Bible Dictionary
DISTINCTLY
Distinctly means clearly or with interpretation. In Nehemiah 8:8, the Law was read plainly, apparently with explanation or translation so the people could understand it.
Definition
Distinctly means clearly or in a way that makes something understood. The word may also carry the sense of making a text distinct through interpretation or translation.
Biblical Usage
Nehemiah 8:8 says that the Law was read distinctly. The Revised Version margin understands this as reading “with an interpretation,” probably translating it into Aramaic so that the people could understand it.
Historical Background
The Hebrew term is a participle from a verb meaning to make distinct. A corresponding Aramaic term is rendered “plainly” in one passage and “translated” in the margin.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dis-tinkt'-li: Only Ne 8:8, "They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly." Probably the better rendering is the Revised Version, margin "with an interpretation," i.e. translating into Aramaic. The Hebrew word is a participle of the verb parash = "to make distinct." The corresponding Aramaic word occurs in Ezr 4:18 = "plainly" the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American), better "translated" the Revised Version, margin.</p>