Are we supposed to stand when the Bible is read?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In Nehemiah 8, the Israelites stand when their priest, Ezra, reads the Law of Moses. Standing in that circumstance communicated honor, agreement, and enthusiasm. Some church leaders take this passage to mean we should stand when the Bible is read, but the passage should be examined carefully. For one thing, the Israelites are not Jesus’ church, so immediately this passage does not directly relate to modern-day believers. Besides this, the Israelites stood just briefly, so expecting congregants to stand for long periods of time seems extreme. Finally, this seems to be an isolated incident, and Scripture does not command believers to stand while the Bible is being read. Christians can stand when the Bible is being read based on personal convictions, but they should avoid passing judgement on others who believe differently. If we are in congregations in which not standing would be disrespectful or distracting, we should also consider standing so as to not be a “stumbling block” to others (Romans 14:13–23).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Nehemiah 8, the people gathered together and Ezra, the priest, read from the Book of the Law of Moses. According to Nehemiah, Ezra stood on a wooden platform, but when he opened the scriptures to begin to read, “all the people stood” (Nehemiah 8:5). Then, "Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen,' lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground" (Nehemiah 8:6). It appears they did not stand for long.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible doesn’t mandate standing during Scripture reading. Such issues are a matter of personal conscience. Paul explained the principle on issues that aren’t biblically mandated, using the example of certain celebrations: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5).
• Our love for others (Mark 12:31) should compel us to “never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Romans 14:13). For example, even if we don’t think it’s important to stand while Scripture is being read, if we’re part of a congregation that does that, we should show respect by standing so as not to convey disrespect to our Christian brothers and sisters.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In years past, it was standard for men to stand when a woman entered the room. In many courtrooms, people still stand when the judge enters. These are traditions that communicate respect. Some churches feel this way about standing for Bible readings. What’s the proper reaction?

With all questions like these, Christians should first turn to the Bible. There, it’s clear that passages like Nehemiah 8 are descriptive, not prescriptive. But does this mean that when everybody stands for a Bible reading we should remain seated? Not really. In fact, if we do, that may say more about us than the practice. Ask yourself, what am I gaining by staying seated when everyone else is rising? What impression am I giving those around me?

We may not like the answers to those self-reflective questions, especially if it has to do with pride and obstinacy. We should love our neighbor and pray to God that all our actions honor Him.

UNDERSTAND

• Nehemiah 8 describes a circumstance in which the Israelites stood while the Law was read.
• The Nehemiah 8 passage is descriptive, not prescriptive, so modern-day believers are not biblically mandated to stand when Scripture is read.
• Standing or sitting when the Bible is read is a matter of conviction.

REFLECT

• How do you seek to show respect for God and others in the congregation when the Bible is read?
• Are there times when you feel convicted to follow a tradition even if it’s not biblically required, and why?
• How do you balance personal convictions with loving consideration for fellow believers in church practices?

ENGAGE

• What are some other traditions that aren’t biblically mandated but that churches differ on?
• How can churches teach believers to navigate conscience-based differences without causing division?
• In what ways can observing or not observing certain practices serve as a witness of love and unity to others?