King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:10 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:10 in the King James Version says “I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usur...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.”

Nehemiah 5:10 · KJV

Prayer

Context

8

And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.

9

Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

10

I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

11

Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.

12

Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

Read Nehemiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. The Hebrew palal (פָּלַל) for prayer indicates intercession and petition, emphasizing dependence on God. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage teach about prayer's role in discerning and accomplishing God's will?
  2. How can you develop more sustained, biblically-grounded prayer practices in your daily routine?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְגַם1 of 13
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֲנִי֙2 of 13
H589

i

אַחַ֣י3 of 13

“I likewise and my brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וּנְעָרַ֔י4 of 13

“and my servants”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

נֹשִׁ֥ים5 of 13

“might exact”

H5383

to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest

בָּהֶ֖ם6 of 13
H0
כֶּ֣סֶף7 of 13

“of them money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְדָגָ֑ן8 of 13

“and corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

נַֽעַזְבָה9 of 13

“I pray you let us leave off”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

נָּ֖א10 of 13
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת11 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּשָּׁ֥א12 of 13

“this usury”

H4855

a loan; by implication, interest on a debt

הַזֶּֽה׃13 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 5:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 6:1Exodus 22:25-27Philemon 1:8-9Nehemiah 5:7Ezekiel 18:8Psalms 15:5

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 5 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes