The Levites stilled all the people: The Levites had the two tasks of quieting or calming the people and of instructing them. In some languages a causative form of the verb may be used; for example, “the Levites caused all the people to be still.”

Be quiet translates a verb form that is derived from the onomatopoeic interjection has in Hebrew. This Hebrew word expresses a meaning similar to “Hush” in English as it is translated in New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and New Living Translation. In French Chouraqui says “Chut!” The meaning is to tell the people to be quiet and to refrain from weeping. Bible en français courant translates “Be calm,” while bcc says “Not so much noise!” Many languages have an equivalent onomatopoeic form that may be used. Other languages will use an ideophone for expressing quietness or silence. However, care must be taken not to overtranslate by using a form that expresses the meaning of harshness or rudeness or that is otherwise inappropriate for the serious nature of Nehemiah’s historical account.

Do not be grieved: Contemporary English Version again emphasizes the theme of sadness with “so don’t worry or mourn!”

Good News Translation restructures this verse to be a non-quotation, but most translations retain the direct quotation of the Levites’ instructions as in the Hebrew text. In most languages the form of direct quotation will more accurately convey the emphasis of the Levites’ commands to the people.

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 .