Nehemiah 5:4
Nehemiah 5:4 in Multiple Translations
Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute upon our fields and our vineyards.
And there were others who said, We have given up our fields and our vine-gardens to get money for the king's taxes.
Still more said, “We've had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay the king's tax.
There were also that said, We haue borowed money for the Kings tribute vpon our landes and our vineyardes.
And there are who are saying, 'We have borrowed money for the tribute of the king, [on] our fields, and our vineyards;
There were also some who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral.
There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
And others said: Let us borrow money for the king’s tribute, and let us give up our fields and vineyards:
Others said, “We have needed to borrow money to pay the taxes that the king commanded us to pay on our fields and our vineyards.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 5:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 5:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יֵשׁ֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אֹמְרִ֔ים
לָוִ֥ינוּ
כֶ֖סֶף
לְ/מִדַּ֣ת
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
שְׂדֹתֵ֖י/נוּ
וּ/כְרָמֵֽי/נוּ
וְ/יֵשׁ֙
yêsh
H3426
there
Conj | Part
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֹמְרִ֔ים
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal
לָוִ֥ינוּ
lâvâh
H3867
to join
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
כֶ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
לְ/מִדַּ֣ת
middâh
H4060
`great stature`
Prep | N-fs
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
שְׂדֹתֵ֖י/נוּ
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-mp | Suff
וּ/כְרָמֵֽי/נוּ
kerem
H3754
vineyard
Conj | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 5:4
וְ/יֵשׁ֙
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֹמְרִ֔ים
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָוִ֥ינוּ
lâvâh
H3867
"to join"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to borrow or lend, implying a sense of obligation, as seen in various Bible translations, including abide with or join self.
Definition: 1) to join, be joined 1a) (Qal) to join, be joined, attend 1b) (Niphal) to join oneself to, be joined unto
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: abide with, borrow(-er), cleave, join (self), lend(-er). See also: Genesis 29:34; Psalms 112:5; Psalms 37:21.
כֶ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
לְ/מִדַּ֣ת
middâh
H4060
"`great stature`"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something that is measured, like height, width, or a portion of something. It can also refer to a garment or tribute, like a tax. It is used to describe Goliath's great stature in 2 Samuel 21:20.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.20; son of: Rapha (H7497A); brother of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902) § (BDB) tribute
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: garment, measure(-ing, meteyard, piece, size, (great) stature, tribute, wide. See also: Exodus 26:2; Isaiah 45:14; Psalms 39:5.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
שְׂדֹתֵ֖י/נוּ
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-mp | Suff
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וּ/כְרָמֵֽי/נוּ
kerem
H3754
"vineyard"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
A vineyard, or kerem, was a garden or plot of land used for growing vines and other crops. In the Bible, vineyards were often used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the book of Isaiah and the parables of Jesus.
Definition: vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also H1021 (בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם). See also: Genesis 9:20; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 107:37.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 5:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 5:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:4
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 5:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
- Sermons on Nehemiah 5:4
Context — Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
2Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous. We must get grain in order to eat and stay alive.”
3Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.”
4Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards.
5We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” 6When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:13 | Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. |
| 2 | Ezra 4:20 | And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 28:47–48 | Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance, you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 9:21 | their descendants who remained in the land, those whom the Israelites were unable to devote to destruction —Solomon conscripted these people to be forced laborers, as they are to this day. |
| 5 | Ezra 7:24 | And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 9:37 | Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress. |
| 7 | Joshua 16:10 | But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers. |
Nehemiah 5:4 Summary
In Nehemiah 5:4, the people are saying they had to borrow money to pay the taxes on their land, which was a big burden for them. This shows that they were struggling to make ends meet and were desperate for a solution. It's like when we have to borrow money to pay our bills, and it can be really stressful. As Christians, we can learn from this verse to trust in God's provision, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 16:1-36, and to be wise stewards of the resources He gives us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to borrow money to pay the king's tax on fields and vineyards?
In Nehemiah 5:4, the people are saying they had to borrow money to pay the taxes imposed by the king on their land, which was likely a heavy burden, as mentioned in Nehemiah 5:5, and is comparable to the economic hardships faced by the Israelites in Exodus 2:23.
Why were the people struggling to pay their taxes?
The people were struggling to pay their taxes due to the famine and economic hardships they were facing, as mentioned in Nehemiah 5:3, which forced them to mortgage their properties to get grain, similar to the situation in Deuteronomy 28:38-40 where the Israelites were warned about the consequences of disobedience.
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?
This verse highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of the resources God has given us, as mentioned in Matthew 25:14-30, where the parable of the talents emphasizes the need to manage our resources wisely and avoid debt.
What can we learn from the people's desperation in this verse?
