Nehemiah 5:7

Authorized King James Version

Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּמָּלֵ֨ךְ

H4427

Then I consulted

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

לִבִּ֜י

H3820

with myself

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עָלַ֗י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וָֽאָרִ֙יבָה֙

H7378

and I rebuked

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽחֹרִ֣ים

H2715

the nobles

properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַסְּגָנִ֔ים

H5461

and the rulers

a prfect of a province

וָאֹֽמְרָ֣ה

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

לָהֶ֔ם

#11

מַשָּׁ֥א

H4855

usury

a loan; by implication, interest on a debt

#12

אִישׁ

H376

every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#13

בְּאָחִ֖יו

H251

of his brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#14

אַתֶּ֣ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

נֹשִׁ֑אים

H5383

to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest

#16

וָֽאֶתֵּ֥ן

H5414

And I set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#17

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

קְהִלָּ֥ה

H6952

assembly

an assemblage

#19

גְדוֹלָֽה׃

H1419

a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?