Nehemiah 5:9
New International Version
So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?

New Living Translation
Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations?

English Standard Version
So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?

Berean Standard Bible
So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?

King James Bible
Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

New King James Version
Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

New American Standard Bible
So I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the taunting of the nations, our enemies?

NASB 1995
Again I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

NASB 1977
Again I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

Legacy Standard Bible
And I said, “The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?

Amplified Bible
So I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunting by the [pagan] nations, our enemies?

Christian Standard Bible
Then I said, “What you are doing isn’t right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God and not invite the reproach of our foreign enemies?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then I said, “What you are doing isn’t right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God and not invite the reproach of our foreign enemies?

American Standard Version
Also I said, The thing that ye do is not good: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?

Contemporary English Version
I continued, "What you have done is wrong! We must honor our God by the way we live, so the Gentiles can't find fault with us.

English Revised Version
Also I said, The thing that ye do is not good: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I added, "What you're doing is wrong. Shouldn't you live in the fear of our God to keep our enemies from ridiculing us?

Good News Translation
Then I said, "What you are doing is wrong! You ought to obey God and do what's right. Then you would not give our enemies, the Gentiles, any reason to ridicule us.

International Standard Version
So I said, "What you're doing isn't right! Shouldn't you live in the fear of our God to avoid shame from our foreign enemies?

Majority Standard Bible
So I continued, ?What you are doing is not right. Shouldn?t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?

NET Bible
Then I said, "The thing that you are doing is wrong! Should you not conduct yourselves in the fear of our God in order to avoid the reproach of the Gentiles who are our enemies?

New Heart English Bible
Also I said, "The thing that you do is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?

Webster's Bible Translation
Also I said, That is not good which ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

World English Bible
Also I said, “The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I say, “The thing that you are doing [is] not good; do you not walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?

Young's Literal Translation
And I say, 'Not good is the thing that ye are doing; in the fear of our God do ye not walk, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be said, Not good the word which ye do: will ye not go in the fear of our God from the reproach of the nations our enemies?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I said to them: The thing you do is not good: why walk you not in the fear of our God, that we be not exposed to the reproaches of the Gentiles our enemies?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I said to them: “The thing that you are doing is not good. Why are you not walking in the fear of our God, so that there may be no reproach against us from our enemies, the Gentiles?

New American Bible
I continued: “What you are doing is not good. Should you not conduct yourselves out of fear of our God rather than fear of the reproach of our Gentile enemies?

New Revised Standard Version
So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God, to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Also I said to them, The thing that you are doing is not good; for now you are not walking in the reverence of our God, because you are behaving like the nations which are round about us.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I said to them: “The matter that you are doing is not good, therefore you are not walking in the reverence of our God, because you are doing according to the works of the nations that are around us.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Also I said: 'The thing that ye do is not good; ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I said, The thing which ye do is not good; ye will not so walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the Gentiles our enemies.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
8and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. 9So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? 10I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury.…

Cross References
Leviticus 25:36-37
Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. / You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20
Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. / You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.

Exodus 22:25
If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.

Psalm 15:5
who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Proverbs 28:8
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

Ezekiel 18:8
He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men.

Ezekiel 18:13
He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.

Ezekiel 18:17
He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.


Treasury of Scripture

Also I said, It is not good that you do: ought you not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

It is not

1 Samuel 2:24
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.

Proverbs 16:29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

Proverbs 17:26
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

walk

Nehemiah 5:15
But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

Genesis 20:11
And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.

Genesis 42:18
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:

reproach

Genesis 13:7,8
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land…

2 Samuel 12:14
Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

Ezekiel 36:20
And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.

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Avoid Continued Enemies Fear Good Heathen Nations Necessary Ought Prevent Reproach Right Shame Shouldn't Taunts Walk
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Avoid Continued Enemies Fear Good Heathen Nations Necessary Ought Prevent Reproach Right Shame Shouldn't Taunts Walk
Nehemiah 5
1. The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage
6. Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution
14. He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality














So I continued
This phrase indicates Nehemiah's persistence and leadership. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here suggests a continuation of speech or action, emphasizing Nehemiah's role as a proactive leader. Historically, Nehemiah was a governor who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. His leadership was not just about physical reconstruction but also about moral and spiritual reform. This persistence is a model for Christian leaders today, who are called to address issues of justice and righteousness with unwavering resolve.

