Nehemiah 9:5
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.
Nehemiah 9:5 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse from the book of Nehemiah, the Levites - Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah - are calling upon the people to offer praise and blessings to the Lord. They are urging the congregation to stand up and bless the Lord their God for all eternity. The Levites acknowledge the greatness and glory of God's name, emphasizing that it is exalted above all blessings and praises. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to give thanks, honor, and worship to God continually. It reinforces the idea of God's sovereignty and majesty, encouraging individuals to reflect on His infinite goodness and offer Him praise without ceasing. It highlights the importance of praising God for His eternal nature and exalted position above all creation.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the Levites, including Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, are urging the people to stand up and bless the LORD God forever and ever. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of giving praise and glory to God. The Levites are recognizing the eternal nature of God's greatness and exalting His glorious name above all other blessings and praises. The word "bless" in this context signifies showing adoration and reverence towards God, acknowledging His supreme authority and goodness. The Levites' call to bless the LORD serves as a reminder for believers to continuously offer thanks and praise to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and magnificence. The act of praising God is a way to express love and gratitude for all He has done and continues to do in the lives of His people.
Nehemiah 9:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless Jehovah your God from everlasting to everlasting; and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
World English Bible
Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, “Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting! Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!
Douay-Rheims
And the Levites Josue and Cedmihel, Bonni, Hasebnia, Serebia, Oduia, Sebnia, and Phathahia, said: Arise, bless the Lord your God from eternity to eternity: and blessed be the high name of thy glory with all blessing and praise.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Leuites said, euen Ieshua and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodiiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah, Stande vp, and praise the Lord your God for euer, and euer, and let them praise thy glorious Name, O God, which excelleth aboue all thankesgiuing and praise.