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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nehemiah 5:5 We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/5-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/16_Neh_05_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 5:5 - Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/nehemiah/5-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/nehemiah/5-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/">Nehemiah</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm" title="Nehemiah 5:4">◄</a> Nehemiah 5:5 <a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm" title="Nehemiah 5:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/5.htm">New International Version</a> Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> We belong to the same family as those who are wealthy, and our children are just like theirs. Yet we must sell our children into slavery just to get enough money to live. We have already sold some of our daughters, and we are helpless to do anything about it, for our fields and vineyards are already mortgaged to others.” <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.” <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children; and indeed we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have been brought into slavery. It is not in our power to redeem them, for other men have our lands and vineyards.” <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. Yet behold, we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters are forced into bondage already, and we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. Yet behold, we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters are forced into bondage already, and we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. Yet behold, we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters are forced into bondage already, and we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. Yet behold, we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters are forced into subjugation, and we have no power in our hands to help, and our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/amp/nehemiah/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now our flesh (skin) is the same as that of our brothers (relatives), and our children are like their children, yet here we are forcing (selling) our sons and our daughters to be slaves; and some of our daughters are forced into bondage already, and we are powerless [to redeem them] because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/csb/nehemiah/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.&#8221 <a href="/asv/nehemiah/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We are Jews just as they are, and our children are as good as theirs. But we still have to sell our children as slaves, and some of our daughters have already been raped. We are completely helpless; our fields and vineyards have even been taken from us." <a href="/erv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We have the same flesh and blood as our relatives. Our children are just like theirs. Yet, we have to force our sons and daughters to become slaves. Some of our daughters have already become slaves. But we can't do anything else when our fields and vineyards belong to others." <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> We are of the same race as the other Jews. Aren't our children just as good as theirs? But we have to make slaves of our children. Some of our daughters have already been sold as slaves. We are helpless because our fields and vineyards have been taken away from us." <a href="/isv/nehemiah/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now our bodies are no different than the bodies of our relatives, and our children are like their children. Nevertheless, we're about to force our sons and daughters into slavery, and some of our daughters are already in bondage. It's beyond our power to do anything about it, because our fields and vineyards belong to others." <a href="/msb/nehemiah/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.? <a href="/net/nehemiah/5.htm">NET Bible</a> And now, though we share the same flesh and blood as our fellow countrymen, and our children are just like their children, still we have found it necessary to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have been subjected to slavery, while we are powerless to help, since our fields and vineyards now belong to other people." <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Look, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. Neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards." <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought to bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards. <a href="/web/nehemiah/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold, we bring our sons and our daughters into bondage to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. It is also not in our power to help it, because other men have our fields and our vineyards.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now, as the flesh of our brothers [is] our flesh, as their sons [are] our sons, and behold, we are subduing our sons and our daughters for servants, and there are [those] of our daughters subdued, and our hand has no might, and our fields and our vineyards [are] to others.” <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, as the flesh of our brethren is our flesh, as their sons are our sons, and lo, we are subduing our sons and our daughters for servants, and there are of our daughters subdued, and our hand hath no might, and our fields and our vineyards are to others.' <a href="/slt/nehemiah/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now according to the flesh of our brethren, our flesh; as their sons, our sons: and behold, we subdue our sons and our daughters for servants, and there is from our daughters being subdued: and not to the strength of our hand and our fields and our vineyards to others.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren: and our children as their children. Behold we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters, and some of our daughters are bondwomen already, neither have we wherewith to redeem them, and our fields and our vineyards other men possess. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “And now, as is the flesh of our brothers, so is our flesh; and as are their sons, so also are our sons. Behold, we have subjugated our sons and our daughters into servitude, and some of our daughters are slaves, nor do we have the ability to redeem them, for others possess our fields and our vineyards.” <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Bible</a> And though these are our own kindred, and our children are as good as theirs, we have had to reduce our sons and daughters to slavery, and violence has been done to some of our daughters! Yet we can do nothing about it, for our fields and vineyards belong to others.” <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now our flesh is the same as that of our kindred; our children are the same as their children; and yet we are forcing our sons and daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have been ravished; we are powerless, and our fields and vineyards now belong to others.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And there were also those who said, Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children are as their children; and, lo, we are compelling our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are already compelled to become maidservants; and yet they do not raise their hands in protest before God; and our fields, our vineyards, and our goods are given for other men. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And there were those who said: “Therefore as the flesh of our brethren, so also is our flesh, and like their children, so also are our children! Behold, therefore, we are compelling our sons and our daughters as our Servants, and there were some of our daughters whom we subjected to Maid Servants, and they did not lift their hands before God, and our fields and our vineyards and our goods we gave to others!