So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

NEHEMIAH 8:16KJV
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Nehemiah 8:16 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 8:16 mean?

Nehemiah 8:16 describes how the people of Israel went out and gathered materials to build booths, setting them up on their rooftops, in their courtyards, around the temple, and in public spaces like the streets by the Water Gate and the Gate of Ephraim. This verse shows the people responding to the reading of the Law by celebrating the Feast of Booths (Sukkot) as instructed.

The setting is Jerusalem after the return from exile, with Ezra reading the Law to the people. The people realize they have not been keeping the festival as commanded, so they immediately obey by constructing temporary shelters (booths) wherever they can—on their houses, in their yards, and in communal areas. This action marks a renewed commitment to following God's instructions as a community.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 8:16

  • בּוּת (sukkot, H5521): The word for "booths" refers to temporary shelters made from branches. This is central to the Feast of Booths, reminding the people of their ancestors' journey through the wilderness.
  • חָצֵר (chatser, H2691): Translated as "courts," this word means open spaces or yards, either private or communal. The use of this word shows that the people used every available space, both at home and near the temple, to build their booths.
  • רְחוֹב (rechov, H7339): This word means "street" or "open square." The mention of specific streets like the Water Gate and the Gate of Ephraim shows that the celebration was very public and widespread, not just limited to private homes.

Why Nehemiah 8:16 matters

  • Nehemiah 8:16 clarifies that the people's obedience was immediate and enthusiastic, using every available space to participate in the festival.
  • The verse highlights the unity and public nature of the celebration, showing a whole community coming together after years of neglecting this command.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Nehemiah 8, where rediscovering and obeying God's Word brings about spiritual renewal and joy among the people.

Where else these words appear

“house” Hebrew H1406 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 1 Samuel 9:26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
  • Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

“booths” Hebrew H5521 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 33:17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
  • 1 Kings 20:12 And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.
  • Job 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait?

“street” Hebrew H7339 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Esther 6:11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
  • Jeremiah 9:21 For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.