Nehemiah 5 6

Nehemiah 5:6 kjv

And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

Nehemiah 5:6 nkjv

And I became very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.

Nehemiah 5:6 niv

When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.

Nehemiah 5:6 esv

I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words.

Nehemiah 5:6 nlt

When I heard their complaints, I was very angry.

Nehemiah 5 verses

Nehemiah 5 6 Meaning

Nehemiah 5:6 describes Nehemiah's immediate and profound reaction to the reports of economic exploitation and oppression within the Jewish community. Upon hearing that the nobles and officials were exacting high interest (usury) from their fellow Israelites, causing widespread suffering, he first processed the information deeply and became greatly disturbed. Following this internal turmoil, he took direct action by rebuking the offenders personally and then calling for a large, formal assembly to address the injustice publicly and comprehensively.

Nehemiah 5 6 Context

Nehemiah chapter 5 opens with a great outcry from the common people, women and men, against their wealthy Jewish brethren. The land was still recovering from a severe famine and heavy taxation by the Persian king, which meant food was scarce and people were burdened. To survive, many had mortgaged their fields, vineyards, and even their homes. Desperate for sustenance, some had to borrow money, leading to a situation where nobles and officials were lending at usurious rates, ultimately causing many to sell their sons and daughters into slavery to repay debts. Nehemiah 5:6 describes Nehemiah's personal and public response to this severe social and economic crisis that threatened the very fabric of the restored community and undermined the principles of the Mosaic Law, all while they were busy rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. His immediate actions set the stage for the powerful reforms that follow in the chapter.

Nehemiah 5 6 Word analysis

• So I considered:
  • Hebrew: וַיִּתְרֹעַע (vayyitrō‘a‘) – This word is significant. While sometimes translated as "consulted" or "pondered," a strong and often preferred meaning, particularly in this context, is "became angry," "raged," or "became furious." It implies a deep emotional disturbance, a strong internal agitation or distress that stirred Nehemiah's spirit profoundly. It suggests righteous indignation, not just quiet contemplation. He did not simply think about it; he was profoundly moved and disturbed by the injustice.
• what I should do:
  • Implied is "in my heart" or "with myself." Nehemiah was not rash. Even in his anger, he paused to discern the proper course of action. This deliberation before action is a hallmark of wise leadership. It reflects spiritual wisdom—taking counsel within oneself or perhaps with God, though not explicitly stated here.
• then I rebuked:
  • Hebrew: וָאָרִיב (v'ā'rīv) – From the root rib, meaning "to contend," "strive," "quarrel," or "accuse in a dispute." This is not a gentle word. It signifies a strong, confrontational challenge, a public indictment of wrongdoing. Nehemiah confronted them directly and with authority.
• the nobles:
  • Hebrew: הַחֹרִים (haḥōrīm) – Refers to the "freemen," often translated as "chief men," "princes," or "nobles." These were prominent, often aristocratic figures in the community, holding social influence and wealth.
• and officials:
  • Hebrew: הַסְּגָנִים (hass'ganim) – "Deputy governors" or "rulers." These were likely civil administrators or magistrates appointed under Nehemiah, or existing ones from the earlier period. They held positions of authority and power, making their exploitation of the poor all the more reprehensible.
• and said to them:
  • This shows Nehemiah's direct communication and fearless confrontation with those in power.
• 'You are exacting usury, each from his brother!':
  • usury: Hebrew: נֶשֶׁךְ (neshekh) – Literally means "a bite." It refers to interest charged on loans, specifically unlawful gain or excessive interest. In the Mosaic Law (Lev 25:35-37, Deut 23:19-20), it was strictly forbidden for Israelites to charge interest on loans to fellow Israelites, especially when the purpose of the loan was to help someone in distress. This was considered exploitation within the covenant community. The "bite" suggests a parasitic action that diminishes the life and substance of the borrower.
  • each from his brother: Hebrew: אִישׁ בַּאֲחִיו ('îsh bā'aḥîw) – This phrase highlights the covenantal and communal betrayal. These were not strangers or foreigners (whom the law permitted to charge interest to), but fellow Jews, members of God's covenant people, who were bound by a sacred duty to support and protect each other. Charging interest to a "brother" who was struggling was a grave violation of God's Law and of communal solidarity. It was a breach of family in faith.
• And I held a great assembly against them:
  • Hebrew: וָאֶכְבַּר קָהָל (vā’eḵbar qāhāl) – Literally "I convened a large assembly." Nehemiah elevated the issue from a private rebuke to a public forum. This indicated the gravity of the offense and his resolve to bring about collective resolution and enforce justice. A "great assembly" carried significant weight and authority, demonstrating his intent to address the systemic nature of the problem with the entire community's knowledge and involvement.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "So I considered what I should do; then I rebuked...": This phrase describes Nehemiah's process: initial internal struggle/indignation (internal reflection) followed by decisive external action. It shows responsible leadership that processes and then acts.
• "rebuked the nobles and officials and said to them...": Nehemiah targets the top. He identifies those responsible for leadership and privilege, indicating that accountability for social injustice begins with those in power.
• "You are exacting usury, each from his brother!": This is the core accusation. It is a direct and forceful charge of breaking God's Law and violating brotherly covenant, identifying the root cause of the people's suffering and highlighting the moral depravity of their actions.
• "And I held a great assembly against them.": This shows Nehemiah moving from personal confrontation to public indictment and legal-social recourse. It signifies his determination to leverage communal authority and moral persuasion to correct widespread wrongdoing.

