Verse 3 is a summary of the full event that is described in detail in the following verses 4 to 8. This pattern of summarizing an event first and then of recounting it in detail is characteristic of Hebrew narrative style. Translators should be careful that this narrative style does not confuse the sequence of events as the details are given in the next verses.

He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate: The Hebrew expression for facing the square is interpreted differently by various versions. Logically, it could mean that Ezra was turned toward the square where the people were gathered and that the square itself was located facing or in front of the Water Gate (so Revised English Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Nouvelle version Segond révisée says that he read “in front of the square that was in front of the Water Gate.” Traduction œcuménique de la Bible says that he read “in the square that was in front of the Water Gate” (similarly Good News Translation). Translators should express the meaning that “he read the Law in the square before the Water Gate.”

From early morning to midday: This can be expressed in various ways, for example, “from daybreak [or, dawn] until noon [or, the middle of the day].” Translators should use a natural expression in the receptor language, such as “from the first light until midday” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “from the cutting of the dawn to the overhead sun.” Expressions that are anachronistic should be avoided, for example, “from 6 o’clock until 12 o’clock noon.”

The ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law: This is a figure of speech referring to the people as they were listening to the reading of the Law. Good News Translation expresses this in contemporary English. Bible en français courant translates similarly in French: “All listened attentively to this reading.” Many languages have a similar expression that should be used; for example, “the ears of all the people were on the book of the Law” or “… were turned toward the book of the Law.” The expression should imply a positive action and not have a negative connotation like “they strained their ears to hear….”

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 .