Nehemiah 5:10

KJV

I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

KJV (with Strong's)

I likewise, and my brethren {H251}, and my servants {H5288}, might exact {H5383} of them money {H3701} and corn {H1715}: I pray you, let us leave off {H5800} this usury {H4855}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, my brothers and my servants, I too have loaned them money and grain. Please, let's stop making it so burdensome to go into debt.

Berean Standard Bible

I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury.

American Standard Version

And I likewise, my brethren and my servants, do lend them money and grain. I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:10 captures Nehemiah's exemplary leadership and moral integrity during a severe economic crisis in post-exilic Jerusalem. Amidst widespread exploitation where wealthier Jews exacted usurious interest from their impoverished brethren, Nehemiah publicly declares his and his household's abstinence from such practices, despite having the means to engage in them. His emphatic plea, "I pray you, let us leave off this usury," serves as a powerful call for immediate cessation of oppressive financial practices and a return to the principles of justice, compassion, and adherence to God's Law, thereby protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 5 marks a significant pause in the narrative of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, shifting focus from external opposition to internal strife. Prior to this chapter, Nehemiah has successfully organized the people for construction despite the threats from Sanballat and Tobiah. However, the intense labor, combined with famine and heavy taxation, has pushed many ordinary Jews into severe debt. Chapter 5 opens with a "great outcry" from the people against their wealthier Jewish brethren, detailing how they were forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and houses, and even sell their children into slavery to pay taxes and buy food. Nehemiah's righteous indignation in [Nehemiah 5:6](/nehemiah/5-6 "Nehemiah's Anger at Injustice") leads him to confront the nobles and officials. Verse 10 is part of Nehemiah's direct address to these oppressors, where he not only condemns their actions but also highlights his own ethical conduct as a model for reform. The chapter concludes with Nehemiah's continued demonstration of selfless leadership, refusing to take the governor's allowance and instead providing for many at his own expense ([Nehemiah 5:14-19](/nehemiah/5-14 "Nehemiah's Selfless Governance")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period in Judah was characterized by immense hardship. The returned exiles faced the daunting task of rebuilding a devastated city and temple, often with limited resources and under the watchful, often hostile, eyes of surrounding peoples. Economic instability was rampant, exacerbated by famine, heavy Persian taxes, and the need to purchase grain. In ancient Near Eastern societies, debt slavery was a common, albeit often temporary, means of survival for the poor. However, the Mosaic Law contained specific provisions to protect the poor, particularly fellow Israelites, from exploitation. Charging interest (usury) on loans to fellow Israelites was explicitly forbidden ([Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Prohibition of Usury in Leviticus") and [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy on Loans and Interest")). The practice described in Nehemiah 5, where the wealthy were exploiting their impoverished kin, was a direct violation of these covenantal laws and a betrayal of communal solidarity, leading to social breakdown and spiritual decay.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 5:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Economic Justice and Compassion**, demonstrating God's profound concern for the poor and vulnerable and His condemnation of exploitation, particularly within the covenant community. Nehemiah's personal example highlights **Godly Leadership and Integrity**, showing that true leadership involves self-sacrifice, adherence to divine principles, and a willingness to confront injustice, even when it involves one's own people. The verse also reinforces the theme of **Obedience to God's Law**, specifically the Mosaic prohibitions against usury, emphasizing that spiritual revival and community well-being are intrinsically linked to righteous living and adherence to God's covenantal demands. Finally, it touches on **Communal Solidarity**, stressing the importance of mutual support and care among God's people, rather than self-serving gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Usury (Hebrew, _neshek'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to bite" or "to sting," vividly portrays the oppressive and destructive nature of charging interest, especially to the poor. It implies a draining, painful, and ultimately life-threatening extraction, akin to a snakebite that slowly poisons its victim. In the biblical context, _neshek_ refers specifically to interest charged on loans to fellow Israelites, which was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Loans to the Poor"), [Leviticus 25:36](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36 - No Interest to Brothers"), [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - No Interest to a Brother")).
* **Exact (Hebrew, _nashah'_):** This verb means "to lend on interest," "to be a creditor," or "to demand payment." In this context, it carries the negative connotation of demanding something that is unjustly due or exploiting a position of power to extract gain. Nehemiah uses it to describe the actions he *could* have taken, highlighting his conscious choice to refrain from such oppressive practices.
* **Leave off (Hebrew, _'azab'_):** This imperative verb means "to abandon," "to forsake," or "to cease." Nehemiah's use of this word is a direct, urgent, and authoritative command for the nobles and rulers to immediately cease their exploitative financial practices. It implies a complete cessation and a turning away from sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I likewise, [and] my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn":** Nehemiah begins by acknowledging that he, his family, and his staff, being in a position of wealth and influence, could have easily participated in the same usurious practices as the nobles. This statement is not an admission of guilt, but a powerful rhetorical device. It demonstrates his empathy and understanding of the temptation, while simultaneously highlighting his moral integrity and self-restraint. By identifying with the potential for sin, he strengthens his moral authority to call others to repentance, showing that he is not exempt from the same standards he applies to them.
* **"I pray you, let us leave off this usury":** This is Nehemiah's direct and impassioned plea, an urgent call to action. The phrase "I pray you" (Hebrew, _na'_), adds a tone of earnest entreaty, though backed by the authority of his governorship. The imperative "let us leave off" makes it a collective call for repentance and reform, urging the entire community, particularly those in power, to abandon the exploitative practice of usury. This is a demand for immediate and complete cessation of a practice that violated God's law and caused immense suffering among the people.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 5:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Rhetorical Concession** is evident in Nehemiah's opening statement, "I likewise... might exact of them money and corn." By acknowledging his own potential to engage in the very sin he condemns, Nehemiah disarms his audience and strengthens his moral authority, demonstrating that his call for reform is not hypocritical but stems from a place of shared human experience and commitment to righteousness. The use of **Imperative Mood** in "let us leave off this usury" creates a direct and urgent command, emphasizing the immediate necessity of ceasing the oppressive practice. The term "usury" itself, translating the Hebrew _neshek_ ("a bite"), functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, vividly portraying the destructive and painful nature of exploitative interest, likening it to a venomous sting that drains the life from its victim. This imagery evokes a strong emotional response and underscores the severity of the injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 5:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering concern for justice and the protection of the vulnerable within His covenant community. It reveals that true piety is not merely ritualistic but extends to ethical conduct in economic and social spheres. The prohibition of usury among fellow Israelites, rooted in the Mosaic Law, underscores the principle that God's people are to live as a family, bound by love and mutual support, rather than exploiting one another for personal gain. This verse highlights that economic practices are not morally neutral but are deeply intertwined with one's relationship with God and neighbor. Nehemiah's actions exemplify a leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the poor over personal profit, reflecting God's own character as a defender of the oppressed.

* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Loans to the Poor")
* [Leviticus 25:36](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36 - No Interest to a Brother")
* [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - Do Not Charge Interest to a Brother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:10 serves as a timeless challenge to believers to embody justice and compassion in all aspects of life, particularly in financial dealings. It calls us to examine our own hearts and practices, ensuring that our pursuit of prosperity does not come at the expense of others, especially the vulnerable. In a world often driven by self-interest and profit, Nehemiah's example compels us to prioritize ethical conduct, generosity, and the well-being of our community. This verse reminds us that Christian integrity extends beyond personal piety to include active engagement in addressing systemic injustices and advocating for those who are marginalized or oppressed. It encourages us to lead by example, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice personal gain for the greater good and to courageously confront exploitative practices wherever they exist, reflecting the holistic nature of God's kingdom values.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently participating in or benefiting from systems that exploit the vulnerable, even if not through direct "usury"?**
* **How does Nehemiah's willingness to forgo personal gain challenge my own financial decisions and priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to champion economic justice and compassion in my sphere of influence, whether personally, professionally, or communally?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that prioritizes the well-being of others, especially the poor, over personal profit, mirroring God's heart?**

### FAQ
**Was all interest forbidden in the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, the Old Testament law specifically prohibited charging interest (usury, _neshek_) on loans to fellow Israelites, especially those in need. This prohibition is found in passages like [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Loans to the Poor"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - No Interest to a Brother"), and [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Interest to a Foreigner"). The rationale was to protect the poor and maintain communal solidarity within God's covenant people. However, charging interest to foreigners was permitted, as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Interest to a Foreigner"), indicating that the prohibition was primarily an internal ethical standard for the Israelite community, not a universal ban on all interest in all contexts. The concern was with exploitation and oppression of the vulnerable.

**What is the significance of Nehemiah's personal example in this verse?**

Answer: Nehemiah's personal example in [Nehemiah 5:10](/nehemiah/5-10 "Nehemiah 5:10 - Nehemiah's Selfless Example") is profoundly significant because it lends immense moral authority to his call for reform. By stating, "I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn," he demonstrates that he is not asking others to do something he himself is unwilling to do or has not considered. He shows that he understands the temptation and the potential for personal gain, yet he has chosen a path of integrity and self-sacrifice. This makes his subsequent plea, "I pray you, let us leave off this usury," all the more powerful and persuasive. It exemplifies true godly leadership, which leads by example, lives out its convictions, and prioritizes the well-being of the community over personal profit, echoing principles found in [1 Peter 5:3](/1_peter/5-3 "1 Peter 5:3 - Shepherding the Flock").

**How does this passage relate to modern financial practices?**

Answer: While modern financial systems are complex and differ greatly from ancient agrarian societies, the underlying ethical principles of Nehemiah 5:10 remain highly relevant. The passage condemns exploitative lending practices that oppress the vulnerable and create cycles of poverty. It challenges believers today to consider whether their financial decisions, investments, and lending practices uphold principles of justice, compassion, and fairness. It encourages scrutiny of predatory lending, exorbitant interest rates, and any system that disproportionately burdens the poor. The core message is that economic activity should serve human flourishing and reflect God's justice, not merely maximize personal gain, aligning with broader biblical calls for righteousness in all dealings ([Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales"), [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - Act Justly, Love Mercy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's selfless leadership and impassioned call to "leave off this usury" in [Nehemiah 5:10](/nehemiah/5-10 "Nehemiah 5:10 - Nehemiah's Selfless Example") powerfully prefigure the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's justice and compassion. While Nehemiah acted as a governor to enforce the Mosaic Law and protect the poor, Jesus Christ embodies the perfect fulfillment of that Law and its underlying heart for humanity. Jesus consistently championed the cause of the poor and oppressed, condemning those who exploited others, as seen in His parables of the rich fool ([Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - Parable of the Rich Fool")) and the unmerciful servant ([Matthew 18:21-35](/matthew/18-21 "Matthew 18:21-35 - Parable of the Unmerciful Servant")). He did not merely call for others to cease exploitation; He Himself lived a life of radical self-emptying, becoming poor so that we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His ultimate act of justice and compassion was to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, paying the debt of our sin that we could never repay, thereby freeing us from the ultimate spiritual bondage ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin, Gift of God")). Through His atoning work, Christ establishes a new community, the Church, where the principles of mutual love, generosity, and care for the vulnerable are to be paramount, reflecting the self-giving nature of God Himself ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44 "Acts 2:44-45 - Early Christian Community")). Thus, Nehemiah's plea for justice finds its ultimate echo and perfect realization in the person and work of Jesus, who not only preached righteousness but perfectly embodied it, calling His followers to a radical generosity that transcends mere legal compliance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.