Nehemiah 5 17

Nehemiah 5:17 kjv

Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

Nehemiah 5:17 nkjv

And at my table were one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.

Nehemiah 5:17 niv

Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations.

Nehemiah 5:17 esv

Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us.

Nehemiah 5:17 nlt

I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands!

Nehemiah 5 verses

Nehemiah 5 17 Meaning

Nehemiah 5:17 describes Nehemiah's extraordinary generosity and practical self-sacrifice as governor of Judah. It reveals that, daily, 150 Jewish individuals, including officials, were fed at his own expense. Furthermore, his hospitality extended to include people who visited from the surrounding nations, showcasing an expansive spirit of provision beyond his immediate community. This act directly contrasted with the exploitative practices of previous governors and solidified his example of selfless, God-fearing leadership.

Nehemiah 5 17 Context

Nehemiah chapter 5 details a severe internal crisis threatening the very rebuilding project. While the wall was under construction, economic hardship had caused some wealthy Jewish nobles and officials to exploit their impoverished brethren. They exacted high-interest loans, took vineyards and houses as collateral, and even enslaved children for debt (Neh 5:1-5). Nehemiah was deeply angered by this injustice. He convened a large assembly, sternly rebuked the oppressive leaders, and successfully pressured them to release debts, return properties, and free those enslaved, setting a personal example by canceling his own dues and the people's tribute. Verse 17 directly follows Nehemiah's personal commitment not to take the governor's allowance, contrasting his leadership style with previous governors who "burdened the people" (Neh 5:15). It highlights how Nehemiah’s integrity and fear of God were practically demonstrated through his enormous personal generosity, sustaining a significant number of people at his own table daily.

Nehemiah 5 17 Word analysis

• "Moreover": The Hebrew "Gam" (גַּם) means "also" or "furthermore." It introduces an additional significant act of generosity, reinforcing the extent of Nehemiah's commitment outlined in the preceding verses. It highlights that his refusal to take the governor's food allowance was accompanied by this extraordinary personal provision.

• "there were at my table": The Hebrew phrase "hāyû ʿal šulḥānî" (הָיוּ עַל־שֻׁלְחָנִי), literally "were upon my table," indicates a continuous, daily practice of hosting and providing meals. "Šulḥān" (שֻׁלְחָן), a table, signifies a place of sustenance, fellowship, and honor. This was not an occasional gesture but a sustained commitment of vast resources, emphasizing Nehemiah's consistent sacrifice.

• "150 Jews and officials": The precise number "mêʾāh wāḥamîššîh" (מֵאָה וַחֲמִשִּׁים) stresses the magnitude of his hospitality. "Yəhûdîm" (יְהוּדִים) refers to the people of Judah, while "sāgānîm" (סְגָנִים) refers to officials or deputies. This highlights that Nehemiah supported a diverse group, including leaders and common folk, at his own cost, promoting unity and a shared sense of community under his righteous governance. It demonstrated a reversal of the hierarchy where leaders usually benefited from the populace.

• "besides those who came to us from the surrounding nations": The Hebrew "libbaḏ halḥōzəʾîm ʾēlēnû min hagōyim" (לְבַד הַלְּקֹצָנִים אֵלֵינוּ מִן־הַגּוֹיִם), "apart from those coming to us from the nations" ("Min hagoyim"). This detail expands the scope of Nehemiah's generosity beyond his immediate kinsmen. It suggests that his reputation for justice and provision extended outwardly, potentially attracting those seeking fair treatment or refuge, showcasing an inclusive spirit and the universal appeal of his righteous leadership.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "there were at my table 150 Jews and officials": This phrase paints a picture of massive daily provision, showcasing Nehemiah's personal financial sacrifice. It signifies a profound act of selfless service and hospitality directed towards the very people he governed, directly counteracting the oppression previously detailed in the chapter, demonstrating genuine care for both the common person and their leaders.
  • "besides those who came to us from the surrounding nations": This crucial addition emphasizes the broad, inclusive nature of Nehemiah's leadership and the wide-reaching impact of his good deeds. It suggests a welcoming environment in Judah under his governance, indicating a beacon of justice and provision even to non-Israelites, possibly enhancing Judah's diplomatic standing and demonstrating the attractiveness of living under God-fearing principles.

Nehemiah 5 17 Bonus section

• The detail in the subsequent verse (Neh 5:18) about the specific provisions—one ox, six choice sheep, and fowl daily, plus wine every ten days—underscores the enormous personal expense Nehemiah undertook. This was an extraordinarily lavish provision for so many people and points to Nehemiah’s personal wealth combined with a fervent commitment to serving his people rather than enriching himself.
• In the ancient Near East, kings and governors typically imposed heavy levies and extracted resources from their subjects. Nehemiah's actions were revolutionary for his time, serving as a powerful counter-cultural example that prioritizes the welfare of the governed over the privilege of the governor. This implicitly functions as a polemic against the typical corrupt governance of the age.
• This act of generous hospitality contributed significantly to communal solidarity and spiritual well-being among the people of Judah, creating an atmosphere of trust and cooperation crucial for rebuilding efforts, both physical and spiritual. It also demonstrated the practical implications of a society governed by the Law of God, which mandates care for the poor and vulnerable.
• Nehemiah’s leadership showcases the intertwined nature of spiritual and social justice. His moral uprightness translated into tangible, material provision and economic justice, indicating that faith without works for the betterment of society is incomplete.

Nehemiah 5 17 Commentary

Nehemiah 5:17 profoundly encapsulates the essence of righteous leadership rooted in the fear of God. Far from merely enacting reforms or giving directives, Nehemiah physically embodied his commitment to his people. By refusing his substantial gubernatorial provisions (as detailed in verse 18) and instead personally funding the daily sustenance of a large, diverse group—150 Jews, officials, and even foreign visitors—Nehemiah set a living example of generosity, sacrifice, and integrity. This was a direct outworking of his fear of the Lord (Neh 5:15), starkly contrasting with the self-serving and exploitative rule of previous governors and reflecting divine principles of provision and hospitality. His actions demonstrated that true leadership is about serving, caring for, and bearing the burdens of the community, mirroring the biblical ideal that spiritual authority manifests through self-emptying service and generosity rather than self-enrichment or oppression.