Nehemiah 5:6
Nehemiah 5:6 in Multiple Translations
When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry,
¶ And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
And on hearing their outcry and what they said I was very angry.
I became very angry when I heard them protesting their grievances.
Then was I very angrie when I heard their crie and these wordes.
And it is very displeasing to me when I have heard their cry and these words,
I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
And I was exceedingly angry when I heard their cry according to these words.
I was very angry when I heard these things that they were complaining about.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 5:6
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 5:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
לִ֖/י
מְאֹ֑ד
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙
אֶת
זַֽעֲקָתָ֔/ם
וְ/אֵ֖ת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זַֽעֲקָתָ֔/ם
zaʻaq
H2201
outcry
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 5:6
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
זַֽעֲקָתָ֔/ם
zaʻaq
H2201
"outcry"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a loud cry or shriek, often expressing distress, like the outcry in Exodus 2:23. It can also describe a clamor or cry for help. In the Bible, it appears in various forms, such as crying out to God.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry 1b) cry of distress 1c) outcry, clamour
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:20; Isaiah 15:8; Proverbs 21:13.
וְ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֥ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 5:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 5:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6
- Sermons on Nehemiah 5:6
Context — Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
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,
7and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them 8and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 11:8 | And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 13:25 | I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:26 | “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, |
| 4 | Numbers 16:15 | Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.” |
| 5 | Mark 3:5 | Jesus looked around at them with anger and sorrow at their hardness of heart. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 13:8 | And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. |
Nehemiah 5:6 Summary
[Nehemiah 5:6 tells us that when Nehemiah heard about the struggles of the people, he became extremely angry. This anger was not selfish, but rather a response to the injustice and suffering of others, much like God's heart of compassion in Psalm 103:6. As Christians, we can learn from Nehemiah's example to be more aware of the needs of those around us and to stand up for what is right, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46. By doing so, we can reflect God's love and justice in our own lives and communities.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked Nehemiah's anger in Nehemiah 5:6?
Nehemiah's anger was sparked by the outcry and complaints of the people, who were being forced to sell their children into slavery due to debt, as seen in Nehemiah 5:4-5. This situation was a clear violation of God's commands in Exodus 21:2 and Deuteronomy 15:12-15.
Is it okay for a Christian to get angry, as Nehemiah did in this verse?
The Bible teaches that anger is a natural emotion, but it must be managed in a way that honors God, as seen in Ephesians 4:26. Nehemiah's anger in Nehemiah 5:6 was a righteous anger, motivated by a desire to see justice and compassion for the oppressed, similar to God's anger in Psalm 103:6.
How did Nehemiah's position of leadership influence his response to the people's situation?
As the governor of Jerusalem, Nehemiah had a unique position of authority, which he used to address the injustices faced by the people, as seen in Nehemiah 5:7. His leadership role allowed him to call a large assembly and confront the nobles and officials who were taking advantage of the people, much like the prophets in the Bible, such as Isaiah 1:17.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example in this verse about responding to injustice?
Nehemiah's example teaches us to be attentive to the needs of others, particularly those who are vulnerable and oppressed, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9. We should be willing to take a stand against injustice and advocate for those who are being taken advantage of, just like Jesus did in Luke 4:18-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be more aware of the needs and struggles of those around me, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How do I distinguish between righteous anger and selfish anger in my own life, and what does the Bible teach about managing anger in a healthy way?
- In what ways can I use my own position or influence to stand up for justice and compassion, just like Nehemiah did in this verse?
- What are some modern-day examples of injustice or oppression that I can pray about and seek to address in my own community, and how can I get involved in making a positive difference?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:6
And I was very angry when I heard their cry, and these words.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:6
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6
Nehemiah 5:6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.Ver. 6. And I was very angry] Red-hot with anger, and not without cause. To be angry without cause is to be guilty of judgment, Matthew 5:22, but in case of God’ s dishonour, and public prejudice, moderation is mopishness, toleration cowardice, &c. Nehemiah was a magistrate, that is, a mortal god; as God is an immortal magistrate. Therefore as God is angry at the oppressions of poor people (Lactantius hath written a book De Ira Dei), so should his lieutenants; and this holy anger should be cos fortitudinis, a means to encourage, or rather to enrage them against oppressors, who grind the faces of the poor, and take from them burdens of wheat, Amos 5:11. Yea, lands and vineyards, as here, eating bread baked with the tears of men, coining their money on their skins, and wringing their spunges into their own purses. When I heard their cry] His anger then was mixed with grief, as was our Saviour’ s, Mark 3:5: it was pure zeal, which is nothing else but an extreme (but regular) heat of all the affections.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6
(6) And I was very angry.—Nehemiah, recently arrived, had not known this state of things. The common wailing and the three complaints in which it found expression are distinct.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:6
6. I was very angry, &c.] Nehemiah’s indignation was excited at the excessive usury, which his own brethren and servants required (Nehemiah 5:10), but still more at the degree to which the brotherhood of Israel was forgotten in days of common peril and of which the sale of fellow-countrymen for debt (Nehemiah 5:8) and the alienation of the poor man’s inheritance (Nehemiah 5:11) were the worst symptoms. Cf. Psalms 119:53 ‘Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law.’
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:6
6. Very angry — Highly indignant, to find that such abuses existed among a people so recently escaped from exile.
Sermons on Nehemiah 5:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Nehemiah and how he lived a life of financial integrity and wholehearted devotion to God. Nehemiah's commitment to God's work |
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The Fear of God (04) Fruits of the Fear of God 2 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story about seeing a large jackrabbit in the Sahara Desert. He then transitions to discussing the importance of walking in the fear |
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Freedom From the Spirit of Anger by S.M. Davis | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the influence of personal and impersonal spirits on our lives. He emphasizes the importance of discerning these spirits and ensuring that the |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Errors in Thinking by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a man who is struggling and feeling unable to be the person he wants to be. However, he realizes that through Jesus Christ, he can find freed |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t |
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(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |