Nehemiah 5:8
Nehemiah 5:8 in Multiple Translations
and 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.
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.
And 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.
And I said to them, We have given whatever we were able to give, to make our brothers the Jews free, who were servants and prisoners of the nations: and would you now give up your brothers for a price, and are they to become our property? Then they said nothing, answering not a word.
There I told them, “We have done as much as we can to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers as slaves! Are you expecting to sell them back to us?” They kept quiet because they couldn't think of anything to say.
And I said vnto them, We (according to our abilitie) haue redeemed our brethren the Iewes, which were solde vnto the heathen: and will you sell your brethren againe, or shall they be solde vnto vs? Then helde they their peace, and could not answere.
and say to them, 'We have acquired our brethren the Jews, those sold to the nations, according to the ability that [is] in us, and ye also sell your brethren, and they have been sold to us!' and they are silent, and have not found a word.
I said to them, “We, after our ability, have redeemed our brothers the Jews that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us?” Then they held their peace, and found not a word to say.
And I said to them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, who were sold to the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold to us? Then they held their peace, and found nothing to answer .
And I said to them: We, as you know, have redeemed according to our ability our brethren the Jews, that were sold to the Gentiles: and will you then sell your brethren, for us to redeem them? And they held their peace, and found not what to answer.
and I said to their leaders, “Some of our Jewish relatives have been forced to sell themselves to become slaves of people who have come from other countries. As much as we have been able to, we have been buying them back out of slavery. But now you are forcing your own relatives to sell themselves to you, their fellow Jews, as slaves!” When I said that to them, they were silent. There was nothing that they could say because they knew that what I said was true.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 5:8
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 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
לָ/הֶ֗ם
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
קָ֠נִינוּ
אֶת
אַחֵ֨י/נוּ
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֜ים
הַ/נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים
לַ/גּוֹיִם֙
כְּ/דֵ֣י
בָ֔/נוּ
וְ/גַם
אַתֶּ֛ם
תִּמְכְּר֥וּ
אֶת
אֲחֵי/כֶ֖ם
וְ/נִמְכְּרוּ
לָ֑/נוּ
וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
וְ/לֹ֥א
מָצְא֖וּ
דָּבָֽר
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לָ/הֶ֗ם
Prep | Suff
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
קָ֠נִינוּ
qânâh
H7069
to buy
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַחֵ֨י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֜ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
of Judah
Art | Ngmpa
הַ/נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
לַ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
כְּ/דֵ֣י
day
H1767
sufficiency
Prep | N-ms
בָ֔/נוּ
Prep | Suff
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אַתֶּ֛ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
תִּמְכְּר֥וּ
mâkar
H4376
to sell
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲחֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
וְ/נִמְכְּרוּ
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
לָ֑/נוּ
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
מָצְא֖וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 5:8
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
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.
לָ/הֶ֗ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
קָ֠נִינוּ
qânâh
H7069
"to buy"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
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.
אַחֵ֨י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֜ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
"of Judah"
Art | Ngmpa
This term refers to people from the tribe of Judah, including Judah himself, who was the son of Israel and Leah. It is used to describe the descendants of Judah, who are also known as Jews.
Definition: People descended from Judah, living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559); father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) Group of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063) § Jew
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: 2 Kings 16:6; Esther 8:17; Jeremiah 32:12.
הַ/נִּמְכָּרִ֤ים
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
לַ/גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
כְּ/דֵ֣י
day
H1767
"sufficiency"
Prep | N-ms
This word means enough or sufficiency, like having enough food or water. It is used in phrases like 'according to the abundance of' in 2 Corinthians. The KJV translates it as 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
Definition: 1) sufficiency, enough 1a) enough 1b) for, according to the abundance of, out of the abundance of, as often as
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when. See also: Exodus 36:5; Nehemiah 5:8; Proverbs 25:16.
בָ֔/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אַתֶּ֛ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תִּמְכְּר֥וּ
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
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.
