19.

וְ/חַשְׁבַּדָּ֖נָה Chashbaddânâh H2806 "Hashbaddanah" Conj | N-proper

Hashbaddanah was an Israelite who stood with Ezra as he read the law to the people, his name meaning considerate judge, as seen in Nehemiah 8:4.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.4 § Hashbadana = "considerate judge" one of the men who stood on the left of Ezra while he read the law to the people

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Hasbadana. See also: Nehemiah 8:4.

זְכַרְיָ֥ה Zᵉkaryâh H2148 "Zechariah" N-proper

Zechariah means Jehovah remembers, a name given to 29 Israelites, including a prophet and priest who lived during the Exile and Return, as mentioned in Nehemiah 12:35 and Zechariah 1:1.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.35; son of: Jonathan (H3129K); brother of: Shemaiah (H8098V), Azarel (H5832J), Milalai (H4450), Gilalai (H1562), Maai (H4597), Nethanel (H5417P), Judah (H3063K) and Hanani (H2607K) § Zechariah = "Jehovah remembers" 11th in order of the minor prophets; a priest, son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, who, along with Haggai, directed the rebuilding of the temple in the days of Zerubbabel

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Zachariah, Zechariah. See also: 2 Kings 14:29; 2 Chronicles 29:1; Isaiah 8:2.

מְשֻׁלָּֽם Mᵉshullâm H4918 "Meshullam" N-proper

Meshullam was a common name in the Bible, given to 17 different Israelites, including a grandfather of a scribe and a son of Zerubbabel. The name means friend and is mentioned in books like Nehemiah and Chronicles.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.25 § Meshullam = "friend" 1) grandfather of Shaphan, the scribe 2) son of Zerubbabel 3) a Benjamite of the sons of Elpaal 4) a Benjamite, father of Sallu 5) a Benjamite who lived at Jerusalem after the captivity 6) a Benjamite 6a) perhaps the same as 3 or 4 7) a Gadite in the reign of king Jotham of Judah 8) son of Berechiah who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem 9) son of Besodeiah who assisted Jehoiada the son of Paseah in restoring the old gate of Jerusalem 10) a chief of the people who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 11) father of Hilkiah and high priest probably in the reign of king Amon of Judah 11a) perhaps the same as 'Shallum' 12) a priest, son of Meshillemith or Meshillemoth, son of Immer, and ancestor of Maasiai or Amashai 13) a priest or family of priests who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 14) a priest, head of the family of Ginnethon and representative of the house of Ezra in the days of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua 15) a priest, one of the princes of Judah at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem 16) a Kohathite or family of Kohathite Levites in the reign of Josiah 17) a Levite, one of the heads sent to Iddo to gather the Levites to join the caravan about to return to Jerusalem; a chief man who assisted Ezra in abolishing the marriages which some of the people had made with foreign wives 18) ancestor of a family of porters or Levites in days of Nehemiah 19) a descendant of Bani who had a foreign wife and put her away 20) one of the men who stood at the left hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people 20a) maybe the same as 17

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Meshullam. See also: 2 Kings 22:3; Nehemiah 3:4; Nehemiah 12:33.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 8:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 8:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:4
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 8:4
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4
Sermons on Nehemiah 8:4

Context — Ezra Reads the Law

2On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. 3So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

4Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up. 6Then 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezra 10:29	From the descendants of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth.
2	Nehemiah 12:13	of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;
3	Nehemiah 10:20	Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
4	Nehemiah 11:7	From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah;
5	Nehemiah 10:18	Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,
6	Nehemiah 10:3	Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah,
7	Nehemiah 11:5	and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah.
8	Nehemiah 10:7	Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
9	Ezra 10:33	From the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
10	Nehemiah 10:25	Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

Nehemiah 8:4 Summary

In Nehemiah 8:4, we see Ezra standing on a high platform, surrounded by other leaders, to read from the Law to the people. This shows us the importance of respecting and honoring God's Word, and having leaders who can teach and guide us in understanding it (see also 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:105). Just like the people in this verse, we can benefit from having teachers and leaders who can help us understand and apply God's Word in our lives. By studying and obeying God's Word, we can grow in our faith and become more like Jesus (see also Matthew 4:4 and John 17:17).

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the high wooden platform in Nehemiah 8:4?

The high wooden platform was built for Ezra to stand on, allowing him to be seen and heard by all the people as he read from the Law, similar to how Moses stood on a mountain to deliver the Law to the Israelites in Exodus 19:17 and Deuteronomy 31:10-13.

Who were the men standing with Ezra in Nehemiah 8:4?

The men standing with Ezra were likely leaders or prominent members of the community, such as Mattithiah, Shema, and Maaseiah, who were there to support and assist Ezra as he read from the Law, much like the elders who assisted Moses in Exodus 24:1-14 and Leviticus 10:8-11.

Why is it significant that Ezra was a scribe?

As a scribe, Ezra was a skilled writer and scholar who had dedicated his life to studying and preserving the Law, similar to the scribes mentioned in Jeremiah 8:8 and Ezekiel 7:26, and his expertise would have been essential in reading and interpreting the Law to the people.

What can we learn from the way Ezra presented the Law to the people?

We can learn from Ezra's example the importance of presenting God's Word in a clear and respectful manner, as seen in Nehemiah 8:4, and the value of having leaders and teachers who are knowledgeable and passionate about the Scriptures, as emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:15 and 1 Timothy 4:13.

