Nehemiah 8:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →All who returned from captivity make booths and sit in them -- something not done since Joshua's day -- and there is very great gladness.
What Does Nehemiah 8:17 Mean?
The whole returned community builds booths and sits beneath them. The narrator marks the moment: not since the days of Joshua, son of Nun, had Israel kept the feast like this. After generations, a long-neglected joy is restored, and there was very great gladness.
Some treasures of God's word lie buried for ages until a humble people rediscover them. The returned exiles, fresh from captivity, recover not only a command but the deep gladness that comes with full obedience. What had been lost for centuries is found again, and the finding fills the people with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 8:17
What does Nehemiah 8:17 mean?
All who returned from captivity make booths and sit in them -- something not done since Joshua's day -- and there is very great gladness.