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Nehemiah 5

BSB·19 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1About that time there wasוַתְּהִ֨יwat·tə·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a greatגְּדוֹלָ֑הgə·ḏō·w·lāh — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → outcryצַעֲקַ֥תṣa·‘ă·qaṯ — A cry or outcry; a call for helpH6818 — Full Word Study → from the peopleהָעָ֛םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → and their wivesוּנְשֵׁיהֶ֖םū·nə·šê·hem — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study → againstאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → their fellowאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם’ă·ḥê·hem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → Jewsהַיְּהוּדִֽים׃hay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study →. 2Someאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → were sayingאֹמְרִ֔ים’ō·mə·rîm — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Weאֲנַ֣חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → and our sons and daughtersוּבְנֹתֵ֖ינוּū·ḇə·nō·ṯê·nū — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → are numerousרַבִּ֑יםrab·bîm — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study →. We must getוְנִקְחָ֥הwə·niq·ḥāh — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → grainדָגָ֖ןḏā·ḡān — grain, wheat, cereal cropH1715 — Full Word Study → in order to eatוְנֹאכְלָ֥הwə·nō·ḵə·lāh — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → and stay aliveוְנִחְיֶֽה׃wə·niḥ·yeh — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study →.” 3Othersאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → were sayingאֹמְרִ֔ים’ō·mə·rîm — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Weאֲנַ֣חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → are mortgagingעֹרְבִ֑ים‘ō·rə·ḇîm — To pledge, give surety, become responsible for anotherH6148 — Full Word Study → our fieldsשְׂדֹתֵ֛ינוּśə·ḏō·ṯê·nū — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study →, our vineyardsוּכְרָמֵ֥ינוּū·ḵə·rā·mê·nū — Vineyard; a planted garden of grapevinesH3754 — Full Word Study →, and our homesוּבָתֵּ֖ינוּū·ḇāt·tê·nū — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → to getוְנִקְחָ֥הwə·niq·ḥāh — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → grainדָגָ֖ןḏā·ḡān — grain, wheat, cereal cropH1715 — Full Word Study → during the famineבָּרָעָֽב׃bā·rā·‘āḇ — Famine; severe scarcity of foodH7458 — Full Word Study →.” 4Still othersאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → were sayingאֹמְרִ֔ים’ō·mə·rîm — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “We have borrowedלָוִ֥ינוּlā·wî·nū — To join, unite, or borrow; to cleave togetherH3867 — Full Word Study → money to pay the king’sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → taxלְמִדַּ֣תlə·mid·daṯ — Measure, standard, garment, or portionH4060 — Full Word Study → on our fields and vineyardsוּכְרָמֵֽינוּ׃ū·ḵə·rā·mê·nū — Vineyard; a planted garden of grapevinesH3754 — Full Word Study →. 5We and our childrenכִּבְנֵיהֶ֖םkiḇ·nê·hem — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → are just like our countrymenאַחֵ֙ינוּ֙’a·ḥê·nū — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → and their childrenבָּנֵ֑ינוּbā·nê·nū — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, yet weאֲנַ֣חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → are subjectingכֹ֠בְשִׁיםḵō·ḇə·šîm — To subdue, conquer, or bring into subjectionH3533 — Full Word Study → our sonsבָּנֵ֨ינוּbā·nê·nū — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → and daughtersבְּנֹתֵ֜ינוּbə·nō·ṯê·nū — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → to slaveryלַעֲבָדִ֗יםla·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →. Some ofוְיֵ֨שׁwə·yêš — there is, exists, has beingH3426 — Full Word Study → our daughtersמִבְּנֹתֵ֤ינוּmib·bə·nō·ṯê·nū — daughter; female child or descendantH1323 — Full Word Study → are already enslavedנִכְבָּשׁוֹת֙niḵ·bā·šō·wṯ — To subdue, conquer, or bring into subjectionH3533 — Full Word Study →, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fieldsוּשְׂדֹתֵ֥ינוּū·śə·ḏō·ṯê·nū — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study → and vineyardsוּכְרָמֵ֖ינוּū·ḵə·rā·mê·nū — Vineyard; a planted garden of grapevinesH3754 — Full Word Study → belong to othersלַאֲחֵרִֽים׃la·’ă·ḥê·rîm — another, different, or following person or thingH312 — Full Word Study →.” 