אֲחֵי/כֶ֖ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/נִמְכְּרוּ
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
לָ֑/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מָצְא֖וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 5:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 5:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:8
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 5:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
- Sermons on Nehemiah 5:8
Context — Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
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.
9So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? 10I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:47–49 | If a foreigner residing among you prospers, but your countryman dwelling near him becomes destitute and sells himself to the foreigner or to a member of his clan, he retains the right of redemption after he has sold himself. One of his brothers may redeem him: either his uncle or cousin or any close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he prospers, he may redeem himself. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 8:11 | So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. |
| 3 | Matthew 25:29 | For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. |
| 4 | Matthew 22:12 | ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ But the man was speechless. |
| 5 | Romans 3:19 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. |
| 6 | Job 32:15 | Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. |
| 7 | Job 29:10 | The voices of the nobles were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths. |
| 8 | Matthew 25:15 | To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 24:7 | If a man is caught kidnapping one of his Israelite brothers, whether he treats him as a slave or sells him, the kidnapper must die. So you must purge the evil from among you. |
| 10 | Romans 14:15 | If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. |
Nehemiah 5:8 Summary
[Nehemiah 5:8 shows that Nehemiah was upset with the nobles and officials because they were treating their own brothers unfairly, which is not what God wants. God wants us to love and care for each other, as seen in John 13:34-35 and Galatians 5:14. We should always try to do what is right and fair, and not take advantage of others, just like Nehemiah did when he worked to buy back his Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners. By following God's commands, such as those in Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37, we can create a more just and loving community.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Nehemiah 5:8 and why is Nehemiah upset?
Nehemiah is upset because the nobles and officials are exacting usury from their own brothers, which is contrary to God's commands in the Bible, such as Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. This practice is particularly egregious because they had previously worked to buy back their Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners.
What does it mean to 'buy back' or 'redeem' someone in this context?
In this context, 'buying back' or 'redeeming' someone means to purchase their freedom from slavery or bondage, as seen in Leviticus 25:48-49. Nehemiah and others had worked to redeem their Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now they are being sold again by their own people.
Why did the nobles and officials remain silent when Nehemiah confronted them?
The nobles and officials remained silent because they knew they were in the wrong and had no defense for their actions, which is similar to the response of the Pharisees in Matthew 22:46 when Jesus asked them a question they could not answer.
What is the significance of Nehemiah's statement that they had done their best to buy back their Jewish brothers?
Nehemiah's statement highlights the contrast between their previous efforts to redeem their brothers and their current actions of selling them again, showing the inconsistency and hypocrisy of their behavior, as warned against in Matthew 23:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'selling' my brothers or sisters in Christ, and how can I stop this behavior?
- How can I balance the need to provide for my own family with the command to care for the poor and oppressed, as seen in Proverbs 19:17 and Galatians 2:10?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'exacting usury' from others, and how can I repent and change my behavior?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, speak out against injustice and defend the rights of the oppressed, as seen in Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:8
And I said unto them,.... The nobles, and rulers, and other rich persons that exacted usury of the poor: we after our ability; speaking of himself in the plural number, which now obtained in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:8
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen: I, and my, brethren, and predecessors, have used our utmost interest and power, both with the kings of Persia, that our brethren might be redeemed from that bondage into which God had sold them for their sins; and with particular persons in Babylon and Persia, and the adjacent parts, whose bond-slaves the Jews were, and who would not part with them without a price, which we paid for them. Will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? do you expect that we should pay you a price for them, as we did to the Babylonians? or must we use as much importunity to solicit you for their redemption as we did to their enemies?
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
Nehemiah 5:8 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].8. And I said unto them, We after our ability] This he speaketh, not in a vain glorious vaunting way, or to curry favour with the people; but to convince the contrary minded of their inhumanity to their poor brethren. Good works, saith Chrysostom, are unanswerable syllogisms, invincible demonstrations to confute and convert those that do otherwise. "Let your works so shine before men," &c. Which were sold unto the heathen] This they did in obedience to the law, Deuteronomy 28:47-48. And will ye even sell your brethren?] There was no resisting of such a rational reproof, no whit imbittered (as the manner is) with wrath or spite; but carried on with so much modesty and moderation. Or shall they be sold unto us?] He makes himself a party, because of the same body politic. Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer] Such is the majesty of a reproof rightly administered; it even gags the offender, as Matthew 22:12, and renders him self condemned, Titus 3:11. Scipio, with his countenance only, quelled and quieted his seditious soldiers.