Reflection Questions

What role do leaders and teachers play in helping us understand and apply God's Word in our lives, and how can we support and appreciate them?
In what ways can we, like Ezra, be faithful stewards of the Scriptures and share them with others in a way that is clear and engaging?
What can we learn from the way the people responded to Ezra's reading of the Law, and how can we cultivate a similar sense of reverence and awe for God's Word in our own lives?
How can we, as individuals and as a community, prioritize the study and application of God's Word, just as the Israelites did in Nehemiah 8:4 and throughout the book of Nehemiah?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:4

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose,.... Or to speak out of, as the Syriac and Arabic versions; this, in the Hebrew text, is called a "tower" (i),

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:4

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand;

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4

Partly to declare their consent and concurrence with Ezra in what-he said and did; and partly that they, or some of them, might bear a part in the work.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4

Nehemiah 8:4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.Ver. 4. And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood] Heb. A tower of wood, because high and round, as ours are. The Capuchins and other Popish preachers are said to have long pulpits, wherein they may walk and act, as upon a stage, in Lent especially; at which time it is the custom of Italy for the same man to preach six days in the week upon the gospel of the days, and on the Saturday in honour and praise of the Virgin Mary. And beside him stood Mattithiah, &c.] For greater authority’ sake, as concurring with Ezra, and ready in their turn to perform the work. Praedicationis officium suscipit quisquis ad sacerdotium accedit, said Gregory long since, No preacher is no minister.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4

(4) Pulpit of wood.—Literally, a tower of wood. Fourteen persons, however, were on what is afterwards called a platform, or stair, by his side.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4

Verse 4. Stood upon a pulpit of wood] מגדל migdal, a tower, a platform, raised up for the purpose, to elevate him sufficiently for the people both to see and hear him; for it is said, Ne 8:5, that he was above all the people. This is the first intimation we have of a pulpit, or structure of this kind. But we must not suppose that it was any thing similar to those tubs or barrels ridiculously set up in churches and chapels, in which a preacher is nearly as much confined, during the time of his preaching, as if he was in the stocks.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:4

4. a pulpit of wood] R.V. marg. Heb. tower. Literally ‘upon a tower of wood.’ LXX. ἐπὶβήματοςξυλίνου, 1 Esdr. ἐπὶτοῦξυλίνουβήματος. Vulg. ‘super gradum ligneum:’ cf. ‘the stairs’ on which the Levites stood in Nehemiah 9:4. The mention of the erection of a platform or tribune which the Jews had erected ‘for the purpose’ shows that the incident was one of exceptional character. This is the first mention of a pulpit or lectern. for the purpose] Literally ‘for the word,’ which not being understood was omitted by the LXX. The Vulg. ‘quem fecerat ad loquen-dum’ follows a different vocalization, l’dhabbκr for laddβbhβr. Urijah] R.V. Uriah: possibly the same as is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:4. ‘Hilkiah,’ possibly mentioned also Nehemiah 12:7. ‘Pedaiah’ possibly mentioned Nehemiah 3:25. ‘Meshullam’ possibly mentioned Nehemiah 10:7. Malchiah … Hashbadana] R.V. Malchijah … Hashbaddanah.There is a discrepancy respecting the numbers and position of the individuals here mentioned. The Hebrew text and the LXX. mention six names on the right hand, seven on the left: the parallel passage in 1 Esdras gives seven on the right hand, inserting an Azariah between Anaiah and Uriah, but six only on the left, omitting the last name Meshullam. If we retain both Azariah and Meshullam we should have seven on either side; if we reject them both, we should have six on either side. It seems probable that the names are those of Levites. There would be especial appropriateness in the number twelve, symbolizing the union of Israel in obedience to the Law. The conjecture of Rawlinson that they ‘were probably the chief priests of the course which was at the time performing the Temple service’ is improbable. (1) They were clearly men who could leave the Temple precincts for six or seven hours consecutively. (2) On such an impressive occasion Ezra, if he were attended by priests, would probably have selected either those who represented the principal houses or those who especially supported his religious attitude. (3) Ezra’s supporters in this great religious movement seem to have been Laymen and Levites, not Priests. The popularizing of the knowledge of ‘the Law’ struck a blow at a priestly monopoly. The thirteen names are in one respect of especial interest. They seem to be the names of individuals and not as in Nehemiah 8:7 and ch. Nehemiah 9:4, Nehemiah 10:9 the names of houses or clans, which happened to be represented. The reader should take notice that the high-priest’s name is not mentioned on this occasion. If as some critics have supposed, Ezra himself had composed the Priestly Laws, and was now promulgating them for the first time, the high-priest, whose position owed so much of its dignity in later days to those laws, would surely have been mentioned as countenancing Ezra’s action. If however, as seems more probable, Ezra was for the first time publishing to the people laws which had hitherto been kept in the priests’ hands, we have a possible explanation for the absence of the high-priest and his party, who would regard his action as subversive of their authority.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 8:4

The 13 persons mentioned were probably the chief priests of the course (shift) which was at the time performing the temple service.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:4

4. A pulpit of wood — Septuagint, a wooden platform. Some elevated stage or platform, from which a speaker could easily be seen and heard by the people.

Sermons on Nehemiah 8:4

	Sermon	Description
	What Jesus Accomplished by Gary Wilkerson	Gary Wilkerson reflects on the profound accomplishments of Jesus, emphasizing that His work on the cross was not merely about finishing a religious mission but about transforming l
	Definite Directions for Open-Air Preaching by Gawin Kirkham	Gawin Kirkham emphasizes the importance of open-air preaching and provides practical advice for street preachers. He highlights the need for a leader to organize the meetings and c
	Gifted Ministries by Keith Malcomson	Keith Malcomson preaches on the significance of the Five-fold Ministries of Ephesians chapter 4, also known as the Ascension Gifts or Christ's Ministry Gifts. These gifts are close

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