6Whenכַּאֲשֶׁ֤רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I heardשָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙šā·ma‘·tî — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → their outcryזַֽעֲקָתָ֔םza·‘ă·qā·ṯām — A cry or outcry; a shout of distress or complaintH2201 — Full Word Study → and theseהָאֵֽלֶּה׃hā·’êl·leh — These; those; the onesH428 — Full Word Study → complaintsהַדְּבָרִ֥יםhad·də·ḇā·rîm — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →, I became extremelyמְאֹ֑דmə·’ōḏ — Much, greatly, very, exceedinglyH3966 — Full Word Study → angryוַיִּ֥חַרway·yi·ḥar — to burn with anger, become incensedH2734 — Full Word Study →, 7and after seriousלִבִּ֜יlib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → thoughtוַיִּמָּלֵ֨ךְway·yim·mā·lêḵ — to reign; to rule as kingH4427 — Full Word Study → I rebukedוָאָרִ֙יבָה֙wā·’ā·rî·ḇāh — To contend, strive, dispute, or plead a caseH7378 — Full Word Study → the noblesהַחֹרִ֣יםha·ḥō·rîm — A person of noble birth or rank; a freeman or dignitaryH2715 — Full Word Study → and officialsהַסְּגָנִ֔יםhas·sə·ḡā·nîm — Ruler, commander, or official overseerH5461 — Full Word Study →, sayingוָאֹמְרָ֣הwā·’ō·mə·rāh — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Youאַתֶּ֣ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are exactingנֹשִׁ֑איםnō·šim — to lend on interest, to exact a debtH5378 — Full Word Study → usuryמַשָּׁ֥אmaš·šā — Interest, usury, or exaction on a loanH4855 — Full Word Study → from your own brothersבְּאָחִ֖יוbə·’ā·ḥîw — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →!” So I calledוָאֶתֵּ֥ןwā·’et·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → a largeגְדוֹלָֽה׃ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → assemblyקְהִלָּ֥הqə·hil·lāh — assembly, gathered congregationH6952 — Full Word Study → against themעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם‘ă·lê·hem — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → 8and saidוָאֹמְרָ֣הwā·’ō·mə·rāh — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Weאֲנַ֣חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → have done our bestכְּדֵ֣יkə·ḏê — Sufficiency, enough, according to capacityH1767 — Full Word Study → to buy backקָ֠נִינוּqā·nî·nū — to acquire, buy, or possess through paymentH7069 — Full Word Study → our Jewishהַיְּהוּדִ֜יםhay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study → brothersאַחֵ֨ינוּ’a·ḥê·nū — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → who were soldהַנִּמְכָּרִ֤יםhan·nim·kā·rîm — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → to foreignersלַגּוֹיִם֙lag·gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →, but now youאַתֶּ֛ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are sellingתִּמְכְּר֥וּtim·kə·rū — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → your own brothersאֲחֵיכֶ֖ם’ă·ḥê·ḵem — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →, that they may be sold backוְנִמְכְּרוּ־wə·nim·kə·rū- — to sell; to exchange for paymentH4376 — Full Word Study → to us!” But they remained silentוַֽיַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּway·ya·ḥă·rî·šū — to engrave, plow, devise, or keep silentH2790 — Full Word Study →, for they could findמָצְא֖וּmā·ṣə·’ū — to find, discover, obtainH4672 — Full Word Study → nothingוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to sayדָּבָֽר׃סdā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. 9So I continuedוַיֹּאמֶרway·yō·mɛr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Whatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → youאַתֶּ֣ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are doingעֹשִׂ֑ים‘ō·śîm — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → is notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → rightט֥וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →. Shouldn’tהֲל֞וֹאhă·lō·w — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → you walkתֵּלֵ֔כוּtê·lê·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → in the fearבְּיִרְאַ֤תbə·yir·’aṯ — Fear, reverence, dread, or aweH3374 — Full Word Study → of our Godאֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙’ĕ·lō·hê·nū — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → to avoid the reproachמֵחֶרְפַּ֖תmê·ḥer·paṯ — Reproach, shame, insultH2781 — Full Word Study → of our foreignהַגּוֹיִ֥םhag·gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study → enemiesאוֹיְבֵֽינוּ׃’ō·wy·ḇê·nū — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study →? 10Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study →, as well asוְגַם־wə·ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → my brothersאַחַ֣י’a·ḥay — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → and my servantsוּנְעָרַ֔יū·nə·‘ā·ray — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study →, have been lendingנֹשִׁ֥יםnō·šîm — to lend; to creditor or usurerH5383 — Full Word Study → the people moneyכֶּ֣סֶףke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study → and grainוְדָגָ֑ןwə·ḏā·ḡān — grain, wheat, cereal cropH1715 — Full Word Study →. Pleaseנָּ֖אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study →, let us stopנַֽעַזְבָה־na·‘az·ḇāh- — to abandon, forsake, or leave behindH5800 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → usuryהַמַּשָּׁ֥אham·maš·šā — Interest, usury, or exaction on a loanH4855 — Full Word Study →. 11Pleaseנָ֨אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → restoreהָשִׁיבוּ֩hā·šî·ḇū — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → to them immediatelyכְּהַיּ֗וֹםkə·hay·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → their fieldsשְׂדֹתֵיהֶ֛םśə·ḏō·ṯê·hem — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study →, vineyardsכַּרְמֵיהֶ֥םkar·mê·hem — Vineyard; a planted garden of grapevinesH3754 — Full Word Study →, olive grovesזֵיתֵיהֶ֖םzê·ṯê·hem — olive tree; Mount of OlivesH2132 — Full Word Study →, and housesוּבָתֵּיהֶ֑םū·ḇāt·tê·hem — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, along with the percentageוּמְאַ֨תū·mə·’aṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → of the moneyהַכֶּ֤סֶףhak·ke·sep̄ — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →, grainוְהַדָּגָן֙wə·had·dā·ḡān — grain, wheat, cereal cropH1715 — Full Word Study →, new wineהַתִּיר֣וֹשׁhat·tî·rō·wōš — new wine, freshly pressed or fermented grape juiceH8492 — Full Word Study →, and oilוְהַיִּצְהָ֔רwə·hay·yiṣ·hār — Anointing oil; fresh oil for consecration and blessingH3323 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → youאַתֶּ֖ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → have been assessingנֹשִׁ֥יםnō·šîm — to lend; to creditor or usurerH5383 — Full Word Study → them.” 12“We will restore it,” they repliedוַיֹּאמְר֣וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “and will requireנְבַקֵּ֔שׁnə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → nothingלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → more from them. We will doנַעֲשֶׂ֔הna·‘ă·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → asכַּאֲשֶׁ֖רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → youאַתָּ֣ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → sayאוֹמֵ֑ר’ō·w·mêr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →.” So I summonedוָאֶקְרָא֙wā·’eq·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → the priestsהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔יםhak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → and required of the nobles and officials an oath that they would doלַעֲשׂ֖וֹתla·‘ă·śō·wṯ — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → what they had promisedכַּדָּבָ֥רkad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. 13I alsoגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → shook outנָעַ֗רְתִּיnā·‘ar·tî — To shake, tremble, or cast offH5287 — Full Word Study → the folds of my robeחָצְנִ֣יḥā·ṣə·nî — Bosom; lap; embrace; chestH2684 — Full Word Study → and saidוָֽאֹמְרָ֡הwā·’ō·mə·rāh — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “May Godהָֽאֱלֹהִ֟יםhā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → likewiseכָּ֣כָהkā·ḵāh — Thus; in this manner; soH3602 — Full Word Study → shakeיְנַעֵ֪רyə·na·‘êr — To shake, tremble, or cast offH5287 — Full Word Study → out of His houseמִבֵּיתוֹ֙mib·bê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → and possession everyכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → manהָאִישׁ֩hā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → does notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → keepיָקִ֜יםyā·qîm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּ֗הhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → promiseהַדָּבָ֣רhad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. May such a man be shaken outנָע֖וּרnā·‘ūr — To shake, tremble, or cast offH5287 — Full Word Study → and have nothingוָרֵ֑קwā·rêq — Empty, worthless, vainH7386 — Full