Nehemiah 5:11

KJV

Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Restore {H7725}, I pray you, to them, even this day {H3117}, their lands {H7704}, their vineyards {H3754}, their oliveyards {H2132}, and their houses {H1004}, also the hundredth {H3967} part of the money {H3701}, and of the corn {H1715}, the wine {H8492}, and the oil {H3323}, that ye exact {H5383} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please! Today! Give them back their fields, vineyards, olive groves and homes; also the hundred pieces of silver and the grain, wine and olive oil you demand from them as interest."

Berean Standard Bible

Please restore to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been assessing them.”

American Standard Version

Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:11 encapsulates Nehemiah's urgent and forceful demand for economic justice and immediate restitution within the post-exilic Jewish community in Jerusalem. Amidst the formidable external pressures of rebuilding the city walls, an insidious internal crisis of usury and exploitation had emerged, with wealthier Jews oppressing their impoverished brethren. This verse records Nehemiah's impassioned plea to the nobles and officials to not only cease their exploitative practices but to actively restore the lands, properties, and the exorbitant interest they had unjustly exacted, underscoring his unwavering commitment to God's law and the welfare of the vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 5:11 is situated within a critical turning point in the Book of Nehemiah. Chapters 1-4 detail Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem, his assessment of the ruined walls, and the initial efforts to rebuild amidst significant external opposition from figures like Sanballat and Tobiah. However, chapter 5 abruptly shifts focus from external threats to a severe internal crisis. The cries of the people, detailed in [Nehemiah 5:1-5](/nehemiah/5-1-5 "Nehemiah 5:1-5 - The Cry of the People"), reveal that rampant economic exploitation by wealthy Jews had forced many into debt, mortgaging their lands, and even selling their children into slavery. Nehemiah's righteous anger, described in [Nehemiah 5:6-7](/nehemiah/5-6-7 "Nehemiah 5:6-7 - Nehemiah's Anger"), leads him to confront the nobles and officials directly. Verse 11 is the culmination of this confrontation, a direct command for immediate and comprehensive restitution, demonstrating Nehemiah's decisive leadership in addressing moral failings within the community before resuming the physical rebuilding work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic community in Jerusalem faced immense challenges. They were a vulnerable remnant, struggling to re-establish themselves in their ancestral land under Persian rule. They were burdened by imperial taxes, food shortages, and the monumental task of rebuilding their city. In this fragile environment, the practice of charging interest (usury) on loans to fellow Israelites, explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor") and [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19-20 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Prohibition of Usury")), was not merely an economic issue but a profound spiritual and social betrayal. The "hundredth part" mentioned in the verse likely refers to a monthly interest rate of 1%, which translates to a crippling 12% annual rate. This was particularly devastating when people were borrowing for basic necessities like food and taxes, leading to the loss of ancestral lands and personal freedom through debt-slavery. Nehemiah's intervention was crucial for the very survival and moral integrity of the community.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 5:11 powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Social Justice and Equity** are paramount, as Nehemiah confronts the systemic oppression of the poor by the rich, demanding a restoration of fairness and basic human dignity. Secondly, the theme of **Restitution** is emphasized, moving beyond merely ceasing harmful practices to actively making amends and returning what was unjustly taken—property, money, and produce. Thirdly, **Righteous Leadership and Integrity** are exemplified by Nehemiah, who, despite his high position, prioritizes the welfare of the vulnerable over personal gain or social appeasement, confronting injustice within his own people. Finally, the verse highlights **Adherence to Mosaic Law**, reminding the community that their economic practices must align with God's covenant commands regarding the care of the poor and the prohibition of usury, demonstrating that spiritual revival must be accompanied by ethical living. The crisis underscored the need for internal purity as much as external protection for the nascent community, a theme echoed in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Restore (Hebrew, _shuv'_):** The Hebrew verb שׁוּב (_shuv_) means "to turn back, return, restore, bring back." In Nehemiah 5:11, it carries a strong imperative for active, immediate reversal of an unjust situation. It's not merely a cessation of wrongdoing but a positive action of giving back what was taken. This implies a moral obligation to rectify past wrongs, not just to stop committing them.
* **Exact (Hebrew, _nasha'_):** The Hebrew verb נָשָׁא (_nasha_) means "to lend on interest, to be a creditor, to exact." While it can simply mean "to lend," in contexts of distress and exploitation, it carries the nuance of demanding payment, often with severity or compulsion, specifically referring to the collection of interest or debt. Nehemiah's use here highlights the oppressive nature of the financial demands placed on the poor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses":** This opening clause is an urgent, direct command for immediate restitution. Nehemiah specifies the core assets that define livelihood and inheritance in ancient Israel: agricultural land (lands, vineyards, oliveyards) and dwelling places (houses). These were often mortgaged and lost due to debt, and their return was essential for the families to regain their economic stability and dignity. The phrase "even this day" underscores the critical need for swift action, reflecting the severity of the crisis and the suffering of the people.
* **"also the hundredth [part] of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil":** This part of the verse details the specific interest (usury) that was exacted. The "hundredth part" refers to a monthly interest rate of one percent (1/100th), which translates to a significant 12% annual interest. This was charged not only on money but also on staple goods like corn (grain), wine, and oil, which were often borrowed for consumption or to pay taxes. This highlights the pervasive nature of the exploitation, affecting every aspect of the debtors' lives.
* **"that ye exact of them":** This concluding phrase reiterates the oppressive nature of the financial dealings. The verb "exact" (from _nasha'_) emphasizes that these payments were not freely given but were demanded and collected, often under duress, from those who were already in dire straits. It underscores the injustice inherent in the practice, which violated the spirit and letter of God's law regarding lending to fellow Israelites.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Direct Address** and **Exhortation**, as Nehemiah directly confronts the nobles and officials with an impassioned plea, "Restore, I pray you, to them." This directness underscores his authority and the moral imperative of his demand. The verse also utilizes **Enumeration** or **List** by itemizing the specific properties and goods to be restored ("their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil"). This detailed listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the exploitation and the full scope of the restitution required. The phrase "even this day" serves as a powerful **Temporal Adverbial Phrase**, highlighting the immediate and non-negotiable nature of the command, adding a sense of urgency and moral weight to Nehemiah's call for justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 5:11 serves as a profound biblical statement on economic justice and the ethical responsibilities of those in power. It vividly illustrates that true communal flourishing requires not only physical rebuilding but also moral and social rectitude. The exploitation of the poor by the rich, especially within the covenant community, was a direct affront to God's character and His law, which consistently championed the vulnerable. Nehemiah's response demonstrates that spiritual leadership must include confronting systemic injustice and demanding practical restitution, aligning human practices with divine principles of compassion and equity. This passage reminds us that faith is not merely personal piety but has profound implications for how we structure our societies and treat our neighbors, particularly the economically disadvantaged.

* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor")
* [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - Prohibition of Usury")
* [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36-37 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - No Interest on Loans to Brothers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:11 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers and communities. It challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and confront the often-hidden injustices that can fester within our own circles, whether economic, social, or relational. Just as Nehemiah demanded active restitution, we are called not only to cease harmful practices but to seek genuine reconciliation and repair where wrongs have been committed. This verse compels us to examine our own lives and the systems we participate in, asking if they truly reflect God's heart for justice and compassion, especially for the marginalized. It calls leaders, in particular, to exercise their influence with integrity, courageously advocating for the oppressed and modeling selfless service, ensuring that the pursuit of prosperity does not come at the expense of human dignity or divine principles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see economic or social injustices occurring in my community or sphere of influence today?**
* **What might "restitution" look like in a modern context, both personally and systemically?**
* **How can I, or my community, better advocate for and support the economically vulnerable, aligning with Nehemiah's example?**
* **In what ways might I be inadvertently participating in systems that oppress others, and what steps can I take to change that?**

### FAQ

**What was the "hundredth part" mentioned in Nehemiah 5:11?**

Answer: The "hundredth part" refers to a monthly interest rate of one percent (1/100th). While this might seem small by modern standards, it translates to a significant 12% annual interest. In an agrarian society where people were often borrowing for basic survival (food, taxes, seeds), this rate was crippling. It would quickly lead to accumulated debt, forcing individuals to mortgage their lands, sell their children into servitude, and lose their economic independence, directly violating the Mosaic Law's prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites, particularly the poor ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor")).

**Why was charging interest (usury) to fellow Israelites forbidden in the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: The Mosaic Law prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites, especially the poor, primarily for theological and communal reasons. God's people were to live as a covenant community, marked by mutual support and compassion, not exploitation. The land was considered God's gift and inheritance, not a commodity to be permanently lost due to debt. Charging interest on loans for basic necessities would trap the poor in a cycle of debt, undermining their dignity and the communal ideal. Passages like [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19-20 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Prohibition of Usury") and [Leviticus 25:35-37](/leviticus/25-35-37 "Leviticus 25:35-37 - Care for the Poor") emphasize that lending to a brother in need should be an act of charity and solidarity, not an opportunity for profit. While interest could be charged to foreigners, the principle within the Israelite community was one of generosity and preventing economic oppression.

**How does Nehemiah's action in this chapter relate to his overall leadership?**

Answer: Nehemiah's actions in Nehemiah 5, including his demand in verse 11, are central to understanding his leadership. He demonstrates that true leadership involves not only addressing external threats (like the enemies of Jerusalem in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")) but also confronting internal moral and social failings. His righteous anger and decisive intervention against economic injustice show his unwavering commitment to God's law and the welfare of his people above personal gain or political expediency. He prioritizes justice and the spiritual health of the community, understanding that internal integrity is as crucial as physical security for the nation's survival and flourishing. This holistic approach to leadership, combining practical skill with moral courage, is a hallmark of his character throughout the book, culminating in his later reforms in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's impassioned demand for restitution and justice in Nehemiah 5:11 foreshadows the radical economic and social implications of the Kingdom of God proclaimed by Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah sought the restoration of physical lands and material goods, Jesus came to address a deeper debt—the debt of sin—and to usher in a spiritual restoration that impacts every facet of life. Christ's ministry consistently championed the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, echoing the heart of God for justice found in the Old Testament. His teachings on wealth, generosity, and forgiveness (e.g., [Matthew 6:12](/matthew/6-12 "Matthew 6:12 - Forgive Us Our Debts") and [Luke 12:33](/luke/12-33 "Luke 12:33 - Sell Your Possessions")) call believers to a radical detachment from material accumulation and a commitment to sacrificial giving. Ultimately, Jesus paid the ultimate debt on the cross, canceling the spiritual "bond of debt" that stood against humanity ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins and Cancellation of Debt")), and through His resurrection, He offers true liberation and restoration for all who believe. His sacrifice empowers His followers to live justly, to seek reconciliation, and to extend mercy, reflecting the values of a kingdom where righteousness and equity prevail, fulfilling the spirit of Nehemiah's cry for justice on a cosmic scale.

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.

Cross-References

Isaiah 58:6

[Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

2 Samuel 12:6

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

Leviticus 6:4

Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,

Leviticus 6:5

Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, [and] give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.

1 Samuel 12:3

Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

Luke 3:8

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Nehemiah 5:3

[Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.