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children; and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought into bondage already; neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards.' <a href="/sep/nehemiah/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children are as their children: yet, behold, we are reducing our sons and our daughters to slavery, and some of our daughters are enslaved: and there is no power of our hands, for our fields and our vineyards belong to the nobles. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=1044" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed</a> …4Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. 5<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: kiḇ·śar (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: kiḇ·nê·hem (Prep-k:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">We and our children</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’a·ḥê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">are just like our countrymen</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bə·śā·rê·nū (N-msc:: 1cp) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and their children,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">yet we</a> <a href="/hebrew/3533.htm" title="3533: ḵō·ḇə·šîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate.">are subjecting</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">our sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·ṯê·nū (N-fpc:: 1cp) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">and daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">to slavery.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: wə·yêš (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">Some of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: mib·bə·nō·ṯê·nū (Prep-m:: N-fpc:: 1cp) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">our daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/3533.htm" title="3533: niḵ·bā·šō·wṯ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-fp) -- A primitive root; to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate.">are already enslaved,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">but we are powerless to redeem them</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: lə·’êl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏê·nū (N-fsc:: 1cp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: ū·śə·ḏō·ṯê·nū (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">because our fields</a> <a href="/hebrew/3754.htm" title="3754: ū·ḵə·rā·mê·nū (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 1cp) -- A vineyard. From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a garden or vineyard.">and vineyards</a> <a href="/hebrew/312.htm" title="312: la·’ă·ḥê·rîm (Prep-l:: Adj-mp) -- Another. From 'achar; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.">belong to others.”</a> 6When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">Exodus 21:7-11</a> And if a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as the menservants do. / If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who had designated her for himself, he must allow her to be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, since he has broken faith with her. / And if he chooses her for his son, he must deal with her as with a daughter. ... <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-15</a> If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a> Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? <a href="/jeremiah/34-8.htm">Jeremiah 34:8-17</a> After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, the word came to Jeremiah from the LORD / that each man should free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female, and no one should hold his fellow Jew in bondage. / So all the officials and all the people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their menservants and maidservants and no longer hold them in bondage. They obeyed and released them, ... <a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Ezekiel 18:7-8</a> He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. / He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. <a href="/amos/2-6.htm">Amos 2:6-7</a> This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. / They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name. <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-6</a> Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, / asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. / Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25-27</a> Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. / Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ / His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him. <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a> “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” <a href="/luke/12-57.htm">Luke 12:57-59</a> And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? / Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. / I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.” <a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34-36</a> Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. / A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. / So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. <a href="/acts/4-32.htm">Acts 4:32-35</a> The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. / With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. / There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ... <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children: and, see, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought to bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.our flesh<a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Genesis 37:27</a> Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.<a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7</a> Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?<a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5,6</a> Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? … we<a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Exodus 21:1-11</a> Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them… <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: … <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a> Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/28-13.htm">Already</a> <a href="/ezra/9-9.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-2.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-8.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-12.htm">Help</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Lands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-10.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-21.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-23.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm">Vineyards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/7-7.htm">Already</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-63.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-11.htm">Fields</a> <a href="/job/2-5.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Help</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-11.htm">Lands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-37.htm">Power</a> <a href="/job/3-5.htm">Redeem</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-11.htm">Vineyards</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 5</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/5-1.htm">The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage</a> 6. <a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm">Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution</a> 14. <a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children This phrase highlights the shared identity and equality among the Israelites. Despite their common heritage and covenant relationship with God, social and economic disparities have arisen. The Israelites were meant to be a unified community, as seen in the laws given in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which emphasize justice and care for one another. This situation reflects a failure to live out those principles, leading to internal strife.yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery The practice of debt slavery was a reality in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel. According to the Mosaic Law, Israelites could become servants to pay off debts, but they were to be treated with dignity and released in the Year of Jubilee (<a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-41</a>). This situation in Nehemiah reveals a violation of these laws, as fellow Jews were exploiting their own people, contrary to God's commands for justice and mercy.Some of our daughters are already enslaved The mention of daughters specifically highlights the vulnerability of women in ancient societies. Daughters could be sold into servitude to settle debts, a practice that was supposed to be regulated by the law to prevent abuse (<a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">Exodus 21:7-11</a>). This exploitation underscores the severity of the economic crisis and the moral decline among the Israelites, as they failed to protect the most vulnerable.but we are powerless to redeem them The inability to redeem their children indicates a loss of economic independence and a breach of the covenant community's responsibility to care for one another. Redemption was a key concept in Israelite law, symbolizing God's deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/6-6.htm">Exodus 6:6</a>). The lack of power to redeem reflects a spiritual and communal failure, as the people are not living according to God's redemptive purposes.because our fields and vineyards belong to others Ownership of land was central to Israelite identity and God's promises to Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12-7.htm">Genesis 12:7</a>). The loss of land signifies a loss of inheritance and blessing. In the context of Nehemiah, this situation is a direct result of economic exploitation and injustice, which Nehemiah seeks to address. The land was meant to be a source of sustenance and stability, and its loss represents a significant threat to the community's future and faithfulness to God's covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is deeply concerned about the welfare of his people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_people.htm">Jewish People</a> The community of Israelites who have returned from exile and are struggling with economic hardship and social injustice. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, significant as the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people. 4. <a href="/topical/n/nobles_and_officials.htm">Nobles and Officials</a> The wealthy and influential members of the Jewish community who are exploiting their fellow Israelites through usury and enslavement. 5. <a href="/topical/s/slavery_and_debt.htm">Slavery and Debt</a> The economic and social crisis faced by the Jewish people, where they are forced to sell their children into slavery due to overwhelming debt.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/compassion_and_justice.htm">Compassion and Justice</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a> highlights the need for compassion and justice within the community. Believers are called to care for one another and ensure that no one is oppressed or exploited. <a href="/topical/e/economic_integrity.htm">Economic Integrity</a> The passage challenges us to examine our own economic practices and ensure they align with biblical principles of fairness and generosity. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> The plight of the Israelites reminds us of our responsibility to support and uplift those in our community who are struggling, rather than taking advantage of their misfortune. <a href="/topical/g/god's_heart_for_freedom.htm">God's Heart for Freedom</a> The enslavement of children in this passage contrasts with God's desire for His people to live in freedom. We are reminded to advocate for the freedom and dignity of all individuals. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> Nehemiah's response to this crisis later in the chapter calls for repentance and restoration, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and right relationships within our communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 5</a> <a href="/q/why_is_nehemiah_5_poorly_corroborated.htm">The entire chapter of Nehemiah 5 portrays significant social reforms; why is there minimal corroboration from Persian-era documents or other archaeological findings?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_nehemiah_5_7's_contradiction.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 suggests interest-taking was widespread despite Mosaic Law prohibitions (e.g., Exodus 22:25); how can this contradiction be reconciled?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_records_of_jewish_servitude.htm">In Nehemiah 5:4-5, why do no contemporary records outside the Bible mention Jewish families losing their children to servitude under Persian rule?</a> <a href="/q/does_ephesians_6_5_condone_slavery.htm">Ephesians 6:5: Does the instruction for slaves to obey masters suggest the Bible condones slavery, and how does that align with modern ethical standards?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) We bring into bondage.--But the climax of the cry was the bondage of their children, especially of the daughters, whom they had been obliged to sell until the Jubile for money: children as precious to their parents as were the children of the rulers to them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren. We love our own flesh and blood, poor as we are, just as much as do our richer brethren; our children are as dear to us as theirs to them. The necessity which compels us to bring into bondage our sons and our daughters is therefore most grievous to us. Some of our daughters are brought into bondage already. On the power of fathers to sell their daughters, see <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">Exodus 21:7</a>. Neither is it in our power to redeem them. Literally, "nor is aught in the power of our hands" (see <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29</a>). We have no remedy; it is not in our power to effect any change. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>We and our children כִּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם (kiḇ·nê·hem) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son are just like our countrymen אַחֵ֙ינוּ֙ (’a·ḥê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) and their children, בָּנֵ֑ינוּ (bā·nê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son yet we אֲנַ֣חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We are subjecting כֹ֠בְשִׁים (ḵō·ḇə·šîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3533.htm">Strong's 3533: </a> To subdue, bring into bondage our sons בָּנֵ֨ינוּ (bā·nê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and daughters בְּנֹתֵ֜ינוּ (bə·nō·ṯê·nū) Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter to slavery. לַעֲבָדִ֗ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant Some of וְיֵ֨שׁ (wə·yêš) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> Being, substance, existence, is our daughters מִבְּנֹתֵ֤ינוּ (mib·bə·nō·ṯê·nū) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> A daughter are already enslaved, נִכְבָּשׁוֹת֙ (niḵ·bā·šō·wṯ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3533.htm">Strong's 3533: </a> To subdue, bring into bondage but we are powerless [to redeem them] וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle because our fields וּשְׂדֹתֵ֥ינוּ (ū·śə·ḏō·ṯê·nū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land and vineyards וּכְרָמֵ֖ינוּ (ū·ḵə·rā·mê·nū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> A garden, vineyard belong to others.” לַאֲחֵרִֽים׃ (la·’ă·ḥê·rîm) Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> Hinder, next, other <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 5:5 Yet now our flesh is as (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/5-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>