Word Study →!” The wholeכָֽל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → assemblyהַקָּהָ֜לhaq·qā·hāl — Assembly, congregation, gathering of peopleH6951 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּאמְר֨וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Amenאָמֵ֗ן’ā·mên — So be it; truly; affirmation of truth and agreementH543 — Full Word Study →,” and they praisedוַֽיְהַלְלוּ֙way·hal·lū — To praise, boast, or shine; to celebrate or make a displayH1984 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study →. And the peopleהָעָ֖םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → didוַיַּ֥עַשׂway·ya·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → as they had promisedכַּדָּבָ֥רkad·dā·ḇār — word, matter, thing, affairH1697 — Full Word Study →. 14Furthermoreגַּ֞םgam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study →, from the dayמִיּ֣וֹם׀mî·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → Kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Artaxerxesלְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּאlə·’ar·taḥ·šast — Artaxerxes, Persian king's titleH783 — Full Word Study → appointed meצִוָּ֣הṣiw·wāh — to command, order, or appoint with authorityH6680 — Full Word Study → to beלִהְי֣וֹתlih·yō·wṯ — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → their governorפֶּחָם֮pe·ḥām — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study → in the landבְּאֶ֣רֶץbə·’e·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → of Judahיְהוּדָה֒yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, from his twentiethעֶשְׂרִ֗ים‘eś·rîm — The number twenty; a complete group or scoreH6242 — Full Word Study → yearמִשְּׁנַ֣תmiš·šə·naṯ — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → untilוְ֠עַדwə·‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → his thirty-secondשְׁלֹשִׁ֤יםšə·lō·šîm — thirty; group of thirtyH7970 — Full Word Study → yearשְׁנַ֨תšə·naṯ — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → (twelveשְׁתֵּ֣יםšə·têm — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → years totalשָׁנִ֖יםšā·nîm — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study →), neither Iאֲנִ֣י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → nor my brothersוְאַחַ֔יwə·’a·ḥay — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study → ateאָכַֽלְתִּי׃’ā·ḵal·tî — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → the foodלֶ֥חֶםle·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → allotted to the governorהַפֶּ֖חָהhap·pe·ḥāh — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study →. 15The governorsוְהַפַּחוֹת֩wə·hap·pa·ḥō·wṯ — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study → before meלְפָנַ֜יlə·p̄ā·nay — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → had heavily burdenedהִכְבִּ֣ידוּhiḵ·bî·ḏū — to honor, glorify, or make heavy/weightyH3513 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֗םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, takingוַיִּקְח֨וּway·yiq·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → from them breadבְּלֶ֤חֶםbə·le·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → and wineוָיַ֙יִן֙wā·ya·yin — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study → plusאַחַר֙’a·ḥar — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → fortyאַרְבָּעִ֔ים’ar·bā·‘îm — the number forty; a period of testing or judgmentH705 — Full Word Study → shekelsשְׁקָלִ֣יםšə·qā·lîm — Ancient unit of weight and currency; shekelH8255 — Full Word Study → of silverכֶּֽסֶף־ke·sep̄- — Silver; money; price; valueH3701 — Full Word Study →. Their servantsנַעֲרֵיהֶ֖םna·‘ă·rê·hem — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → alsoגַּ֥םgam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → oppressedשָׁלְט֣וּšā·lə·ṭū — to rule, dominate, or exercise power overH7980 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֑םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →, but Iוַאֲנִי֙wa·’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → did notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → doעָשִׂ֣יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → thisכֵ֔ןḵên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study → becauseמִפְּנֵ֖יmip·pə·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → of my fearיִרְאַ֥תyir·’aṯ — Fear, reverence, dread, or aweH3374 — Full Word Study → of Godאֱלֹהִֽים׃’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. 