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.

Some also there were {H3426} that said {H559}, We have mortgaged {H6148} our lands {H7704}, vineyards {H3754}, and houses {H1004}, that we might buy {H3947} corn {H1715}, because of the dearth {H7458}.

There were also some who said, "We are mortgaging our fields, vineyards and homes in order to buy grain, because of the famine."

Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.”

Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth.

Commentary

Nehemiah 5:3 captures a poignant cry of distress from the Jewish people during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse reveals a critical internal crisis amidst the external challenge of reconstruction.

Context

The Book of Nehemiah recounts the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon and their monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. While facing external opposition from surrounding nations, an equally pressing internal crisis emerged. Chapter 5 details the severe economic hardship and social injustice plaguing the community. The people were not only toiling to rebuild the city but were also suffering from heavy taxes, a period of famine or "dearth", and exploitation by their wealthier brethren. Verse 3 specifically voices the complaint of those who had to resort to desperate measures to survive.

Key Themes

  • Economic Desperation: The verse paints a stark picture of poverty so severe that families were forced to mortgage their most valuable assets—their lands, vineyards, and even their houses—just to purchase basic necessities like grain. This highlights the extreme vulnerability of the poor in ancient societies when faced with economic downturns.
  • Social Injustice: The fact that some had to mortgage their property "because of the dearth" suggests that the prices of food were exorbitant, likely driven by scarcity and potentially by those who hoarded resources. This situation points to a deep imbalance and exploitation within the community, where the wealthy were benefiting from the suffering of the poor, contrary to the spirit of Mosaic Law which often emphasized care for the less fortunate.
  • Vulnerability of Property: For an agrarian society, land and vineyards were not just assets but the very means of livelihood and generational inheritance. Mortgaging them meant risking their future and their family's security, underscoring the depth of their plight.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "dearth" (Hebrew: ra'ab - רָעָב) signifies a severe scarcity or famine. It's not just a slight shortage but a condition of significant hunger and lack, which drove up the price of "corn" (a general term for grain, like wheat or barley) to unaffordable levels for many.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 5:3 serves as a timeless reminder of the human cost of economic disparity and injustice. It challenges us to consider:

  • Compassion for the Vulnerable: The verse calls for empathy towards those in desperate circumstances, whether due to economic downturns, natural disasters, or exploitative systems.
  • Ethical Leadership: Nehemiah's response to these complaints (detailed in subsequent verses like Nehemiah 5:6-7) demonstrates the importance of leaders addressing social and economic injustices within their communities.
  • Social Responsibility: The passage implicitly critiques those who profited from the suffering of others. It encourages individuals and communities to uphold principles of fairness and mutual support, ensuring that basic needs are met and that no one is forced into ruin for survival. This resonates with biblical principles of justice and righteousness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 25:35 (4 votes)

    And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

  • Leviticus 25:39 (4 votes)

    ¶ And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

  • Malachi 3:8 (3 votes)

    Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

  • Malachi 3:11 (3 votes)

    And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Deuteronomy 15:7 (2 votes)

    If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

  • Genesis 47:15 (2 votes)

    And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.

  • Genesis 47:25 (2 votes)

    And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants.