King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:7 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:7 in the King James Version says “Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. I consulted: Heb. my heart consulted in me”

Nehemiah 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

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.

6

And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

7

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. I consulted: Heb. my heart consulted in me

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?

Read Nehemiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. 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. How does Nehemiah 5:7 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ1 of 19

“Then I consulted”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

לִבִּ֜י2 of 19

“with myself”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עָלַ֗י3 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וָֽאָרִ֙יבָה֙4 of 19

“and I rebuked”

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֶת5 of 19
H853

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

הַֽחֹרִ֣ים6 of 19

“the nobles”

H2715

properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)

וְאֶת7 of 19
H853

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

הַסְּגָנִ֔ים8 of 19

“and the rulers”

H5461

a prfect of a province

וָאֹֽמְרָ֣ה9 of 19

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֔ם10 of 19
H0
מַשָּׁ֥א11 of 19

“usury”

H4855

a loan; by implication, interest on a debt

אִישׁ12 of 19

“every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּאָחִ֖יו13 of 19

“of his brother”

H251

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

אַתֶּ֣ם14 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נֹשִׁ֑אים15 of 19
H5383

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

וָֽאֶתֵּ֥ן16 of 19

“And I set”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם17 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

קְהִלָּ֥ה18 of 19

“assembly”

H6952

an assemblage

גְדוֹלָֽה׃19 of 19

“a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 23:19-20Leviticus 25:36Exodus 22:25Deuteronomy 24:10-13Deuteronomy 15:2-32 Chronicles 19:6-7

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