Nechemyah 8:11

11 So the Levi’im calmed kol HaAm, saying, Be still, for the day is kadosh; neither be ye grieved.

Nechemyah 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 8:11

So the Levites stilled all the people
Made them quiet and easy, being backed by the governor:

saying, hold your peace;
refrain from weeping and mourning:

for the day is holy;
a festival, set apart for joy and gladness:

neither be ye grieved;
inwardly; as they were not to show any signs of sorrow outwardly, so they were not to cherish grief inwardly.

Nechemyah 8:11 In-Context

9 And Nechemyah the Tirshata, and Ezra HaKohen HaSofer, and the Levi’im that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is kadosh unto Hashem Eloheichem; mourn not, nor weep. For kol HaAm wept, when they heard the words of the Torah.

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the choice foods, and drink the sweet things, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is kadosh unto Adoneinu; neither be ye grieving; for the chedvah (joy) of Hashem is your strength.

11 So the Levi’im calmed kol HaAm, saying, Be still, for the day is kadosh; neither be ye grieved.

12 And kol HaAm went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make simchah gedolah, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the avot of kol HaAm, the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, unto Ezra HaSofer, to understand the words of the Torah.