Nehemiah 8:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
לְכוּ֩
unto them Go your way
H3212
לְכוּ֩
unto them Go your way
Strong's:
H3212
Word #:
3 of 23
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים
the fat
H4924
מַשְׁמַנִּ֜ים
the fat
Strong's:
H4924
Word #:
5 of 23
fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man
וְשִׁלְח֤וּ
and send
H7971
וְשִׁלְח֤וּ
and send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 23
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מָנוֹת֙
portions
H4490
מָנוֹת֙
portions
Strong's:
H4490
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot
לְאֵ֣ין
H369
נָכ֣וֹן
unto them for whom nothing is prepared
H3559
נָכ֣וֹן
unto them for whom nothing is prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָד֥וֹשׁ
is holy
H6918
קָד֥וֹשׁ
is holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
14 of 23
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
הַיּ֖וֹם
for this day
H3117
הַיּ֖וֹם
for this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
15 of 23
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לַֽאֲדֹנֵ֑ינוּ
unto our Lord
H113
לַֽאֲדֹנֵ֑ינוּ
unto our Lord
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
16 of 23
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
17 of 23
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ
neither be ye sorry
H6087
תֵּ֣עָצֵ֔בוּ
neither be ye sorry
Strong's:
H6087
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
21 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Ecclesiastes 9:7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.Psalms 149:2Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.Isaiah 61:10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.Esther 9:19Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.2 Corinthians 8:2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.Ecclesiastes 2:24There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.Esther 9:22As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.Ecclesiastes 3:13And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.Joel 2:23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
Historical Context
Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
- What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
- How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse within Nehemiah 8 addresses themes of Scripture centrality, teaching, understanding, worship. The public Scripture reading demonstrates how spiritual renewal requires understanding God's Word, not mere ritual observance. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.