What you are doing is not right
Nehemiah confronts the nobles and officials about their unjust practices. The Hebrew word for "right" here is "tov," which means good, pleasing, or proper. This confrontation is rooted in the Mosaic Law, which emphasized justice and fairness, especially towards the poor and marginalized. Nehemiah's boldness in calling out wrongdoing reflects the biblical principle of accountability within the community of believers. It serves as a reminder that Christians are called to uphold God's standards of righteousness in all aspects of life.

Should you not walk
The phrase "walk" in Hebrew often signifies one's conduct or way of life. It is a metaphor for living in accordance with God's commandments. Nehemiah is urging the people to align their actions with their faith. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to "walk in the light" (1 John 1:7) and to "walk by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7). It underscores the importance of living out one's faith in practical, everyday actions.

in the fear of our God
The "fear of God" is a central theme in the Old Testament, denoting reverence, awe, and respect for the Almighty. In Hebrew, the word "yirah" conveys a sense of both fear and worship. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and authority. Nehemiah appeals to this fear as a motivating factor for ethical behavior. For Christians, the fear of God is foundational to wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 9:10) and is a guiding principle for righteous living.

to avoid the reproach
Reproach refers to disgrace or disapproval. In the context of Nehemiah's time, the Jewish community was under scrutiny by surrounding nations. The Hebrew word "cherpah" implies shame or scorn. Nehemiah is concerned that their actions could bring dishonor not only to themselves but also to God's name. This highlights the importance of maintaining a good testimony before others, as Christians are called to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14) and to live in a way that brings glory to God.

of our foreign enemies
The mention of "foreign enemies" reflects the geopolitical realities of Nehemiah's time. The Jews were surrounded by hostile nations who were opposed to their rebuilding efforts. The Hebrew term for "enemies" is "oyev," which denotes adversaries or foes. Nehemiah's concern is that internal injustices could weaken their position and give their enemies cause to mock or attack them. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare Christians face and the need to stand united in righteousness to withstand external opposition.

(9) Because of the reproach.--The text of another strong argument used in the assembly. We learn in Nehemiah 6 how watchful the heathen were: all matters were reported to them, and every act of oppression would become a reproach against the God of the Jews.

Verse 9. - Also I said. To silence the nobles was not enough. To shame them was not enough. What was wanted was to persuade them. Nehemiah therefore continued his address. It is not good that ye do. It is not good in itself, apart from any contrast with what I have been doing. Ought ye not to walk - or, literally, "will ye not walk"- in the fear of our God? Will ye not really, "fear God and keep his commandments, not in the letter only, but in the spirit? Will ye not cease to oppress your brethren? Will ye not deal kindly and gently with them? Because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies. If the mere fear of God, the desire to escape his displeasure and win his approval, is not enough, will not the thought of the light in which you will appear to the heathen influence you? You make a profession of religion; you claim to be actuated by high motives; to be merciful, compassionate, and self-denying. If they see you as keen after gain as any of themselves, as regardless of others, as pitiless and oppressive, what a reproach will not this bring on your religion! What a proof will it not seem to be that you are no better than your neighbours, and your religion, therefore, no whit superior to theirs!

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So I continued,
וָאוֹמַ֕ר‪‬‪‬ (wā·’ō·w·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you
אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are doing
עֹשִׂ֑ים (‘ō·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

is not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

right.
ט֥וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

Shouldn’t
הֲל֞וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

you walk
תֵּלֵ֔כוּ (tê·lê·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in the fear
בְּיִרְאַ֤ת (bə·yir·’aṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of our God
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

to avoid the reproach
מֵחֶרְפַּ֖ת (mê·ḥer·paṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

of our foreign
הַגּוֹיִ֥ם (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

enemies?
אוֹיְבֵֽינוּ׃ (’ō·wy·ḇê·nū)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary


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OT History: Nehemiah 5:9 Also I said The thing that you (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 5:8
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