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Nehemiah 5:14

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¶ 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.

Moreover from the time {H3117} that I was appointed {H6680} to be their governor {H6346} in the land {H776} of Judah {H3063}, from the twentieth {H6242} year {H8141} even unto the two {H8147} and thirtieth {H7970} year {H8141} of Artaxerxes {H783} the king {H4428}, that is, twelve {H8147}{H6240} years {H8141}, I and my brethren {H251} have not eaten {H398} the bread {H3899} of the governor {H6346}.

Besides that, from the time I was appointed their governor in the land of Y'hudah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of Artach'shashta the king - that is, for twelve years - neither I nor my colleagues drew on the governor's living allowance.

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.

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.

Commentary

Nehemiah 5:14 provides a powerful testimony to the integrity and selfless leadership of Nehemiah during his twelve years as governor of Judah. This verse highlights his commitment to the welfare of his people, even at personal cost, setting a profound example of righteous governance in a challenging era.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Nehemiah Chapter 5 where the governor addresses severe economic injustice among the Jewish people. During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, many of the poorer Jews were forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and even sell their children into slavery to pay taxes and buy food, often to wealthy Jewish creditors. Nehemiah, deeply distressed by this exploitation, confronts the nobles and officials, urging them to restore what they had taken and cease their usurious practices. His governorship, which began in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, is contrasted with the corrupt practices of his predecessors. This statement follows Nehemiah's strong rebuke of the nobles and officials for their exploitation of the poor through usury, demonstrating his own commitment to justice and ethical conduct.

Key Themes

  • Selfless Leadership and Integrity: Nehemiah chose not to accept the customary provisions or "bread of the governor" for twelve years. This act of self-denial demonstrated his unwavering integrity and commitment to the people's well-being, especially when they were struggling financially. He prioritized their needs over his own entitlements.
  • Sacrifice for the Common Good: By forfeiting his rightful allowance, Nehemiah made a significant personal sacrifice. This not only alleviated the financial burden on the struggling populace but also served as a powerful example to the other leaders and nobles, challenging them to follow suit.
  • Contrast to Corruption: Nehemiah's actions stand in stark contrast to the corrupt practices of previous governors and the wealthy elite he had just condemned. His refusal to exploit his position for personal gain underscores a core principle of biblical leadership: serving others rather than being served.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "eaten the bread of the governor" refers to the official allowance, provisions, or salary that would typically be provided to a governor from the public treasury or contributions. By stating that he and his brethren "have not eaten the bread of the governor," Nehemiah emphasizes that they did not draw on public funds for their sustenance or privileges during his lengthy tenure. This was a deliberate and significant act of financial abstinence, highlighting his dedication to not burdening the people.

Practical Application

Nehemiah's example in this verse remains highly relevant for all forms of leadership today, whether in government, business, or the church. It teaches us several vital lessons:

  • Ethical Stewardship: Leaders are called to be stewards of resources and people, not exploiters. True leadership involves prioritizing the welfare of those being led over personal gain.
  • Leading by Example: Nehemiah didn't just preach; he practiced what he preached. His personal sacrifice gave credibility to his demands for justice and integrity from others. Modern leaders can inspire trust and change by demonstrating integrity in their own lives.
  • Sacrifice and Service: Nehemiah's twelve years of selfless service echo principles of Christ's servant leadership, where the greatest among us are those who serve. This aligns with the Apostle Paul's own practice of not being a burden to those he served, choosing to work with his own hands.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: Nehemiah's actions imply a deep trust that God would provide for his needs, rather than relying on the entitlements of his office. This encourages believers to prioritize righteousness and trust God with their provision.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 13:6 (5 votes)

    But in all this [time] was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8 (3 votes)

    Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (3 votes)

    Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

  • Nehemiah 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that] wine [was] before him: and I took up the wine, and gave [it] unto the king. Now I had not been [beforetime] sad in his presence.

  • Ezra 4:13 (2 votes)

    Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up [again, then] will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and [so] thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.

  • Ezra 4:14 (2 votes)

    Now because we have maintenance from [the king's] palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;

  • 1 Corinthians 9:18 (2 votes)

    What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.