Log inSign up

Nehemiah 8 · a question people ask

What is "the joy of the LORD"?

In the text

In Hebrew the phrase is two words, chedvat and the LORD's name: the joy of the LORD (tap joy). The verse doesn't explain the phrase further, and this study doesn't choose a reading of it. What the verse does show is where it comes in the chapter: it is the reason given not to grieve, "Don’t be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (8:10), and it comes with a meal, "Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared" (8:10). Strength there is ma'oz, which Brown-Driver-Briggs gives as "place or means of safety, protection" (tap strength). The book later says, "God had made them rejoice with great joy" (12:43), with a different Hebrew word for joy.

The verses

“Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.””
Nehemiah 8:10 · World English Bible
“They offered great sacrifices that day, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even far away.”
Nehemiah 12:43 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Nehemiah 8

Nehemiah 8: They gave the sense

Nehemiah 8 uses one Hebrew verb six times, for hearing with understanding, teaching and understanding. The book was read "distinctly" and they "gave the sense" (8:8), and the day of tears became a shared feast: they went "to eat, to drink, to send portions, and to celebrate, because they had understood the words that were declared to them" (8:12).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekNehemiah 8 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Nehemiah 8

All questions about Nehemiah →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions