Old Testament
Nehemiah 9:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the Levites — Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah — said, "Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever! And blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise."
Compare translations
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
What Nehemiah 9:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 9:5, a group of Levites, who were responsible for religious duties, called the people to worship God. They urged everyone to stand and bless the Lord, acknowledging His eternal greatness and the glory of His name. This moment emphasizes the importance of worship and reverence for God, highlighting that His name is above all blessings and praise. The Levites recognized that God deserves honor and gratitude for His goodness and faithfulness. By encouraging the people to stand, they were not just physically rising but also spiritually uplifting their hearts in worship. This act of blessing God reflects a communal acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a call to remember His past deeds. The Levites' proclamation serves as a reminder for believers to continually praise God, recognizing His supreme position in their lives and the world.
How to apply Nehemiah 9:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively participate in worship and praise. We can set aside time to honor God, both individually and with others. By recognizing His greatness, we strengthen our faith and encourage those around us to do the same.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 9:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 9:5
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 9:5 mean?
Nehemiah 9:5 describes a moment when Levites called the people to worship God by standing and blessing His name. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's greatness and encourages communal worship.
What is the significance of the Levites in Nehemiah 9:5?
The Levites in Nehemiah 9:5 were responsible for leading worship and guiding the people in their relationship with God. Their call to bless the Lord highlights their role as spiritual leaders in the community.
How can we apply Nehemiah 9:5 in our lives?
We can apply Nehemiah 9:5 by actively participating in worship, both individually and in community. Setting aside time to honor God and recognizing His greatness can strengthen our faith and encourage others.
What themes are present in Nehemiah 9:5?
Nehemiah 9:5 includes themes of worship, praise, God's glory, community, reverence, leadership, and faithfulness. These themes highlight the importance of honoring God collectively and recognizing His role in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.