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Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/5-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/16_Neh_05_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 5:15 - Nehemiah's Generosity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. 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Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/5.htm">New King James Version</a> But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the previous governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of my fear of God. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But the former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their young men exerted their power over the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the former governors who were [in office] before me put heavy burdens on the people and took food and wine from them in addition to forty shekels of silver [as an excessive monthly salary]; even their servants assumed authority over the people. But I did not do so because of the [reverent] fear of God. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them food and wine as well as a pound of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but because of the fear of God, I didn’t do this. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking food and wine from them, as well as a pound of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but I didn&#8217t do this, because of the fear of God. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Each governor before me had been a burden to the people by making them pay for his food and wine and by demanding forty silver coins a day. Even their officials had been a burden to the people. But I respected God, and I didn't think it was right to be so hard on them. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> But the former governors that were before me were chargeable unto the people, and took 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. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Those who were governors before me had made life difficult for the people by taking from them food and wine plus one pound of silver. Even the governors' servants took advantage of their power over the people. But I didn't do that, because I feared God. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Every governor who had been in office before me had been a burden to the people and had demanded forty silver coins a day for food and wine. Even their servants had oppressed the people. But I acted differently, because I honored God. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Nevertheless, the former governors before me placed a heavy burden on the people. They received food and wine, plus a tax of 40 shekels of silver. Even their young men took advantage of the people, but I never did so because I feared God. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/nehemiah/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But the former governors who preceded me had burdened the people and had taken food and wine from them, in addition to forty shekels of silver. Their associates were also domineering over the people. But I did not behave in this way, due to my fear of God. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people: but I did not do so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But the former governors, that had been before me were chargeable to the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants bore rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. <a href="/web/nehemiah/5.htm">World English Bible</a> But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, plus forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people, but I didn’t do so, because of the fear of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the former governors who [are] before me have made themselves heavy on the people, and take of them in bread and wine, besides forty shekels in silver; also, their servants have ruled over the people—and I have not done so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the former governors who are before me have made themselves heavy on the people, and take of them in bread and wine, besides in silver forty shekels; also, their servants have ruled over the people -- and I have not done so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the former prefects that were before me made heavy upon the people, and they will take from them in bread and wine, the last silver forty shekels; also their young men ruled over the people: and I did not thus from the face of the fear of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But the former governors that had been before me, were chargeable to the people, and took of them in bread, and wine, and in money every day forty sides: and their officers also oppressed the people. But I did not so for the fear of God. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But the former governors, the ones who had been before me, were a burden to the people, and they took from them bread and wine, and forty shekels of money each day. And their officials also oppressed the people. But I did not do so, out of fear of God. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Bible</a> The earlier governors, my predecessors, had laid a heavy burden on the people, taking from them each day forty silver shekels for their food; then, too, their attendants oppressed the people. But I, because I feared God, did not do this. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people, and took food and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But the former governors who had been before me had enslaved the people and taken from them wine and bread, besides forty shekels of silver; also their servants bore rule over the people, and they were subject to them and were tormented by them; but I did not do so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Rulers who had preceded me had enslaved the people, and they took from them wine and bread and much money for taxes, unto forty shekels, also their Servants ruled over the people and were authorized over them, and they abused them, and I have not done so, because of the presence of the awe of God.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But the former governors that were before me laid burdens upon the people, and took of them for bread and wine above forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants lorded over the people; but so did not I, because of the fear of God. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But as for the former acts of extortion wherein those who were before me oppressed them, they even took of them their last money, forty didrachms for bread and wine; and the very outcasts of them exercised authority over the people: but I did not so, because of the fear of God. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=1194" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Nehemiah's Generosity</a> 14Furthermore, 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. 15<a href="/hebrew/6346.htm" title="6346: wə·hap·pa·ḥō·wṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- A governor. Of foreign origin; a prefect.">The governors</a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: hā·ri·šō·nîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nay (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: hiḵ·bî·ḏū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">had heavily burdened</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">taking</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- ">from them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: bə·le·ḥem (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">bread</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: wā·ya·yin (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">and wine</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥar (Adv) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">plus</a> <a href="/hebrew/705.htm" title="705: ’ar·bā·‘îm (Number-cp) -- Forty. Multiple of arba'; forty.">forty</a> <a href="/hebrew/8255.htm" title="8255: šə·qā·lîm (N-mp) -- (a measure of weight) shekel. From shaqal; probably a weight; used as a commercial standard.">shekels</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: ke·sep̄- (N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">of silver.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: na·‘ă·rê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">Their servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">also</a> <a href="/hebrew/7980.htm" title="7980: šā·lə·ṭū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To domineer, be master of. A primitive root; to dominate, i.e. Govern; by implication, to permit.">oppressed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">but I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pə·nê (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3374.htm" title="3374: yir·’aṯ (N-fsc) -- A fear. Feminine of yare'; fear; morally, reverence.">of my fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.</a> 16Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a> So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ... <a href="/luke/22-25.htm">Luke 22:25-27</a> So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves. <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-8</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. / Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: ... <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a> For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. <a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</a> I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:6-9</a> Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. / On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. / We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">1 Corinthians 9:12-18</a> If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. / Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. ... <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a> Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10-11</a> For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. / But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Proverbs 29:14</a> A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever. <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-4</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Jeremiah 22:13-17</a> “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, / who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. / Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. ... <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a> Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable to the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants bore rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.even their<a href="/1_samuel/2-15.htm">1 Samuel 2:15-17</a> Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw… <a href="/1_samuel/8-15.htm">1 Samuel 8:15</a> And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.<a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a> If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.so did<a href="/matthew/5-47.htm">Matthew 5:47</a> And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?<a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a> And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">2 Corinthians 12:13</a> For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.because<a href="/nehemiah/5-9.htm">Nehemiah 5:9</a> 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?<a href="/job/31-23.htm">Job 31:23</a> For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.<a href="/psalms/112-1.htm">Psalm 112:1</a> Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/ezra/10-13.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-25.htm">Chargeable</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-9.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-40.htm">Former</a> <a href="/ezra/2-66.htm">Forty</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-6.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/ezra/7-8.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/ezra/4-20.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-16.htm">Shekels</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Supported</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-11.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/3-11.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-17.htm">Besides</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-30.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">Chargeable</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/job/8-8.htm">Former</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-13.htm">Forty</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-5.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/songs/8-11.htm">Shekels</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-71.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Supported</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 5</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/5-1.htm">The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage</a> 6. <a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm">Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution</a> 14. <a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The governors before me had heavily burdened the people Previous governors of Judah, appointed by the Persian Empire, imposed significant taxes and demands on the people. This reflects a common practice in ancient Near Eastern governance, where local rulers often extracted resources to maintain their own status and fulfill obligations to the empire. The burden on the people would have included both financial and labor demands, contributing to social and economic distress. This context highlights the contrast between Nehemiah's leadership and that of his predecessors.taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver The specific mention of bread, wine, and silver indicates the types of tributes or taxes that were common. Bread and wine were staples of the diet, essential for daily sustenance, while silver was a valuable currency. The forty shekels of silver represent a significant financial burden, as a shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency in the ancient world. This practice of taking essential goods and money would have exacerbated the poverty and hardship among the people.Their servants also oppressed the people The servants of the governors, likely officials or enforcers, contributed to the oppression. This suggests a systemic issue where not only the leaders but also their subordinates exploited their positions for personal gain. This reflects a broader theme in the Old Testament of unjust leadership and the exploitation of the vulnerable, as seen in other prophetic critiques of social injustice (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/10.htm">Isaiah 10:1-2</a>, <a href="/amos/5-11.htm">Amos 5:11-12</a>).But I did not do this Nehemiah distinguishes his leadership by refusing to exploit the people. His decision not to impose the same burdens demonstrates a commitment to justice and compassion. This aligns with biblical principles of righteous leadership, as seen in the examples of leaders like Moses and David, who prioritized the well-being of their people.because of my fear of God Nehemiah's motivation is rooted in his reverence for God, which guides his ethical and moral decisions. The fear of God, a recurring biblical theme, denotes a deep respect and awe for God's authority and commandments. This fear leads to wisdom and righteous living, as emphasized in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>. Nehemiah's actions reflect a desire to honor God above personal or political gain, aligning with the biblical call to love one's neighbor and act justly (<a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes and later became the governor of Judah. He is known for his leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and his reforms to restore the community's faithfulness to God. 2. <a href="/topical/e/earlier_governors.htm">Earlier Governors</a> These were the leaders who governed before Nehemiah. They imposed heavy taxes and burdens on the people, exploiting their positions for personal gain. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_judah.htm">The People of Judah</a> The Jewish community living in Jerusalem and its surroundings, who were subject to the burdens imposed by previous governors. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where Nehemiah led the rebuilding efforts and implemented reforms. It is the focal point of the Jewish return from exile and restoration. 5. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_god.htm">Fear of God</a> A central theme in Nehemiah's leadership, indicating his reverence and respect for God's commandments, which guided his actions and decisions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/l/leadership_with_integrity.htm">Leadership with Integrity</a> Nehemiah's refusal to exploit his position for personal gain serves as a model for leaders to act with integrity and fairness. <a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_god_as_a_guiding_principle.htm">The Fear of God as a Guiding Principle</a> Nehemiah's actions were driven by his reverence for God, reminding us that our decisions should be rooted in a desire to honor God. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_just_leadership.htm">The Impact of Just Leadership</a> Nehemiah's leadership brought relief and justice to the people, demonstrating how righteous leadership can positively transform a community. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_the_pitfalls_of_power.htm">Avoiding the Pitfalls of Power</a> The earlier governors' exploitation serves as a warning against the misuse of authority and the importance of accountability. <a href="/topical/c/community_over_personal_gain.htm">Community over Personal Gain</a> Nehemiah prioritized the well-being of the community over personal enrichment, teaching us to consider the greater good in our actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 5</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_plot_of_jesus_christ_superstar.htm">What is the plot of Jesus Christ Superstar?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_proof_leaders_lived_austerely.htm">Nehemiah 5:14-15 depicts Nehemiah refusing the governor’s allowance yet sustaining a large household; is there any historical proof that a leader could live so austerely?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_nehemiah_use_force_in_13_25.htm">Why does Nehemiah resort to physical force (Nehemiah 13:25) to enforce marriage laws, and doesn't this contradict other scriptures urging gentleness and compassion?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_grow_in_faith_and_maturity.htm">What do Bible verses say about unity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Besides forty shekels of silver.--Either in bread and wine over forty shekels, or, received in bread and wine, and beyond that, forty shekels. The latter, on the whole, is to be preferred; it would amount to about four pounds from the entire people daily.So did not I, because of the tear of God.--Nehemiah contrasts his forbearance with the conduct of former governors; we cannot suppose him to mean Zorubbabel, but some of his successors. The practice he condemns was common among the satraps of the Persian princes. Note that usury and rigour were interdicted, in <a href="/leviticus/25-36.htm" title="Take you no usury of him, or increase: but fear your God; that your brother may live with you.">Leviticus 25:36</a>; <a href="/leviticus/25-43.htm" title="You shall not rule over him with rigor; but shall fear your God.">Leviticus 25:43</a>, with the express sanction, "Fear thy God."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - The former governors that had been before me. Of these, two only are known to us, Zerubbabel and Ezra; but it is probable that there had been others. Were chargeable unto the people. The words of the original are stronger, and should be rendered "had oppressed the people (ἐβάρυναν, LXX.), "had been heavy upon them. Had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels. Rather, "had taken from them, for bread and wine, above forty shekels." (So Ewald and Bertheau.) Forty shekels a day from the whole people would seem to be intended - not forty shekels a year from each person, as some explain. Even their servants bare rule. The oppression exercised by the domestics and other hangers-on of rulers is often worse than their own. This is especially the case in the East, where eunuchs and other domestics have been the most fearful tyrants. Haman under Xerxes, Sejanus under Tiberius, Narcissus under Nero, are examples. So did not I. I neither exacted money, nor allowed my servants to bear rule. Because of the fear of God. Because I felt that it would be wrong, either absolutely or under the circumstances. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The governors וְהַפַּחוֹת֩ (wə·hap·pa·ḥō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6346.htm">Strong's 6346: </a> A governor before me לְפָנַ֜י (lə·p̄ā·nay) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face had heavily burdened הִכְבִּ֣ידוּ (hiḵ·bî·ḏū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome the people, הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock taking וַיִּקְח֨וּ (way·yiq·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take from them מֵהֶ֜ם (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They bread בְּלֶ֤חֶם (bə·le·ḥem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain and wine וָיַ֙יִן֙ (wā·ya·yin) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> Wine, intoxication plus אַחַר֙ (’a·ḥar) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part forty אַרְבָּעִ֔ים (’ar·bā·‘îm) Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_705.htm">Strong's 705: </a> Forty shekels שְׁקָלִ֣ים (šə·qā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8255.htm">Strong's 8255: </a> A weight, a commercial standard of silver. כֶּֽסֶף־ (ke·sep̄-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> Silver, money Their servants נַעֲרֵיהֶ֖ם (na·‘ă·rê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer also גַּ֥ם (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and oppressed שָׁלְט֣וּ (šā·lə·ṭū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7980.htm">Strong's 7980: </a> To dominate, govern, to permit the people, הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock but I וַאֲנִי֙ (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no do עָשִׂ֣יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this כֵ֔ן (ḵên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus because מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of my fear יִרְאַ֥ת (yir·’aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3374.htm">Strong's 3374: </a> Fear, reverence of God. אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors who were before (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>