16Insteadוְ֠גַםwə·ḡam — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study →, I devoted myselfהֶחֱזַ֔קְתִּיhe·ḥĕ·zaq·tî — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → to the constructionבִּמְלֶ֜אכֶתbim·le·ḵeṯ — Work, labor, occupation; manufactured goods or craftH4399 — Full Word Study → of theהַזֹּאת֙haz·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → wallהַחוֹמָ֤הha·ḥō·w·māh — A fortified wall or defensive barrierH2346 — Full Word Study →, and allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → my servantsנְעָרַ֔יnə·‘ā·ray — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → were gatheredקְבוּצִ֥יםqə·ḇū·ṣîm — to gather, assemble, or collect togetherH6908 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֖םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → forעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the workהַמְּלָאכָֽה׃ham·mə·lā·ḵāh — Work, labor, occupation; manufactured goods or craftH4399 — Full Word Study →; we did notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → acquireקָנִ֑ינוּqā·nî·nū — to acquire, buy, or possess through paymentH7069 — Full Word Study → any landוְשָׂדֶ֖הwə·śā·ḏeh — A field; cultivated or open landH7704 — Full Word Study →. 17There were 150מֵאָ֧הmê·’āh — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → Jewsוְהַיְּהוּדִ֨יםwə·hay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study → and officialsוְהַסְּגָנִ֜יםwə·has·sə·ḡā·nîm — Ruler, commander, or official overseerH5461 — Full Word Study → atעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → my tableשֻׁלְחָנִֽי׃šul·ḥā·nî — table, especially for eating or displaying itemsH7979 — Full Word Study →, besides the guestsוְהַבָּאִ֥יםwə·hab·bā·’îm — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the surroundingסְבִיבֹתֵ֖ינוּsə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·nū — around, on all sides, encirclingH5439 — Full Word Study → nationsהַגּוֹיִ֥םhag·gō·w·yim — Nation; a people or ethnic groupH1471 — Full Word Study →. 18Eachאֶחָ֗ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → dayלְי֣וֹםlə·yō·wm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → oneאֶחָ֞ד’e·ḥāḏ — One; unity; single; firstH259 — Full Word Study → oxשׁ֣וֹרšō·wr — Ox, bull, or cattleH7794 — Full Word Study →, sixשֵׁשׁ־šêš- — The number six; sixth in orderH8337 — Full Word Study → choiceבְּרֻר֤וֹתbə·ru·rō·wṯ — To purify, refine, make clean or brightH1305 — Full Word Study → sheepצֹ֠אןṣōn — flock of sheep or goatsH6629 — Full Word Study →, and some fowlוְצִפֳּרִים֙wə·ṣip·po·rîm — Bird or fowlH6833 — Full Word Study → were preparedנַֽעֲשׂוּ־na·‘ă·śū- — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → for me, and once everyוּבֵ֨יןū·ḇên — between, among, in the midst ofH996 — Full Word Study → tenעֲשֶׂ֧רֶת‘ă·śe·reṯ — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֛יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → an abundanceלְהַרְבֵּ֑הlə·har·bêh — To increase, multiply, grow abundantH7235 — Full Word Study → of all kindsבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → of wine was provided. But I did notלֹ֣אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → demandבִקַּ֔שְׁתִּיḇiq·qaš·tî — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → the foodלֶ֤חֶםle·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → allotted to the governorהַפֶּחָה֙hap·pe·ḥāh — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study →, becauseכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the burdenהָעֲבֹדָ֖הhā·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh — Work, service, labor, or toilH5656 — Full Word Study → onעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the peopleהָעָ֥םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → was so heavyכָֽבְדָ֥הḵā·ḇə·ḏāh — to honor, glorify, or make heavy/weightyH3513 — Full Word Study →. 19Rememberזָכְרָה־zā·ḵə·rāh- — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → me favorablyלְטוֹבָ֑הlə·ṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study →, O my Godאֱלֹהַ֖י’ĕ·lō·hay — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →, for allכֹּ֥לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I have doneעָשִׂ֖יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → forעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃פhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → peopleהָעָ֥םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Nehemiah 5
Chapter Overview

