Nehemiah 5:12

KJV

Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} they, We will restore {H7725} them, and will require {H1245} nothing of them; so will we do {H6213} as thou sayest {H559}. Then I called {H7121} the priests {H3548}, and took an oath {H7650} of them, that they should do {H6213} according to this promise {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered, "We will give it back. We will require nothing from them. Yes, we will do it, just as you say."Then I called the cohanim and took an oath from them that they would do as they had promised.

Berean Standard Bible

“We will restore it,” they replied, “and will require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and required of the nobles and officials an oath that they would do what they had promised.

American Standard Version

Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:12 marks a pivotal moment in the social crisis within the post-exilic Jewish community, where the wealthy nobles and rulers, confronted by Nehemiah, publicly commit to restoring the lands and forgiving the debts of their impoverished brethren. This verse demonstrates not only their verbal agreement to cease oppressive practices and make restitution but also Nehemiah's astute and diligent leadership in immediately formalizing this promise by calling the priests and having the nobles swear a solemn oath, thereby ensuring the binding nature and divine witness of their pledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a severe internal conflict detailed in [Nehemiah 5](/nehemiah/5 "Nehemiah 5 - Social Injustice and Nehemiah's Response"). Prior to this, the chapter opens with the desperate cries of the people, who, burdened by heavy taxes and the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, were forced to mortgage their fields, sell their children into slavery, and borrow at exorbitant interest rates from their wealthier Jewish counterparts ([Nehemiah 5:1-5](/nehemiah/5-1 "Nehemiah 5:1-5 - The Cry of the People")). Nehemiah, upon hearing their distress, reacted with righteous indignation and immediately confronted the nobles and rulers, rebuking them for their usurious practices which directly violated the Mosaic Law ([Nehemiah 5:6-11](/nehemiah/5-6 "Nehemiah 5:6-11 - Nehemiah's Confrontation and Rebuke")). His powerful appeal to their fear of God and the shame they brought upon their people led directly to their agreement in verse 12. The subsequent verse, [Nehemiah 5:13](/nehemiah/5-13 "Nehemiah 5:13 - Nehemiah's Symbolic Act"), reinforces the gravity of the oath through a symbolic act, further solidifying the commitment to justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the post-exilic period, likely around 445 BC, as the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem under Persian rule and were actively engaged in rebuilding the city's walls. This era was characterized by economic fragility and social stratification. The practice of charging interest on loans, particularly to fellow Israelites in distress, was explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Usury"), [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - Lending to the Poor"), [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Rules on Lending")). The wealthy elite, however, had exploited the dire circumstances of their poorer brethren, leading to widespread debt, loss of property, and even the enslavement of children. Oaths in ancient Israel were profoundly serious, often involving an appeal to God as a witness, making them legally and divinely binding. The involvement of priests, as guardians of the Law and representatives of God, further elevated the solemnity and sacred nature of such a sworn commitment.

* **Key Themes:** [Nehemiah 5:12](/nehemiah/5-12 "Nehemiah 5:12 - The Nobles' Promise and Oath") encapsulates several crucial themes. **Social Justice and Economic Equity** are paramount, as the verse highlights the confrontation and resolution of systemic exploitation within the community, emphasizing God's concern for the vulnerable. The nobles' declaration signifies **Repentance and Restitution**, demonstrating that true repentance involves not merely ceasing wrongdoing but actively undoing the harm caused and restoring what was unjustly taken. **Accountable and Godly Leadership** is powerfully exemplified by Nehemiah, who not only courageously confronts injustice but also wisely implements mechanisms—like the public oath before priests—to ensure promises are upheld and justice is secured. Finally, the act of taking an oath underscores the **Weight and Sanctity of a Promise**, particularly when made before God, reinforcing the importance of integrity and faithfulness to one's word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Restore (Hebrew, _shuv_):** This verb, שׁוּב (_shuv_), means "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." In this context, it signifies a concrete act of undoing the wrong. It's not merely ceasing the oppressive practice but actively giving back the fields, vineyards, and houses that were seized due to debt, as well as the money that was exacted as interest. This emphasizes that true repentance in the biblical sense often requires tangible, material restitution.
* **Require nothing (Hebrew, _lo nagash_):** The phrase לֹא־נִגֹּשׁ (_lo nagash_) literally means "we will not exact" or "we will not press." It refers to the cessation of demanding repayment of the principal and, crucially, the interest that was unlawfully charged. This goes beyond simply returning property; it includes forgiving the outstanding debts that had burdened the poor, ensuring they were truly freed from their economic bondage.
* **Oath (Hebrew, _shevu'ah_):** The noun שְׁבוּעָה (_shevu'ah_), derived from the verb "to swear," denotes a solemn, binding declaration or promise made under divine sanction. Taking an oath involved invoking God's name as a witness, rendering the promise a sacred covenant. Breaking such an oath was considered a grave offense against God, incurring divine judgment. Nehemiah's insistence on an oath underscores the absolute seriousness and binding nature of the nobles' commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest."**: This clause captures the immediate, public response of the nobles and rulers to Nehemiah's powerful rebuke. Their words signify a crucial turning point: a public acknowledgment of their wrongdoing and a commitment to reverse their oppressive actions. "Restore [them]" refers to returning the lands, vineyards, and houses they had taken, while "require nothing of them" means they would forgo the interest they had exacted and forgive the outstanding debts. Their final phrase, "so will we do as thou sayest," indicates their full submission to Nehemiah's righteous demands, acknowledging the authority of his leadership and the validity of his call for justice.
* **"Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise."**: This second clause highlights Nehemiah's decisive and strategic leadership. He did not merely accept a verbal promise. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the potential for backsliding, he immediately moved to formalize the commitment. By involving the priests, the custodians of God's Law and representatives of His covenant, Nehemiah elevated the promise to a sacred, divinely witnessed oath. This act transformed a mere verbal agreement into a solemn, religiously binding covenant, ensuring accountability and reinforcing the absolute necessity for the nobles to uphold their word, knowing that breaking it would be an offense against God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective **Literary Devices**. The use of **Dialogue** ("Then said they...") brings the reader directly into the dramatic moment of the nobles' concession, making their repentance immediate and tangible. Nehemiah's subsequent **Action** ("Then I called the priests, and took an oath...") demonstrates his proactive and decisive leadership, transforming a verbal agreement into a binding covenant. There is also an element of **Contrast** between the initial oppressive actions of the nobles and their subsequent public commitment to restitution, highlighting the transformative power of Nehemiah's confrontation and God's justice. Furthermore, the act of taking an oath before the priests carries significant **Symbolism**, representing the sacred nature of the promise and invoking divine authority and judgment to ensure its fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 5:12 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His expectation that His people reflect His character in their social and economic dealings. The divine Law, as articulated through Moses, consistently condemned usury and exploitation of the vulnerable, viewing such practices as an affront to God's holiness and a betrayal of covenantal solidarity. Nehemiah's actions embody the prophetic call for righteousness, demonstrating that true faith is not merely ritualistic but manifests in tangible acts of justice, mercy, and integrity. The restitution promised by the nobles, and secured by Nehemiah through a sacred oath, points to the biblical principle that repentance often requires active undoing of harm, not just passive cessation of wrongdoing. This commitment to justice and the sanctity of promises reflects God's own faithfulness to His covenant and His desire for His people to live in a community marked by equity and mutual care.

