4 Still others were saying, "We have had to borrow money to pay the king's tax on our fields and vineyards.
4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
4 And there were those who said, "We have borrowed money for the king's tax on our fields and our vineyards.
4 And others said, "We're having to borrow money to pay the royal tax on our fields and vineyards.
4 There were also those who said, "We have borrowed money for the king's tax on our lands and vineyards.
4 And others said, "We have had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay our taxes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:4
Commentary on Nehemiah 5:1-5
(Read Nehemiah 5:1-5)
Men prey upon their fellow-creatures: by despising the poor they reproach their Maker. Such conduct is a disgrace to any, but who can sufficiently abhor it when adopted by professing Christians? With compassion for the oppressed, we should lament the hardships which many in the world are groaning under; putting our souls into their souls' stead, and remembering in our prayers and succours those who are burdened. But let those who show no mercy, expect judgment without mercy.