Overview: Nehemiah Chapter 5

While the wall of Jerusalem is being rebuilt, a serious internal crisis emerges that threatens the unity of God's people. Economic hardship has driven some wealthy Jews to exploit their poorer brethren through predatory lending and land seizure, reducing families to servitude. Nehemiah's swift, righteous response demonstrates that spiritual leadership requires not only vision for God's work but also unwavering commitment to justice and integrity. This chapter reveals that a leader's character and sacrifice are as vital to God's kingdom as any outward accomplishment.

Verses 1-5: The Cry of the Oppressed

The opening verses present a heartbreaking situation: the common people are crying out against their own Jewish brothers. Some families lack grain to feed themselves; others have mortgaged their land and vineyards to survive famine or to pay the king's tribute. The situation has become dire—children are being sold into servitude to cover debts, and families have no means to redeem them. Verse 5 captures the injustice starkly: these exploited families share the same flesh and blood as their oppressors, yet are being treated as property. The phrase "we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters" reveals how economic desperation has created an internal slavery within God's covenant community, contrary to Israel's own laws protecting kinfolk (Leviticus 25:39-40).

Verses 6-9: Nehemiah's Righteous Anger and Rebuke

Nehemiah's response is immediate and personal: "I was very angry" (verse 6). Rather than dismissing the complaint or protecting the wealthy elite, he directly confronts the nobles and rulers, accusing them of exacting usury—charging interest—against their own brothers. This practice violated God's law (Exodus 22:25). Nehemiah calls a great public assembly, creating accountability through transparency. His argument in verses 8-9 is powerful: the people had collectively redeemed fellow Jews from foreign captivity, yet now the wealthy were selling their own kinfolk into bondage for profit. He appeals to their fear of God and warns them of the reproach this brings upon God's name before their heathen enemies. True leadership confronts sin, not to shame individuals permanently, but to call them back to covenant obedience.

Verses 10-13: Restitution and Oath

Nehemiah demonstrates his own integrity by acknowledging that he and his officials could legally exact taxes and provisions for themselves, yet he chooses to forgo that right (verse 10). He then demands fourfold restitution: restoration of lands, vineyards, houses, and cancellation of the hundredth part—the monthly interest owed. The nobles immediately capitulate verbally (verse 12), but Nehemiah, knowing human hearts, calls the priests to administer an oath. His dramatic gesture of shaking his lap (verse 13) and pronouncing a curse illustrates the solemnity of the covenant being renewed. The people's response—"Amen, and praised the LORD"—shows that justice done in God's name brings corporate renewal and praise.

Verses 14-19: A Governor's Sacrifice

Nehemiah concludes by testifying to his own sacrificial example. For twelve years as governor, he refused the governor's bread allowance, though previous governors had extracted substantial provisions and tribute. He maintained his own table generously—feeding 150 officials daily—yet absorbed the cost himself out of fear of God and compassion for the people's bondage (verses 14-18). His final prayer (verse 19) is not boastful but a sincere appeal: "Think upon me, my God, for good." This reveals the heart of true servant leadership—not demanding recognition, but trusting God to remember faithful stewardship.

Application for Today

Nehemiah 5 challenges Christian leaders and believers to examine how they use wealth and position. Economic justice is a spiritual issue. We are called to protect the vulnerable, refuse unjust profit from our brothers and sisters, and model sacrificial generosity. Like Nehemiah, may we fear God more than we fear financial loss, and remember that the credibility of the gospel depends on the integrity of God's people.

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