* [Leviticus 25:36-37](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36-37 - Lending to the Poor Without Interest")
* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Usury")
* [Luke 19:8](/luke/19-8 "Luke 19:8 - Zacchaeus' Restitution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:12 offers a powerful blueprint for confronting injustice and fostering genuine reconciliation within any community. It challenges believers to move beyond passive observation of societal inequities to active, courageous intervention, much like Nehemiah. This verse underscores that true repentance is not merely an internal feeling but an outward, tangible commitment to undoing harm and making restitution where wrong has been done. For leaders, it serves as a vital reminder that effective leadership involves not only identifying problems but also diligently establishing mechanisms for accountability, ensuring that promises made are promises kept, especially when the well-being of the vulnerable is at stake. For all of us, it highlights the profound weight of our words and commitments, urging us to live with integrity, knowing that our promises, particularly those made before God, carry eternal significance and impact the lives of those around us. It calls us to examine our own lives and communities: where might we be inadvertently participating in or overlooking systems of injustice? And how can we actively pursue restoration and equity, reflecting God's heart for justice?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah's confrontation of injustice challenge us to address economic or social inequities in our own contexts today?**
* **What does "restoration" and "requiring nothing" practically mean in terms of personal or communal repentance for past wrongs?**
* **In what ways can leaders today emulate Nehemiah's commitment to accountability and ensuring promises are upheld?**
* **How seriously do we take our own promises and oaths, both to God and to others, in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nehemiah involve the priests in taking the oath?**

Answer: Nehemiah involved the priests to elevate the nobles' promise from a mere verbal agreement to a solemn, religiously binding oath. In ancient Israel, priests were the custodians of God's Law and served as His representatives. Their presence during the oath-taking invoked divine witness, making the promise a sacred covenant before God. This ensured that breaking the oath would not merely be a breach of human trust but a grave offense against God Himself, thereby providing the strongest possible deterrent against backsliding and ensuring the long-term integrity of the nobles' commitment to restitution.

**What was the practical nature of the "restoration" promised by the nobles?**

Answer: The "restoration" promised by the nobles, as detailed in [Nehemiah 5:11](/nehemiah/5-11 "Nehemiah 5:11 - Nehemiah's Demand for Restitution"), involved several specific actions. They committed to returning the fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses that they had taken as collateral or payment from the poor. Crucially, they also pledged to forgive the interest (the hundredth part of money, corn, wine, or oil) that they had been exacting from their impoverished brethren. This comprehensive restitution aimed to undo the material harm caused by their usurious practices and alleviate the severe economic burden on the struggling families.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 5:12, with its powerful portrayal of righteous leadership, repentance, and restitution, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nehemiah's bold confrontation of injustice and his insistence on a binding oath for restitution foreshadow the perfect justice and redemptive work of Christ. While Nehemiah secured a temporal restoration of property and dignity for the oppressed, Jesus came to provide the ultimate spiritual and eternal restoration, redeeming humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Just as Nehemiah demanded that the nobles "require nothing" from the poor, Christ, through His sacrificial death, "required nothing" of us for our salvation, paying the ultimate debt we could never repay and setting us free from the law of sin and death ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from Sin and Death")). He is the ultimate High Priest, not merely witnessing an oath, but Himself swearing an unchangeable oath with God to secure a better covenant for us ([Hebrews 7:20-22](/hebrews/7-20 "Hebrews 7:20-22 - Jesus, the Guarantee of a Better Covenant")). His life exemplifies the perfect leader who not only confronts injustice but embodies perfect righteousness, calling His followers to a life of justice, mercy, and integrity ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")). The restitution offered by the nobles, secured by an oath, points to the new creation and reconciliation that Christ brings, where all things are made new and brought into harmony with God's perfect will ([2 Corinthians 5:17-19](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17-19 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Ezra 10:5

Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

Jeremiah 34:8

¶ [This is] the word that came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, after that the king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people which [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty unto them;

Jeremiah 34:10

Now when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed, and let [them] go.

Nehemiah 13:25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

2 Chronicles 15:13

That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

2 Chronicles 15:14

And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

Ezra 10:12

Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.