Nehemiah 5:7
What does Nehemiah 5:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 5:7 means
Before acting, Nehemiah considers carefully, then directly accuses the nobles and rulers of exacting usury from their brothers. Charging interest to impoverished fellow Jews violated the spirit and letter of God’s law, which called them to mercy toward kin. By convening a great assembly, Nehemiah moves the matter from private complaint to public accountability. The gathering ensures transparency and communal ownership of the solution. This verse models both prudence—he consults with himself—and courage—he contends with the powerful. It shows that reform often requires both thoughtful preparation and open confrontation to restrain exploitation and restore justice.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after turning it over in my mind, I made a protest to the chiefs and the rulers, and said to them, Every one of you is taking interest from his countryman. And I got together a great meeting of protest.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and 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,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And my heart thought with myself: and I rebuked the nobles and magistrates, and said to them: Do you every one exact usury of your brethren? And I gathered together a great assembly against them,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I consulted with myself; and I remonstrated with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother! And I set a great assembly against them.
Context
Following his anger in verse 6, verse 7 shows Nehemiah’s method: deliberate, then confront. He identifies the offenders and creates a public forum. The next verses (8–11) will record the content of his rebuke and the specific remedies he demands, including stopping interest and restoring property. The assembly setting is key for what follows: it allows the nobles’ silence (verse 8) and later their promise (verse 12) to be witnessed and binding.
v.6And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
v.7This passage
v.8And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, that were sold unto the nations; and would ye even sell your brethren, and should they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found never a word.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 22:25
If thou lend money to any of my people with thee that is poor, thou shalt not be to him as a creditor; neither shall ye lay upon him interest.
- Psalms 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.
- Galatians 2:11
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
- Proverbs 27:5
Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.
- Leviticus 19:15
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.
- 2 Chronicles 19:6
and said to the judges, Consider what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for Jehovah; and he is with you in the judgment.
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