Nehemiah 5 6 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "usury" (neshekh) literally means "bite" or "to bite," powerfully illustrating the painful and debilitating effect of interest on the poor. Just as a snakebite can inject venom, usury metaphorically injects debt and despair, slowly consuming the livelihood and freedom of the debtor. This imagery highlights the parasitic nature of exploitation within a community where mutual aid and generosity should prevail. The emphasis on "his brother" in the verse underscores that the Mosaic Law concerning usury was specifically aimed at protecting the internal solidarity and economic well-being of the Israelite community, preventing its members from falling into perpetual debt or slavery to their own kin. The actions of the nobles and officials thus violated both God's economic and social covenant, demonstrating a heart hardened to the plight of their fellow covenant members and a perversion of leadership responsibility.

Nehemiah 5 6 Commentary

Nehemiah 5:6 reveals the compassionate heart and firm resolve of Nehemiah. His reaction to the people's distress was not passive sympathy but righteous anger fueled by deep conviction regarding God's law. The verb "considered" often implies agitation or furiousness, indicating Nehemiah's internal turmoil before his external response. This strong emotion was righteous indignation against injustice and exploitation within God's covenant people, especially from those in leadership who should have been guardians, not oppressors, of the vulnerable.

He first confronted the leaders privately, yet sternly, emphasizing the direct violation of the command not to exact usury from "his brother" – a profound ethical and spiritual betrayal within the family of God. However, because the problem was systemic and involved prominent figures, Nehemiah did not stop at a private rebuke. He understood that such a pervasive sin required a public, communal response. By calling a "great assembly," he escalated the issue to a formal public forum, involving all affected parties and the wider community. This public action aimed to expose the sin, bring collective pressure to bear, and ultimately ensure a comprehensive and binding resolution. Nehemiah serves as a model of courageous leadership that stands against internal injustice and economic oppression within the faith community, demonstrating the importance of swift, decisive action rooted in divine principles and aimed at the well-being of all, particularly the most vulnerable.

• Example: When injustice is evident among believers, such as fraudulent business practices or exploitation, a faithful leader should first confront the offenders directly but with firmness. If personal confrontation fails or if the problem is widespread, then a public assembly or official church meeting (guided by principles of restorative justice and scriptural commands) may be necessary to resolve the issue for the good of the whole body.