Nehemiah 5:2-4

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

² For some said, We, our sons and daughters, are many; therefore allow us to take grain, that we may eat and live! If we are not given grain, let us take it!

³ Also some said, We are mortgaging our lands, vineyards, and houses to buy grain because of the scarcity.

⁴ Others said, We have borrowed money on our fields and vineyards to pay the [Persian] king’s heavy tax.