The Hebrew verb rendered went their way (see verse 10 above) simply means “to go away,” and this may be rendered in various ways in English. Good News Translation says “went home,” New International Version translates “went away,” while New Jerusalem Bible says “went off.”

To make great rejoicing: The emphasis in Hebrew here is on the theme of great joy. Revised Standard Version translates very literally, while New International Version renders it in more idiomatic language: “to celebrate with great joy” (similarly Revised English Bible). New Jerusalem Bible renders it “enjoy themselves to the full.” Good News Translation “joyfully” and Jerusalem Bible “began to enjoy themselves” do not fully reflect the strong emphasis of the Hebrew expression.

They had understood the words that were declared to them means that the people discerned the significance of what they had heard and been taught. Were declared is literally “they declared,” which refers to what Ezra and the Levites had spoken.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .