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I told them, &#8220You are charging your own people interest!&#8221 So I called together a large meeting to deal with them <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. I told them, “You are hurting your own relatives by charging interest when they borrow money!” Then I called a public meeting to deal with the problem. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/5.htm">New King James Version</a> After serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and rulers, and said to them, “Each of you is exacting usury from his brother.” So I called a great assembly against them. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So I thought it over and contended with the nobles and the leading people, and said to them, “You are lending at interest, each to his brother!” Therefore, I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> I consulted with myself and contended with the nobles and the rulers and said to them, &#8220You are exacting usury, each from his brother!&#8221 Therefore, I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers and said to them, “You are exacting usury, each from his brother!” Therefore, I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I consulted within my own heart and contended with the nobles and the officials and said to them, “You are exacting usury, each from his brother!” Therefore, I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I thought it over and then challenged the nobles and the rulers. I said to them, “You are exacting usury (excessive interest) from your own brother (relative).” So I held a great assembly to confront them. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After seriously considering the matter, I accused the nobles and officials, saying to them, “Each of you is charging his countrymen interest.” So I called a large assembly against them <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After seriously considering the matter, I accused the nobles and officials, saying to them, &#8220Each of you is charging his countrymen interest.&#8221 So I called a large assembly against them <a href="/asv/nehemiah/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So I thought it over and said to the leaders and officials, "How can you charge your own people interest?" Then I called a public meeting and accused the leaders <a href="/erv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After thinking it over, I confronted the nobles and the leaders. I told them, "You are charging interest on loans made to your own relatives." I arranged for a large meeting to deal with them. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> and decided to act. I denounced the leaders and officials of the people and told them, "You are oppressing your own relatives!" I called a public assembly to deal with the problem <a href="/isv/nehemiah/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> So after thinking it over carefully, I accused the officials and nobles openly, "Every one of you is charging your fellow countrymen interest!" So I opened a public investigation against them. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, ?You are exacting usury from your own brothers!? So I called a large assembly against them <a href="/net/nehemiah/5.htm">NET Bible</a> I considered these things carefully and then registered a complaint with the wealthy and the officials. I said to them, "Each one of you is seizing the collateral from your own countrymen!" Because of them I called for a great public assembly. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, "You exact usury, everyone of his brother." I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said to them, Ye exact interest, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. <a href="/web/nehemiah/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, “You exact usury, everyone of his brother.” I held a great assembly against them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and my heart reigns over me, and I strive with the nobles, and with the prefects, and say to them, “You are exacting usury on one another”; and I set against them a great assembly, <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and my heart reigneth over me, and I strive with the freemen, and with the prefects, and say to them, 'Usury one upon another ye are exacting;' and I set against them a great assembly, <a href="/slt/nehemiah/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And my heart will take counsel to me, and I shall contend with the nobles and the prefects, and say to them, Ye impose a debt each upon his brother. And I shall give a great convocation against them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And my heart thought with myself: and I rebuked the nobles and magistrates, and said to them: Do you every one ex- act usury of your brethren ? And I gathered together a great assembly against them, <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And my heart considered within me. And I rebuked the nobles and the magistrates, and I said to them, “Have you each been exacting usury from your brothers?” And I gathered together a great assembly against them. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Bible</a> After some deliberation, I called the nobles and magistrates to account, saying to them, “You are exacting interest from your own kindred!” I then rebuked them severely, <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> After thinking it over, I brought charges against the nobles and the officials; I said to them, “You are all taking interest from your own people.” And I called a great assembly to deal with them,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I was patient, and I consulted with the elders and with the rulers, and said to them, <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And my heart was broken within me, and I extended my spirit, and I spoke with the Elders and with the Princes.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them: 'Ye lend upon pledge, every one to his brother.' And I held a great assembly against them. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And my heart took counsel within me, and I contended against the nobles, and the princes, and I said to them, Should every man demand of his brother what ye demand? And I appointed against them a great assembly, <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/5-7.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=1070" 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> …6When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry, 7<a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">and after serious</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: way·yim·mā·lêḵ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">thought</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: wā·’ā·rî·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">I rebuked</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2715.htm" title="2715: ha·ḥō·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A noble. Or chowr; from charar; properly, white or pure (compare choriy); hence (figuratively) noble (in rank).">the nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5461.htm" title="5461: has·sə·ḡā·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A prefect, ruler. From an unused root meaning to superintend; a prefect of a province.">and officials,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wā·’ō·mə·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/5378.htm" title="5378: nō·šim (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To beguile, deceive. A primitive root; to lend on interest; by implication, to dun for debt.">are exacting</a> <a href="/hebrew/4855.htm" title="4855: maš·šā (N-ms) -- Lending on interest, usury. From nashah; a loan; by implication, interest on a debt.">usury</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: bə·’ā·ḥîw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">from your own brothers!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wā·’et·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">So I called</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">a large</a> <a href="/hebrew/6952.htm" title="6952: qə·hil·lāh (N-fs) -- Assembly, congregation. From qahal; an assemblage.">assembly</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against them</a> 8and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say.…<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/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25</a> If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest. <a href="/leviticus/25-35.htm">Leviticus 25:35-37</a> Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. / Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. / You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-19.htm">Deuteronomy 23:19-20</a> Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. / You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess. <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Proverbs 28:8</a> He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. <a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Ezekiel 22:12</a> In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. <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="/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="/micah/3-1.htm">Micah 3:1-3</a> Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? / You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. / You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” <a href="/jeremiah/34-8.htm">Jeremiah 34:8-11</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="/psalms/15-5.htm">Psalm 15:5</a> who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a> If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. <a href="/luke/6-34.htm">Luke 6:34-35</a> And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. / But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. <a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a> But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28-29</a> It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: / You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said to them, You exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.I consulted with myself.<a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Psalm 4:4</a> Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.<a href="/psalms/27-8.htm">Psalm 27:8</a> When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.I rebuked<a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a> Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.<a href="/2_chronicles/19-6.htm">2 Chronicles 19:6,7</a> And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment… <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Psalm 82:1-4</a> A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods… Ye exact usury<a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25</a> If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.<a href="/leviticus/25-36.htm">Leviticus 25:36</a> Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.<a href="/deuteronomy/15-2.htm">Deuteronomy 15:2,3</a> And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release… I set a great assembly<a href="/2_chronicles/28-9.htm">2 Chronicles 28:9-13</a> But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven… <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">Matthew 18:17</a> And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/21-38.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/ezra/10-14.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm">Charges</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-3.htm">Consulted</a> <a href="/judges/8-1.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-15.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Countryman</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-1.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-8.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-3.htm">Exact</a> <a href="/luke/19-22.htm">Exacting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Held</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-44.htm">Interest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-44.htm">Lend</a> <a href="/ezra/10-8.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-14.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-3.htm">Pledge</a> <a href="/luke/2-19.htm">Pondered</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-42.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-21.htm">Rebuked</a> <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Remonstrated</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-8.htm">Together</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-25.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm">Usury</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/3-8.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-13.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-9.htm">Charges</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-17.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/psalms/71-10.htm">Consulted</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-7.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/romans/16-11.htm">Countryman</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-5.htm">Countrymen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-24.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Exact</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Exacting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-8.htm">Held</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Interest</a> <a href="/psalms/15-5.htm">Lend</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-2.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-19.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-12.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-12.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/job/17-3.htm">Pledge</a> <a href="/job/32-11.htm">Pondered</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-27.htm">Protest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Rebuked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Remonstrated</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-17.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-2.htm">Together</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-26.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Usury</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>and after serious thought Nehemiah's response to the situation was not impulsive; he took time to consider the matter carefully. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and understanding before acting, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>. It also demonstrates the importance of discernment and prayerful consideration in leadership, akin to Jesus' practice of withdrawing to pray before making significant decisions (<a href="/luke/6-12.htm">Luke 6:12-13</a>).I rebuked the nobles and officials Nehemiah directly confronted those in positions of power, showing his commitment to justice and righteousness. This mirrors the prophetic tradition of holding leaders accountable, as seen in the ministries of prophets like Nathan (<a href="/2_samuel/12.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-7</a>) and Elijah (<a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">1 Kings 18:18</a>). It underscores the biblical mandate for leaders to act justly and protect the vulnerable (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>).saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” The practice of charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites was explicitly prohibited in the Law (<a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25</a>, <a href="/leviticus/25-35.htm">Leviticus 25:35-37</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/23-19.htm">Deuteronomy 23:19-20</a>). Nehemiah's rebuke highlights the violation of covenantal laws meant to ensure community welfare and solidarity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of economic justice and care for the poor, which Jesus also emphasized in His teachings (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a>).So I called a large assembly against them Nehemiah's decision to gather the community reflects the biblical principle of communal accountability and the importance of public correction in restoring justice. This assembly served as a means to address grievances and restore social order, similar to the early church's practice of resolving disputes within the community (<a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6-21</a>). It also prefigures the eschatological gathering of God's people, where justice and righteousness will be fully realized (<a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He is known for his role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and reforming the community. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nobles_and_officials.htm">Nobles and Officials</a> These are the Jewish leaders and wealthy individuals who were exploiting their fellow Jews by charging excessive interest, contrary to the Law of Moses. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a> Nehemiah calls a large gathering of the people to address the issue of usury and to hold the nobles and officials accountable for their actions. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish life and worship, and the focus of Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts. 5. <a href="/topical/u/usury.htm">Usury</a> The practice of charging excessive interest on loans, which was forbidden among the Israelites according to the Law (<a href="/exodus/22-25.htm">Exodus 22:25</a>, <a href="/leviticus/25-36.htm">Leviticus 25:36-37</a>).<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/confronting_injustice.htm">Confronting Injustice</a> Nehemiah's example teaches us the importance of addressing injustice and exploitation within our communities, especially when it affects the vulnerable. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_accountability.htm">Leadership and Accountability</a> Effective leadership involves holding others accountable to God's standards, even when it requires difficult conversations. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> As members of a faith community, we have a responsibility to care for one another and ensure that our actions align with biblical principles. <a href="/topical/t/thoughtful_action.htm">Thoughtful Action</a> Nehemiah's "serious thought" before rebuking the nobles emphasizes the need for prayerful consideration and wisdom in addressing issues. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_reconciliation.htm">Restoration and Reconciliation</a> The goal of confronting sin is not just correction but also the restoration of relationships and community harmony.<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/which_numbers_are_accurate__nehemiah_or_ezra.htm">If the numbers in Nehemiah 7 differ from parallel lists in Ezra, which set of figures is historically accurate, and why do they conflict?</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_is_there_no_evidence_of_nehemiah's_famine.htm">In Nehemiah 5:3, how could a widespread famine have occurred without more historical or archaeological evidence supporting such socio-economic turmoil in Jerusalem at that time?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_nehemiah_use_force_in_13_25.htm">Why does Nehemiah resort to physical force (Nehemiah 13:25) to enforce marriage laws, and doesn't this contradict other scriptures urging gentleness and compassion?</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>(7) I consulted.--But he mastered himself, and studied his plan of operation. The matter was complicated, as the transgressors had violated rather the spirit than the letter of the law. Hence the rebuke, that they exacted usury each of his brother, failed in its object; and the governor called a general assembly, not "against them," but "concerning them."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury. So the Vulgate, and most commentators; but Bertheau has shown that the expression used, which is peculiar to Nehemiah, cannot have this meaning, since it is not the taking of usury that has been complained of, or that Nehemiah is especially anxious to stop, but the lending of money upon the security of lands, houses, or children, with its consequences, the forfeiture of the lands and houses, with the enslavement of the children. He therefore translates, "I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye lend upon pledge." I set a great assembly against them. It is evident that Nehemiah's rebuke had no effect. The nobles gave him no reason to think that they would change their conduct. He was therefore compelled to bring the matter before the people; not that they had any legal power, but he felt that the nobles might be ashamed or afraid to continue their oppression when it was openly denounced by the chief civil ruler in the hearing of a great assembly of their countrymen. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and after serious לִבִּ֜י (lib·bî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre thought וַיִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ (way·yim·mā·lêḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel I rebuked וָאָרִ֙יבָה֙ (wā·’ā·rî·ḇāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend the nobles הַחֹרִ֣ים (ha·ḥō·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2715.htm">Strong's 2715: </a> White, pure, noble and officials, הַסְּגָנִ֔ים (has·sə·ḡā·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5461.htm">Strong's 5461: </a> A prefect of a, province saying, וָאֹמְרָ֣ה (wā·’ō·mə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “You אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are exacting נֹשִׁ֑ים‪‬‪‬‪‬נשאיםנֹשִׁ֑ים‪‬‪‬‪‬ (nō·šim) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5383.htm">Strong's 5383: </a> To lend, borrow on security, interest usury מַשָּׁ֥א (maš·šā) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5378.htm">Strong's 5378: </a> To lend on interest, to dun for, debt from your own brothers!” בְּאָחִ֖יו (bə·’ā·ḥîw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) So I called וָאֶתֵּ֥ן (wā·’et·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set a large גְדוֹלָֽה׃ (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent assembly קְהִלָּ֥ה (qə·hil·lāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6952.htm">Strong's 6952: </a> Assembly, congregation against them עָלַ֗י (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-7.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 5:7 Then I consulted with myself and contended (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/5-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:8" /></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>