The people's desperation in Nehemiah 5:4 serves as a reminder to trust in God's provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, and to seek His guidance in times of financial hardship, rather than relying solely on human solutions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be struggling to trust God's provision, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I apply the principles of responsible stewardship in my own life, especially when it comes to managing debt and resources?
- What are some ways I can help others who may be struggling with financial burdens, just as Nehemiah helped the Israelites in Nehemiah 5:6-13?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of prioritizing my relationship with God and seeking His guidance in times of need?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:4
There were also that said,.... Who though they were able to buy corn for their families without mortgaging their estates: yet, say they, we have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:4
For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
The kings tribute was laid upon them all. See 7:24
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
Nehemiah 5:4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’ s tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards.Ver. 4. There were also that said] Here was a third complaint to good Nehemiah; to whom whosoever lamented were sure to have redress and remedy, he did not serve these poor people as that merciless bishop of Mentz, in Germany, did; who, to rid his hands of them in a time of famine, in horreo conclusos iussit concremari, shut them up all together in a barn, and there burnt them (Hatto, Archiep. Mogunt. A. D. 923). He was afterwards eaten to death by rats, non sine maxima divinae vindictae suspicione, saith mine author, by a just hand of God upon him for his cruelty to those poor, whom he would not relieve with his grain, but let the rats eat it; and of whom he said, when they were burning in his barn, that they cried like a company of rats. We have borrowed money for the king’ s tribute] They did not deny payment, and rise up in arms, making poverty their captain, as the Suffolk men did here in Henry VIII’ s time. Neither did they answer the king of Persia’ s officers, as the men of Andros once did Themistocles. He, being sent by the Athenians to them for tribute, told them that he came unto them on that errand, accompanied with two goddesses, Eloquence, to persuade, and Violence, to enforce them. Their answer was, that they also had on their side two goddesses as strong; Necessity, for they had it not, and Impossibility, for they knew not how to raise it (Plutarch).
These men pawn their lands to pay tribute; but it went to their hearts, and caused this complaint.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
(4) We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute.—Literally, we have made our fields and vineyards answerable for the payment of the Persian tribute. They had pledged the coming produce.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
Verse 4. We have borrowed money] This should be read, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute on our lands and vineyards. They had a tax to pay to the Persian king in token of their subjection to him, and though it is not likely it was heavy, yet they were not able to pay it.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:4
4. Yet a third class is mentioned, who had been compelled to borrow in order to pay the taxes and, not having the means to pay their creditors, sold their children as slaves. we have borrowed … for the king’s tribute] One special cause of distress seems to have been the heaviness of the royal taxes. Jews who were poor to start with and impoverished by recent circumstances, found themselves under the necessity of borrowing in order to pay the tribute levied by the Persian king from his foreign subjects. See on ‘tribute’ note on Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:20; Ezra 6:8; Ezra 7:24. On the severity of this taxation in the Persian Empire see Nehemiah 9:37. and that upon our lands and vineyards] R.V. upon our fields and vineyards. The poor people, in order to pay the tax, borrowed money upon the security of their small holdings. In this way a considerable portion of the property of the poorer classes had passed into the hands of the wealthy money-lenders, who exacted high usury (Nehemiah 5:11), and had no compunction in plying their trade, and visiting default of payment with seizure of a fellow-countryman’s few acres of field and vineyard. At a time when distress was due to the presence of a common foe, this want of generosity and patriotism excited the indignation of the working classes. Even in the more favourable cases, the necessity of paying the interest upon the mortgages deprived the poor Jew of any profits from his holding.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 5:4
The king’s tribute - The tax payable to the Persian monarch (compare Ezra 4:13; Esther 10:1). In ancient times, heavy taxation was often productive of debt and distress.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
4. We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute — These represent a third class, whose lands and vineyards seem to have afforded them food for their personal wants, but not money with which to pay the taxes assessed upon them.
Sermons on Nehemiah 5:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Basics) 17. Dead Works by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being a cheerful giver in the eyes of God. He references 2 Corinthians 9:7, which states that God loves a cheerful giver. T |
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Desiring God - Lesson 3 by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper discusses the concept of Christian hedonism, which is the belief that our highest duty is to pursue delight in God. He argues that there are bibli |
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An Ambition to Please God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an ambition as Christians, focusing on pleasing God whether in heaven or on earth. It highlights the need to prioritize pleasing God |
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A Time for Everything by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of one sentence spoken by a carnal Christian. He warns against being a tail bearer or gossip, as revealing secrets can |
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Feel by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing emotions and affections in the pursuit of maximum joy in God. He acknowledges that he may not have suffered as |
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The Self-Centered Person's Attitude to God by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the self-centered person's attitude towards God, emphasizing that legalistic service stems from a desire for reward rather than genuine love. He illustrates th |
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Serving the Lord With Gladness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God desires His people to serve Him with joy and gladness, rooted in the understanding of His tender love and ongoing work in their lives. He warns |