And the Levites stilled all the people, saying: Hold your peace, for the day is holy, and be not sorrowful.

And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, Be still! for the day is holy; neither be grieved.

And the Levites are keeping all the people silent, saying, 'Be silent, for to-day is holy, and be not grieved.'

So the Levites made all the people quiet, saying, Be quiet, for the day is holy; and do not give way to grief.

Then the Levites caused the people to be silent, saying: "Be quiet. For the day is holy. And do not be sorrowful."

So the Levites stilled all the people,.... Made them quiet and easy, being backed by the governor:
saying, hold your peace; refrain from weeping and mourning:
for the day is holy; a festival, set apart for joy and gladness:
neither be ye grieved; inwardly; as they were not to show any signs of sorrow outwardly, so they were not to cherish grief inwardly.

The Levites also strove to pacify the people, saying: "Hold your peace, i.e., give over weeping, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved."