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.

NEHEMIAH 8:17KJV
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Nehemiah 8:17 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 8:17 mean?

Nehemiah 8:17 describes how the people who had returned from exile built and lived in booths, celebrating a festival in a way that had not been done since the time of Joshua son of Nun, and that this brought them great joy. The verse highlights a unique and joyful observance of an ancient tradition by the returned Israelites.

The setting is after the Israelites have come back from Babylonian captivity and are gathered in Jerusalem. Ezra the scribe and Nehemiah the governor are leading the people in renewing their commitment to God’s law. The verse refers to the Festival of Booths (Sukkot), where people made temporary shelters (booths) as a reminder of their ancestors’ journey through the wilderness. The verse notes the remarkable enthusiasm and unity of the people in keeping this festival, something not seen since the days of Joshua.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 8:17

  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qāhāl): This word means an assembly or gathering, emphasizing the collective participation of the whole community, not just a few individuals.
  • "booths" (סֻּכָּה, sukkāh): This refers to the temporary shelters made for the festival, connecting directly to the command in the Law for the people to remember their ancestors’ journey.
  • "very great gladness" (שִׂמְחָה גְּדוֹלָה מְאֹד, simchāh gedolāh me'od): This phrase stresses the extraordinary joy experienced by the people, showing that this was not just a ritual but a deeply meaningful and happy occasion.

Why Nehemiah 8:17 matters

  • Nehemiah 8:17 clarifies that the observance of the Festival of Booths had not been celebrated with such unity and joy since the days of Joshua, highlighting a spiritual renewal among the people.
  • The verse connects the returned exiles to their ancient roots, showing a restoration not just of physical Jerusalem but of Israel’s spiritual identity and practices.
  • This verse helps readers see the importance of communal participation in faith traditions and the deep joy that can come from rediscovering and practicing them together.

Where else these words appear

“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?

“Jeshua” Hebrew H3442 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 24:11 The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,
  • Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
  • Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.

“Nun” Hebrew H5126 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
  • Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.
  • Joshua 6:6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.

“captivity” Hebrew H7628 · used in 47 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Ezra 8:35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 30:10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.