Nehemiah 5 14

Nehemiah 5:14 kjv

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

Nehemiah 5:14 nkjv

Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor's provisions.

Nehemiah 5:14 niv

Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year?twelve years?neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.

Nehemiah 5:14 esv

Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.

Nehemiah 5:14 nlt

For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah ? from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes ? neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance.

Nehemiah 5 verses

Nehemiah 5 14 Meaning

Nehemiah 5:14 reveals Nehemiah's extraordinary selflessness and integrity as governor of Judah, emphasizing his financial sacrifice during his entire twelve-year tenure. Unlike typical Persian governors who levied oppressive taxes and took allowances from the people for their upkeep, Nehemiah personally forewent these customary entitlements, choosing not to burden the impoverished populace during a critical time of rebuilding. This act demonstrated servant leadership driven by the fear of God, distinguishing him from his predecessors and setting a remarkable example for all in authority.

Nehemiah 5 14 Context

Nehemiah chapter 5 describes a significant internal crisis among the returning Jewish exiles. Due to famine, heavy taxation, and the need to pay Persian imperial taxes, many Jewish families were forced to mortgage their fields and vineyards, and even sell their sons and daughters into slavery to other wealthy Jews. This severe economic exploitation created a great outcry among the people, leading Nehemiah to address the grievances with righteous indignation. Verses 1-13 recount Nehemiah’s strong rebuke of the Jewish nobles and officials for charging usury and exploiting their brethren, forcing them to restore what they had taken. Verse 14 then serves as Nehemiah's personal example and justification for his authority and moral standing in challenging the corrupt practices, demonstrating that his leadership was not for personal gain but for the welfare of the community and the glory of God.

Nehemiah 5 14 Word analysis

• Moreover: Connects this statement directly to the previous discussion on economic oppression (Neh 5:1-13). It shows Nehemiah is not just condemning others' corruption, but presenting his own exemplary conduct as a standard.
• from the time that I was appointed: Implies divine ordination or sovereign allowance for his position. The term can denote "raised up" or "established," indicating the beginning of his legitimate authority.
• to be their governor: The Hebrew word is פחה (pekah), pronounced 'peh-khah'. This specific term denotes a high-ranking Persian provincial administrator or satrap. A governor had significant power, including taxation rights and entitlement to official provisions. This highlights Nehemiah’s high office and the considerable usual entitlements he consciously renounced.
• in the land of Judah: Specifies his administrative territory, underlining his direct responsibility and the impact of his actions on this particular impoverished community.
• from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king: Provides precise chronological markers (445-433 BC). This twelve-year duration emphasizes the sustained, consistent, and long-term nature of Nehemiah's sacrifice, proving it was not a temporary gesture. Artaxerxes I Longimanus was the Persian emperor.
• for twelve years: This reiterates the significant period, emphasizing the steadfastness and personal cost of his decision not to claim his allowance. It implies a substantial financial forgo.
• neither I nor my brothers: "My brothers" refers to Nehemiah’s personal staff, officials, or retinue who would ordinarily share in the governor’s provisions. This shows the widespread practice of self-denial extended beyond just Nehemiah to his whole immediate administration.
• ate the food allowance of the governor: The Hebrew phrase is לחם הפחה (lechem ha'pechah), literally "the bread of the governor." "Bread" symbolically represents all official provisions, perquisites, revenue, or salary associated with the office, which were traditionally drawn from taxes or direct contributions from the local population. To "not eat" implies refusing to claim, accept, or benefit from these entitlements, ensuring no financial burden was placed on the struggling people by their highest authority.

Words-Group by words-Group analysis:

• "from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year... for twelve years": This precise temporal frame highlights the remarkable consistency and duration of Nehemiah's selfless governance. It wasn't a short-term political move but a long-standing commitment.
• "neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor": This phrase captures the core message of self-sacrifice. It details the specific financial integrity demonstrated by Nehemiah and his immediate staff, which involved giving up their lawful and customary entitlements to avoid burdening the people.

Nehemiah 5 14 Bonus section

Nehemiah's decision to forego his allowance would have involved considerable personal cost, as mentioned later in Nehemiah 5:17-18, where he states that 150 Jewish and foreign officials, plus his own staff, ate at his table daily, supplied at his personal expense. This further magnifies the significance of his financial integrity and dedication to his mission. His exemplary conduct reinforced his moral authority to challenge the oppressive practices of other leaders, demonstrating that true leadership demands sacrifice and not exploitation. His model anticipates New Testament principles of ministers not becoming a financial burden to those they serve, emphasizing a leadership style motivated by God's will rather than personal profit or prestige.

Nehemiah 5 14 Commentary

Nehemiah 5:14 serves as a powerful testament to authentic leadership rooted in a genuine fear of God. While chapter 5 largely deals with Nehemiah's confrontation of economic injustice among the Jewish elite, this verse reveals his own unwavering moral consistency. He sets himself apart from past governors who exploited the vulnerable, choosing instead to shoulder the financial burden personally rather than contribute to the people's hardship. This proactive self-denial for twelve continuous years wasn't merely abstention; it was a deliberate act of grace that significantly lightened the load on a community already struggling to rebuild Jerusalem. His actions exemplified what it means to lead as a shepherd rather than a hired hand, prioritizing the flock's welfare over personal gain, embodying the servant leadership later taught by Christ.

Example: A church leader, during times of economic distress among the congregation, choosing to decline part or all of their rightful salary or benefits to ensure the church's resources are fully directed towards outreach or supporting needy members.