King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:11 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:11 in the King James Version says “Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 5:11 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

13

Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise. emptied: Heb. empty, or, void

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 17 words
הָשִׁיבוּ֩1 of 17

“Restore”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

נָ֨א2 of 17
H4994

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

לָהֶ֜ם3 of 17
H0
כְּהַיּ֗וֹם4 of 17

“I pray you to them even this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׂדֹֽתֵיהֶ֛ם5 of 17

“their lands”

H7704

a field (as flat)

כַּרְמֵיהֶ֥ם6 of 17

“their vineyards”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

זֵֽיתֵיהֶ֖ם7 of 17

“their oliveyards”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

וּבָֽתֵּיהֶ֑ם8 of 17

“and their houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּמְאַ֨ת9 of 17

“also the hundredth”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הַכֶּ֤סֶף10 of 17

“part of the money”

H3701

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

וְהַדָּגָן֙11 of 17

“and of the corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ12 of 17

“the wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר13 of 17

“and the oil”

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתֶּ֖ם15 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נֹשִׁ֥ים16 of 17

“that ye exact”

H5383

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

בָּהֶֽם׃17 of 17
H0

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 58:6Leviticus 6:4-51 Samuel 12:3Nehemiah 5:3-42 Samuel 12:6Luke 3:8

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