Keraia
Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah 5:14

Nehemiah’s Generosity · Nehemiah 5:14–19
Read Nehemiah 5

Translations

Modern
Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Also from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the King (twelve years), I and my brothers did not eat the bread of the governor.
Latin
A die autem illa, qua præceperat rex mihi ut essem dux in terra Juda, ab anno vigesimo usque ad annum trigesimum secundum Artaxerxis regis per annos duodecim, ego et fratres mei annonas quæ ducibus debebantur non comedimus.

Original

Hebrew
English
Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.

Notes

Nehemiah 5:14

  • This is the first time Nehemiah is mentioned as governor. The king did not mention this role when he first sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem.

  • Persia's government officials usually received an official food allowance from the local population. However, Nehemiah and his associates bought food with their regular pay instead.

Nehemiah 5:14–19

This section explains Nehemiah's steady approach to servant leadership and his personal generosity.

Theme notes and profiles

Nehemiah Jerusalem

People

Artaxerxes: Persian king during Ezra and Nehemiah's time Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Book of Nehemiah Nehemiah (Person) Postexilic Period Tax, Taxation

Topics

Artaxerxes: King of Persia--Decree of, in Behalf of the Jews Civil Service: Reform In Country: Love of Example: Good Government: Provincial Integrity: Nehemiah, Reforming the Civil Service, and Receiving No Compensation for his own Services Kindness: The Jews to the People Love: Nehemiah for Israelites Persia: Artaxerxes Ii Rulers: Righteous: Artaxerxes, in Commissioning Ezra to Restore the Forms of Worship at Jerusalem Unselfishness: Nehemiah