King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:8 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:8 in the King James Version says “And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and wi...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 5:8 · KJV

SalvationPeace

Context

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?

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.

Read Nehemiah 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 5:8 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 · 22 words
וָאֹֽמְרָ֣ה1 of 22

“And I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֗ם2 of 22
H0
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ3 of 22
H587

we

קָ֠נִינוּ4 of 22

“have redeemed”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אֶת5 of 22
H853

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

אֲחֵיכֶ֖ם6 of 22

“our brethren”

H251

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

הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים7 of 22

“the Jews”

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

וְנִמְכְּרוּ8 of 22

“and will ye even sell”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לַגּוֹיִם֙9 of 22

“unto the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כְּדֵ֣י10 of 22

“unto them We after our ability”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

בָ֔נוּ11 of 22
H0
וְגַם12 of 22
H1571

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

אַתֶּ֛ם13 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְנִמְכְּרוּ14 of 22

“and will ye even sell”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

אֶת15 of 22
H853

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

אֲחֵיכֶ֖ם16 of 22

“our brethren”

H251

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

וְנִמְכְּרוּ17 of 22

“and will ye even sell”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לָ֑נוּ18 of 22
H0
וַֽיַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ19 of 22

“unto us Then held they their peace”

H2790

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

וְלֹ֥א20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מָֽצְא֖וּ21 of 22

“and found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

דָּבָֽר׃22 of 22
H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

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 5:8 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 5:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:47-49Romans 14:15Job 32:15Job 29:10Deuteronomy 24:72 Corinthians 8:12

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