Nehemiah 9:12
New International Version
By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.

New Living Translation
You led our ancestors by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night so that they could find their way.

English Standard Version
By a pillar of cloud you led them in the day, and by a pillar of fire in the night to light for them the way in which they should go.

Berean Standard Bible
You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel.

King James Bible
Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

New King James Version
Moreover You led them by day with a cloudy pillar, And by night with a pillar of fire, To give them light on the road Which they should travel.

New American Standard Bible
“And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light for them the way In which they were to go.

NASB 1995
“And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light for them the way In which they were to go.

NASB 1977
“And with a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light for them the way In which they were to go.

Legacy Standard Bible
And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light for them the way In which they were to go.

Amplified Bible
“And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light the way for them In which they were to go.

Christian Standard Bible
You led them with a pillar of cloud by day, and with a pillar of fire by night, to illuminate the way they should go.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You led them with a pillar of cloud by day, and with a pillar of fire by night, to illuminate the way they should go.

American Standard Version
Moreover in a pillar of cloud thou leddest them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

Contemporary English Version
Each day you led your people with a thick cloud, and at night you showed the way with a flaming fire.

English Revised Version
Moreover thou leddest them in a pillar of cloud by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You led them during the day by a column of smoke and during the night by a column of fire to give them light to see the way they should go.

Good News Translation
With a cloud you led them in daytime, and at night you lighted their way with fire.

International Standard Version
You led them during the day by a pillar of cloud, and by a pillar of fire at night to provide light for them on the path they took.

Majority Standard Bible
You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel.

NET Bible
You guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and with a pillar of fire by night to illumine for them the path they were to travel.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover, in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way in which they should go.

World English Bible
Moreover, in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And by a pillar of cloud You have led them by day, "" And by a pillar of fire by night, "" To lighten to them the way in which they go.

Young's Literal Translation
And by a pillar of cloud Thou hast led them by day, and by a pillar of fire by night, to lighten to them the way in which they go.

Smith's Literal Translation
And in a pillar of cloud thou didst guide them by day, and in a pillar of fire by night, to enlighten the way to them that they shall go in it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And in a pillar of a cloud thou wast their leader by day, and in a pillar of Are by night, that they might see the way by which they went.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And in the pillar of cloud, you were their leader by day, and in the pillar of fire, by night, so that they might see the way along which they might advance.

New American Bible
With a column of cloud you led them by day, and by night with a column of fire, To light the way of their journey, the way in which they must travel.

New Revised Standard Version
Moreover, you led them by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the way in which they should go.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover thou hast led them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way in which they should go.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And by a pillar of cloud you led them by day and by a column of fire in the night to enlighten a way for them to walk in it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover in a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou guidedst them by day by a pillar of cloud, and by night by a pillar of fire, to enlighten for them the way wherein they should walk.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Confess Their Sins
11You divided the sea before them, and they crossed through it on dry ground. You hurled their pursuers into the depths like a stone into raging waters. 12You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. 13You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments.…

Cross References
Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.

Numbers 9:15-23
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. / It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. ...

Psalm 78:14
He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

Exodus 14:19-20
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

Exodus 40:36-38
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Deuteronomy 1:33
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Isaiah 4:5
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,

Isaiah 63:12-14
who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? / Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Revelation 7:15-17
For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. / ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ / For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Revelation 21:23
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.

Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover you led them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

thou leddest

Nehemiah 9:19
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

Exodus 13:21,22
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: …

Exodus 14:19,20
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: …

in the way

Psalm 107:7
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Psalm 143:8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Jump to Previous
Cloud Cloudy Fire Lead Led Moreover Night Pillar Way Wherein
Jump to Next
Cloud Cloudy Fire Lead Led Moreover Night Pillar Way Wherein
Nehemiah 9
1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people
4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness














You led them with a pillar of cloud by day
This phrase refers to God's guidance of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The pillar of cloud was a visible manifestation of God's presence and leadership. It provided shade and protection from the harsh desert sun, symbolizing God's care and provision. This guidance is first mentioned in Exodus 13:21-22, where God leads the Israelites out of Egypt. The cloud also represents the Holy Spirit's guidance in the life of believers, as seen in Romans 8:14, where those led by the Spirit are called sons of God.

and a pillar of fire by night
The pillar of fire provided light and warmth during the cold desert nights, ensuring the Israelites could travel safely. This miraculous guidance highlights God's constant presence and protection. The fire symbolizes God's holiness and purity, as seen in other biblical instances like the burning bush in Exodus 3:2 and the tongues of fire at Pentecost in Acts 2:3. The fire also prefigures Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12), guiding believers through spiritual darkness.

to light for them the way
This phrase emphasizes God's role in illuminating the path for His people, ensuring they do not stumble. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a light to His people, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is described as a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. This guidance is not just physical but also spiritual, pointing to Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

in which they should travel
God's guidance was purposeful, leading the Israelites on a specific path towards the Promised Land. This journey was not just a physical relocation but a spiritual pilgrimage, teaching reliance on God. The path God chooses is often not the easiest, but it is the one that leads to growth and fulfillment of His promises. This concept is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord for direction. The journey of the Israelites serves as a type of the Christian journey towards eternal life, with Christ as the ultimate guide.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He is known for his dedication to God and his leadership in restoring the spiritual and physical state of Jerusalem.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were led out of Egypt and through the wilderness. They are the recipients of God's guidance and protection as described in this verse.

3. Pillar of Cloud and Fire
Divine manifestations that guided the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The cloud provided direction and protection during the day, while the fire offered light and guidance at night.

4. Wilderness Journey
The 40-year period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, a time marked by God's provision and guidance.

5. Exodus
The event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant people.
Teaching Points
God's Faithful Guidance
Just as God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud and fire, He continues to guide His people today through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Trust in His direction, even when the path seems uncertain.

Divine Presence in Our Journey
The presence of the cloud and fire symbolizes God's constant presence. In our lives, we can rely on God's presence through prayer, scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

Light in Darkness
The pillar of fire provided light in the darkness, reminding us that God's truth illuminates our path. In times of confusion or fear, seek His light to guide your decisions and actions.

Obedience to God's Leading
The Israelites had to follow the cloud and fire to reach their destination. Similarly, we must be obedient to God's leading, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

Community and Accountability
The journey through the wilderness was a communal experience. Engage with your faith community for support, encouragement, and accountability in your spiritual walk.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You led
הִנְחִיתָ֖ם (hin·ḥî·ṯām)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5148: To guide, to transport

them with a pillar
וּבְעַמּ֣וּד (ū·ḇə·‘am·mūḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5982: A column, a stand, platform

of cloud
עָנָ֔ן (‘ā·nān)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

by day,
יוֹמָ֑ם (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day

and a pillar
וּבְעַמּ֥וּד (ū·ḇə·‘am·mūḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5982: A column, a stand, platform

of fire
אֵשׁ֙ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

by night,
לַ֔יְלָה (lay·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

to light
לְהָאִ֣יר (lə·hā·’îr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 215: To be or become light

for them the way
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

which
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

they should travel.
יֵֽלְכוּ־ (yê·lə·ḵū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


Links
Nehemiah 9:12 NIV
Nehemiah 9:12 NLT
Nehemiah 9:12 ESV
Nehemiah 9:12 NASB
Nehemiah 9:12 KJV

Nehemiah 9:12 BibleApps.com
Nehemiah 9:12 Biblia Paralela
Nehemiah 9:12 Chinese Bible
Nehemiah 9:12 French Bible
Nehemiah 9:12 Catholic Bible

OT History: Nehemiah 9:12 Moreover in a pillar of cloud you (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 9:11
Top of Page
Top of Page