Nehemiah 5 18

Nehemiah 5:18 kjv

Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Nehemiah 5:18 nkjv

Now that which was prepared daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of this I did not demand the governor's provisions, because the bondage was heavy on this people.

Nehemiah 5:18 niv

Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

Nehemiah 5:18 esv

Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people.

Nehemiah 5:18 nlt

The provisions I paid for each day included one ox, six choice sheep or goats, and a large number of poultry. And every ten days we needed a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet I refused to claim the governor's food allowance because the people already carried a heavy burden.

Nehemiah 5 verses

Nehemiah 5 18 Meaning

Nehemiah 5:18 details the lavish daily provisions that Nehemiah personally arranged and consumed as governor. Despite this ample personal supply, he deliberately chose not to impose the customary "bread of the governor" upon the people. This right would have entitled him to collect an allowance or tribute from the populace for his sustenance. His rationale for this self-denial was the profound hardship and burdensome nature of the work the people were undertaking, namely, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse exemplifies Nehemiah's exemplary self-sacrificial leadership and deep compassion for the struggling community.

Nehemiah 5 18 Context

Nehemiah chapter 5 is a pivotal passage addressing severe internal social and economic injustices among the returning exiles in Jerusalem. While rebuilding the city walls under Nehemiah's leadership, the poorer citizens were forced into debt, mortgaging their fields and houses, and even selling their children into slavery to pay exorbitant taxes and secure food during a famine. This exploitation by wealthier Jews fueled bitter complaints. Nehemiah, upon hearing their outcry, became indignant. He directly confronted the nobles and officials, demanding an end to usury and the restitution of mortgaged properties. In the verses immediately preceding 5:18 (vv. 14-17), Nehemiah provides a stark contrast to this greedy behavior by highlighting his own conduct as governor for twelve years. He explicitly states that unlike previous governors and their aides who oppressed the people, taking exorbitant sums and supplies, he had never done so. Verse 18 then elaborates on the extent of his personal expense in feeding a large retinue at his own table, setting a clear ethical standard and living out the compassion he demanded of others. His decision not to "demand the bread of the governor" served as a powerful living sermon, reinforcing his condemnation of the wealthy oppressors and validating his call for justice and generosity.

Nehemiah 5 18 Word analysis

• Now that which was prepared (וַאֲשֶׁר־הוּכַן֮ - va'asher-hûḵan): This refers to the daily food supply that Nehemiah himself provided for his large household and guests. Hukhan is the Hophal (passive-causative) participle of kun, meaning "to be prepared" or "to be established." It emphasizes a continuous, dedicated provision.
• for one day (לְיוֹם֮ - le’yôm): This specifies the daily quantity, highlighting the consistent and substantial nature of the provision.
• was one ox (שׁוֹר־אֶחָד֙ - šôr-ʾeḥād): A significant amount of meat. An ox would feed many people, indicating Nehemiah's large retinue and open hospitality.
• and six choice sheep (וְשֵׁשׁ־צֹ֣אן בְּרֵר֗וֹת - vəšêš-ṣōn bərerōt): "Choice" (bererot) signifies selected, prime animals, not merely any sheep. This detail underscores the quality and generosity of Nehemiah's provisions.
• also fowls (צִפֳּרִים֮ - ṣipporim): A variety of birds. Further adds to the lavishness and diversity of the meals provided.
• were prepared for me (הוּכַ֥ן לִי - hûḵan lî): Again, emphasis on his personal expense and arrangement.
• and once in ten days (וּפַ֙עַם֙ אֶחָ֣ד בְּעֶ֣שֶׂר י֔וֹם - uˈfaʿam ʾeḥāḏ bəʿeser yôm): A regular supply.
• wine in abundance (יַ֣יִן לְרֹ֔ב - yayin lərov): Literally "wine to abundance" or "wine for much." Indicating plentiful supply, demonstrating his affluence and generous provision.
• Yet for all this (וְכָל־זֹ֖את - vəḵāl-zōt): Despite managing such a substantial household and having ample personal resources and an official entitlement.
• I did not demand (לֶֽחֶם הַפֶּחָ֔ה - leḥem happeḥāh): Literally, "the bread of the governor/pasha." Leḥem (bread) represents sustenance or allowance. Happeḥāh (the governor) is the Persian administrative title for the provincial governor. This was the traditional and legitimate entitlement/stipend from the people to cover the governor's expenses. Nehemiah chose not to levy it.
• for the service was heavy (כִּי־כָֽבְדָ֥ה הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה - kî-ḵāvəḏâ hāʿăvōḏâ): The direct reason for his sacrifice. Kavedah (heavy) implies severe, burdensome, oppressive. Ha'avodah (the service/work) refers to the rebuilding efforts, along with the economic struggles the people faced.
• on this people (עַל־הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּֽה - ʿal-hāʿām hazzeh): Demonstrates his empathy and concern for their well-being. He prioritized their struggle over his personal right.

• Prepared for me / not demand the bread of the governor: This contrast highlights Nehemiah's exceptional self-sacrifice. He did not merely abstain from oppressing the people but personally bore a significant financial burden to maintain his office and household, rather than drawing from an already strained populace. This demonstrates genuine servant leadership.
• One ox and six choice sheep... wine in abundance: The scale of these provisions reveals Nehemiah's considerable wealth and generosity. It implies a daily "open table" for over 150 Jewish and foreign officials mentioned in the previous verse (5:17), which he funded personally. This was far beyond personal sustenance, it was a leadership display.
• For the service was heavy on this people: This phrase captures the essence of his motivation – compassion. It defines a leadership model that places the well-being and burdens of the led above the rights and comfort of the leader, especially in times of hardship. This distinguishes his leadership from the oppressive norms of his time and previous governors.

Nehemiah 5 18 Bonus section

Nehemiah's voluntary renunciation of his entitled "bread of the governor" stands as a polemical statement against the self-serving rulers and exploiters common in the Ancient Near East and even among some in Israel's history. It embodies a counter-cultural ethos, mirroring God's character of compassion and justice rather than the prevailing greed and power abuse. His conduct anticipates the principle of Christ, who, though deserving all, chose to humble Himself and serve others, even to the point of death. The term "service" (ha'avodah) being "heavy" resonates deeply with the struggles of God's people throughout history, reminding leaders to ease, not add to, such burdens. Nehemiah's leadership here is not merely administrative; it's profoundly spiritual, showcasing a walk with God that impacts material realities.

Nehemiah 5 18 Commentary

Nehemiah 5:18 powerfully illustrates true biblical leadership, contrasting Nehemiah's selfless governance with the prevalent practices of his time. As governor, Nehemiah was legitimately entitled to provisions and financial support from the people, often referred to as the "bread of the governor." However, in a display of profound empathy and ethical integrity, he chose to forego this right. His decision was rooted in a deep understanding of the crushing burdens the people were already enduring due to the arduous work of rebuilding the walls, exacerbated by economic exploitation and scarcity. Nehemiah didn't just passively abstain; he actively took on the significant financial burden of providing for his large retinue (daily feeding a substantial group, including one ox and six choice sheep, fowls, and abundant wine) from his personal resources. This extraordinary commitment provided a powerful example to the wealthy elite he challenged to cease their exploitation. His actions were a practical demonstration of righteousness, proving that a leader's gain should never come at the cost of the people's well-being, especially when they are vulnerable. This serves as a timeless model for those in authority: leadership rooted in compassion, self-sacrifice, and an unwavering focus on the welfare of the led.