In Context

8 They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, |This day is holy to Yahweh your God. Don't mourn, nor weep.| For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then he said to them, |Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.|

11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, |Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be grieved.|

12 All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

13 On the second day were gathered together the heads of fathers' houses of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law.

Nehemiah 8:11 in Other Translations