So all the people went to eat and drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth: because they understood the words that he had taught them.

And all the people went their way, to eat and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great rejoicing. For they had understood the words that were declared to them.

And all the people go to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great joy, because they have understood concerning the words that they made known to them.

And all the people went away to take food and drink, and to send food to others, and to be glad, because the words which were said to them had been made clear.

And so all the people went forth, so that they might eat and drink, and so that they might send portions, and so that they might make a great rejoicing. For they understood the words that he had taught to them.

And all the people went their way to eat and to drink,.... Freely and cheerfully:
and to send portions; to the poor, who had nothing to eat and drink:
and to make great mirth; with music, vocal and instrumental:
because they had understood the words that were declared unto them; the meaning of the several laws read and explained unto them, whereby they better understood their duty, and in what instances and in what manner it was to be performed; how much more reason is there for joy and gladness, when the Gospel, and the doctrines of it, are clearly known and understood? Psalm 89:15.

This address had its effect. The people went their way, some to their houses, some to their lodgings, to partake of festal repasts, and to keep the feast with joy; "for they gave heed to the words that were declared to them," i.e., they took to heart the address of Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites.