They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
All of us have access to the original Bible in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. And very very few people read and speak Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. The only way we understand anything is if the Word is put into the words that we know.
Translations come not only in many languages, but a single language may have word-for-word, idea, and paraphrase translations. Before you get caught up in "The [insert your favorite] translation is the BEST!" arguments understand what you are reading. Beside the listeners in Jerusalem stood Ezra, Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites. Beside you, as you read or listen, stand the men and women who are helping you understand the Word of God.
If Jozabad helps you understand better than Maaseiah. So be it. If you would rather have Shabbethai. Sounds fine to me. As long as they are honest Men of God who are devoted to the Word and to God.
And lastly, do not confuse the helper with the LORD. They are there to help you understand. Understand the difference between their words and the Word of the LORD.
And as we rejoice, do so together. Not only share our burdens. Not only share what materials we have. Share our voices. Cry out to the LORD as one voice.
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