Alexander the Great, and after him Augustus Caesar, and Severus the emperor, did the same, with a few quick words. Adrianus Boxsehafius, preacher of the word at Antwerp, hearing a certain monk railing at Luther out of the pulpit, Tell me, said he, thou perverse monk, and that openly before all this people, where, and when, and in what points Luther hath erred? The monk thus accosted, answered not a word, but got out of the pulpit, and fled away as fast as he could, and never came again into that country (Scultet. Annal.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
(8) Will ye even sell your brethren?—The appeal is a strong one. Nehemiah and his friends had redeemed Jews from the heathen with money; these men had caused Jews to be sold to Jews. Nothing to answer.—They might have replied had the letter of the law been urged; but this argument puts them to shame.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:8
8. We] ‘We’ and ‘ye’ in this verse are in emphatic antithesis. after our ability] So Vulg. ‘secundum possibilitatem nostram.’ LXX. ἐνἑκουσίῳἡμῶν. Another rendering is ‘according to the number of those that were among us.’ have redeemed] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. bought’, i.e. as many as were put up to sale we redeemed. Nehemiah apparently refers to what had been the merciful custom of himself and his countrymen when they were in exile; but possibly also to his action in Jerusalem since his arrival. The word for ‘redeemed’ here would be literally rendered ‘acquired’ or ‘bought.’ The word is used here presumably because the stress of the clause rests not so much on the slavery from which the Jews were delivered, but upon the price that Nehemiah and his companions willingly paid for them. unto the heathen] Lit. ‘unto the nations.’ and will you even sell your brethren] R.V. and would ye, &c. or shall they] R.V. and should they. Nehemiah’s indignant question contrasts the conduct of the wealthy money-lenders with his own practice and that of his friends. He in a foreign land redeemed every Jew he could that was being sold to the heathen, and here in Jerusalem itself he finds Jews selling their own flesh and blood, and the market in which they barter their brethren is within the walls of the Holy City. They not only sold Jews as slaves, but bought them as such. They were ready to buy them, not to redeem but to enslave them. found nothing to answer] R.V. found never a word. There was no justification either in law or equity for their conduct, in making money out of their brethren’s misfortunes at a time of national danger.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 5:8
Nehemiah contrasts his own example with that of the rich Jews. He had spent money in redeeming some countrymen in servitude among the pagan; they were causing others to be sold into slavery among the Jews.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:8
8. We — Nehemiah and other nobles and influential Jews before him, who had been instrumental in procuring the release of the Jews from captivity and permission for them to return to Judea and restore their fallen state.
Sermons on Nehemiah 5:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hebrews 12:14-17 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, peace, and holiness in Christianity, quoting Jesus and Paul to highlight the significance of following peace with all men and pur |
|
|
1 Corinthians 8:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others, especially the weak in faith, emphasizing the need to prioritize love over knowled |
|
Relations With Our Brethren by R.V. Court | In this sermon by R.V. Court, Paul addresses the Corinthian church members with 'knowledge' who understand their liberty in Christ but are causing stumbling blocks for weaker belie |
|
The Cross in Practice by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the transformative power of the cross of Jesus Christ, emphasizing how understanding the significance of Jesus' death changes our lives completely. The |
|
A Lecture for Little-Faith by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and finding gladness in one's heart. It encourages those who have been fasting or feeling sad to anoint thei |
|
You Really Do Reap What You Sow by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. He explains that God has given each person a measure of grace and revelation, and it is important |
|
Kingdom of God by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | Paul exhorts Timothy to continually keep the gift of God within him at full flame, using the metaphor of kindling a fire to emphasize the need to keep the zeal and passion for mini |