Nehemiah 5:15

KJV

But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the former {H7223} governors {H6346} that had been before {H6440} me were chargeable {H3513} unto the people {H5971}, and had taken {H3947} of them bread {H3899} and wine {H3196}, beside {H310} forty {H705} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}; yea, even {H1571} their servants {H5288} bare rule {H7980} over the people {H5971}: but so did {H6213} not I, because {H6440} of the fear {H3374} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The earlier governors, before me, had burdened the people, taxing them more than one-and-a-half pounds of silver shekels for food and wine; and even their servants lorded it over the people. But I didn't, because I feared God.

Berean Standard Bible

The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God.

American Standard Version

But the former governors that were before me were chargeable unto the people, and took of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:15 stands as a powerful testament to the integrity and selfless leadership of Nehemiah, sharply contrasting his righteous conduct with the exploitative practices of previous governors in Judah. This verse reveals Nehemiah's refusal to burden the impoverished people with taxes and provisions, even foregoing his rightful allowance, all motivated by a profound reverence for God. It underscores how a deep, practical "fear of God" can compel leaders to act justly, compassionately, and with unwavering integrity, prioritizing the welfare of the community over personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 5:15 is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter that addresses a severe internal crisis among the Jewish people during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Preceding this verse, [Nehemiah 5:1-5](/nehemiah/5-1 "Nehemiah 5:1-5 - The Cry of the Poor") details the desperate plight of the people: many had mortgaged their lands, vineyards, and homes, and even sold their children into slavery to pay royal taxes and buy food, exacerbated by a famine. Nehemiah's immediate response (recorded in [Nehemiah 5:6-13](/nehemiah/5-6 "Nehemiah 5:6-13 - Nehemiah's Response to Injustice")) was to confront the wealthy nobles and officials who were charging exorbitant interest on loans to their own kinsmen. He called for an end to this oppression and the return of mortgaged properties. Following this, [Nehemiah 5:14](/nehemiah/5-14 "Nehemiah 5:14 - Nehemiah's Selfless Service") reveals Nehemiah's personal sacrifice: for twelve years, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes to his thirty-second year, he and his brothers did not eat the governor's allowance, further highlighting his commitment to the people. Verse 15 then explicitly contrasts this with the former governors, providing the theological underpinning for Nehemiah's exemplary conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the Persian Empire, governors of provinces were typically entitled to a substantial allowance, often collected as taxes or provisions from the local populace, to cover their administrative expenses and maintain their household. This system, while legitimate, was prone to abuse, as evidenced by the "former governors" in this verse. These officials, likely appointed by the Persian king, would have been expected to maintain a certain standard of living and entertain foreign dignitaries, which required significant resources. The "bread and wine" and "forty shekels of silver" represent a substantial daily or regular levy, in addition to the standard tribute paid to the Persian crown. The mention that "even their servants bare rule over the people" indicates a severe level of corruption and oppression, where even the governor's subordinates exercised unchecked authority, likely extorting additional resources or labor from the already struggling populace. Nehemiah, as the newly appointed governor (Tirshatha), arrived in a context where such practices were normalized but deeply detrimental to the morale and economic stability of the Jewish community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it exemplifies **Righteous Leadership**, showcasing Nehemiah as a model of integrity and self-sacrifice, in stark contrast to the corrupt leaders who preceded him. His actions demonstrate that true leadership, especially in God's work, is characterized by service, not self-enrichment. Secondly, the theme of **Justice and Compassion for the Vulnerable** is central, as Nehemiah actively works to alleviate the burdens of the poor and oppressed, aligning with the prophetic calls for social justice found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")). Finally, and most pivotally, the verse highlights **The Fear of God as a Motivator for Ethical Conduct**. Nehemiah's decision to forgo his entitlements and act justly is explicitly attributed to his "fear of God." This "fear" is not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, commands, and ultimate authority, leading to a desire to live in a way that honors Him and His covenant people. This concept is a foundational principle for wisdom and righteous living throughout Scripture, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chargeable (Hebrew, _kābad_):** The Hebrew verb כָּבַד (_kābad_), typically means "to be heavy," "to be weighty," or "to be burdensome." In this context, it signifies that the former governors were a heavy burden or oppressive financial weight upon the people. It implies an excessive and unjust imposition of taxes and demands, beyond what was reasonable or sustainable, leading to the people's impoverishment and distress.
* **Fear of God (Hebrew, _yir'at Elohim_):** This crucial phrase (יִרְאַת אֱלֹהִים, _yir'at Elohim_) denotes a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's character, holiness, and authority. It is not a cowering terror but a moral compass that leads to obedience, integrity, and a desire to please God by living righteously. For Nehemiah, this "fear" was the ultimate deterrent against corruption and the primary motivation for his selfless actions, compelling him to prioritize God's standards of justice and compassion over personal gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people":** This opening clause immediately establishes a stark contrast. The term "former governors" refers to those who held the office prior to Nehemiah's appointment. The phrase "were chargeable unto the people" means they imposed heavy financial burdens and obligations, exploiting their position for personal enrichment, contrary to the welfare of the community.
* **"and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver":** This specifies the nature of the exploitation. Governors were entitled to provisions, but these individuals took excessive amounts of staple goods ("bread and wine") and a significant sum of money ("forty shekels of silver"). This highlights the direct financial drain on the people, indicating a systematic and substantial extraction of wealth.
* **"yea, even their servants bare rule over the people":** This clause further underscores the extent of the abuse of power. It suggests that not only the governors themselves but even their subordinates exercised oppressive authority, likely extorting additional resources or labor, and perhaps acting with impunity due to their association with the governor. This indicates a widespread culture of corruption and lack of accountability.
* **"but so did not I":** This is Nehemiah's direct, emphatic declaration of his contrasting conduct. It serves as the turning point of the verse, highlighting his personal integrity and refusal to participate in or perpetuate such exploitative practices. This statement is a powerful assertion of his selfless leadership.
* **"because of the fear of God":** This climactic phrase provides the ultimate motivation for Nehemiah's righteous actions. His refusal to exploit the people was not due to political expediency, personal ambition, or a desire for popularity, but stemmed from a deep, reverential awe and respect for God. This "fear" compelled him to live justly, knowing he was accountable to a higher divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 5:15 masterfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device. The verse directly juxtaposes the corrupt and burdensome practices of the "former governors" with Nehemiah's exemplary, selfless leadership. This sharp distinction ("but so did not I") serves to highlight Nehemiah's moral superiority and the divine principle guiding his actions. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Exemplum**, presenting Nehemiah's conduct as a model of righteous governance, particularly for those in positions of power. The concluding phrase, "because of the fear of God," acts as a **Climax** and an **Explanation**, providing the ultimate theological rationale for Nehemiah's integrity. It elevates his actions from mere ethical behavior to a demonstration of true piety, underscoring that a profound reverence for God is the wellspring of genuine justice and compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 5:15 offers profound theological insights into the nature of godly leadership and the practical outworking of true faith. Nehemiah's actions embody the biblical call for justice and righteousness, particularly in the treatment of the poor and vulnerable. His refusal to exploit his position, even when entitled to do so, reflects a deep understanding that authority is a stewardship from God, to be exercised for the welfare of others, not for personal gain. The "fear of God" is presented not as a passive sentiment but as an active, transformative force that shapes moral choices and compels individuals to align their conduct with divine principles of equity and compassion. This verse underscores that genuine reverence for God leads inevitably to ethical living and a commitment to social justice, demonstrating that piety is intrinsically linked to practical righteousness.

* [Proverbs 16:6](/proverbs/16-6 "Proverbs 16:6 - By Mercy and Truth Iniquity is Purged")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What Does the Lord Require?")
* [Deuteronomy 10:12-13](/deuteronomy/10-12 "Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:15 provides a timeless blueprint for leadership and personal integrity in any sphere of influence. In a world often characterized by self-interest and the abuse of power, Nehemiah's example challenges us to consider the true source of our motivations. His "fear of God" was not a detached theological concept but a living, breathing principle that dictated his daily choices, even when those choices meant personal sacrifice. For us, this means that our faith must translate into tangible acts of justice, compassion, and humility, especially when we are in positions to benefit ourselves at the expense of others. It calls us to examine whether our decisions are driven by a genuine reverence for God's character and His concern for the vulnerable, or by worldly aspirations. Nehemiah reminds us that true spiritual maturity is evidenced by how we treat those under our authority or influence, and by our willingness to forgo personal entitlements for the greater good, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah's leadership challenge modern notions of power and success?**
* **In what areas of your life (personal, professional, communal) might you be "chargeable" to others, and how can you emulate Nehemiah's selflessness?**
* **What does "the fear of God" practically look like in your daily decisions and interactions?**
* **How can a deeper reverence for God motivate you to act with greater integrity and compassion in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "forty shekels of silver" represent in this context?**

Answer: Forty shekels of silver was a significant sum in ancient times, likely representing a substantial daily or regular levy that the former governors extracted from the people. While the exact value fluctuated, it would have been a considerable burden, especially on an already impoverished populace. This amount, alongside "bread and wine," indicates the systematic and oppressive financial demands placed on the community, contributing to their economic distress and forcing many into debt or servitude, as described earlier in [Nehemiah 5](/nehemiah/5 "Nehemiah 5 - Economic Oppression and Nehemiah's Response").

**What is the meaning of "the fear of God" and how did it motivate Nehemiah?**

Answer: "The fear of God" (Hebrew: _yir'at Elohim_) in biblical terms does not mean being terrified of God, but rather a profound, reverential awe, respect, and submission to His holiness, power, and moral authority. It is an active principle that leads to moral uprightness, obedience to His commands, and a desire to live in a way that honors Him. For Nehemiah, this fear meant recognizing that his position as governor was a stewardship from God, and he was accountable to God for how he treated His people. This deep reverence compelled him to act justly, refrain from exploitation, and prioritize the welfare of the community over personal gain, even when it meant significant personal sacrifice, as detailed in [Nehemiah 5:14](/nehemiah/5-14 "Nehemiah 5:14 - Nehemiah's Refusal of Governor's Allowance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's exemplary leadership, characterized by selflessness and a profound "fear of God," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nehemiah, though a righteous governor, was a flawed human leader; Jesus, however, is the perfect King and ultimate Servant Leader. Nehemiah refused to burden his people, but Christ bore the ultimate burden of humanity's sin, becoming "chargeable" for our transgressions, as [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray") prophesied. While Nehemiah gave up his allowance, Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). His entire life was a demonstration of serving others rather than being served, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "fear of God" that motivated Nehemiah finds its truest expression in Christ's perfect obedience to the Father, even to the point of death ([Hebrews 5:7-8](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7-8 - Christ's Obedience")). Thus, Nehemiah stands as a powerful Old Testament shadow, pointing to the One who perfectly embodied selfless leadership, justice, and compassion, not merely because of the fear of God, but as God incarnate, who laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 5:9

Also I said, It [is] not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?

Isaiah 50:10

¶ Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Proverbs 16:6

¶ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

Matthew 5:47

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so?

Job 31:23

For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether [it be] good, or whether [it be] evil.