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But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/5-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/16_Neh_05_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 5:18 - Nehemiah's Generosity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. 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In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/5.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep; also birds were prepared for me, and every ten days all sorts of wine were provided in abundance. Yet for all this I did not request the governor’s food allowance, because the forced labor was heavy on this people. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the governor&#8217s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not require the governor’s food allowance, because the slavery was heavy on this people. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the following were prepared for each day: one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls (poultry) were prepared for me; and in intervals of ten days all sorts of wine was provided in abundance. Yet for all this, I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Each day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every ten days. But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Each day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every 10 days. But I didn&#8217t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Each day one ox, six of the best sheep, and lots of chickens were prepared. Then every ten days, a large supply of wine was brought in. I knew what a heavy burden this would have been for the people, and so I did not ask for my food allowance as governor. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Preparing one ox and six choice sheep was necessary every day. Poultry was prepared for me. Once every ten days a supply of wine was ordered. Yet, in spite of all this, I never demanded anything from the governor's food allowance, because these people were already carrying a heavy load. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Every day I served one beef, six of the best sheep, and many chickens, and every ten days I provided a fresh supply of wine. But I knew what heavy burdens the people had to bear, and so I did not claim the allowance that the governor is entitled to. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Our daily requirements were one ox and six choice sheep, along with various kinds of poultry prepared for me. Every ten days there was a delivery of an abundant supply of wine. Despite all this, I refused the governor's allotment, because demands on the people were heavy. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. <a href="/net/nehemiah/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Every day one ox, six select sheep, and some birds were prepared for me, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Despite all this I did not require the food allotted to the governor, for the work was demanding on this people. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I did not demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 an abundance of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I required not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. <a href="/web/nehemiah/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and that which has been prepared for one day [is] one ox, six fat sheep, also birds have been prepared for me, and once in ten days of all wines abundantly, and with this, the bread of the governor I have not sought, for heavy is the service on this people. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and that which hath been prepared for one day is one ox, six fat sheep, also fowls have been prepared for me, and once in ten days of all wines abundantly, and with this, the bread of the governor I have not sought, for heavy is the service on this people. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And what was done for one day, one ox, six choice sheep; and birds were done for me, and within ten days with every wine for abundance: and with this, the bread of the prefect I sought not for the servitude was heavy upon this people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there was prepared for me day by day one ox, and six choice rams, be- sides fowls, and once in ten days I gave store of divers wines, and many other things: yet I did not require my yearly allowance as governor: for the people were very much impoverished. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now there was prepared for me, on each day, one ox and six choice rams, along with poultry. And once every ten days, I distributed diverse wines and many other things. Yet I did not require my yearly allowance as governor. For the people were greatly impoverished. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/5.htm">New American Bible</a> and though the daily preparations were made at my expense—one ox, six choice sheep, poultry—besides all kinds of wine in abundance every ten days, despite this I did not claim the governor’s allowance, for the labor lay heavy upon this people. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and every ten days skins of wine in abundance; yet with all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because of the heavy burden of labor on the people.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now the man who prepared food brought to the servants who did the cooking, daily one ox and six fat sheep; also yearling goats were prepared for us, and once in ten days wine in abundance; yet for all this I did not ask for the provisions which were due the governorship, because the work was heavy upon this people. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And a man that had made bread was bringing it for the Servants who worked; one bull and six fat sheep and kids were prepared for us, and once in ten days much wine, and with this I did not ask the bread of the governorship, because the work was severe on this people.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the service was heavy upon this people. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And there came to me for one day one calf, and I had six choice sheep and a goat; and every ten days wine in abundance of all sorts: yet with these I required not the bread of extortion, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/5-18.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=1230" 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> …17There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations. 18<a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wa·’ă·šer (Conj-w:: 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/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śeh (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">Each</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: lə·yō·wm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: šō·wr (N-ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">ox,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8337.htm" title="8337: šêš- (Number-fs) -- Masculine shishshah; a primitive number; six (see suws) beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ord. Sixth.">six</a> <a href="/hebrew/1305.htm" title="1305: bə·ru·rō·wṯ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-fp) -- To purify, select. A primitive root; to clarify, examine, select.">choice</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">sheep,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6833.htm" title="6833: wə·ṣip·po·rîm (Conj-w:: N-cp) -- A bird. Or tsippor; from tsaphar; a little bird.">and some fowl</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śū- (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">were prepared</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">for me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">and once every</a> <a href="/hebrew/6235.htm" title="6235: ‘ă·śe·reṯ (Number-msc) -- Ten. Masculine of term aasarah; from asar; ten.">ten</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: lə·har·bêh (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">an abundance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: wə·‘im- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all kinds</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: ya·yin (N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">of wine was provided.</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.">But I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: ḇiq·qaš·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">demand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-msc) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">the food</a> <a href="/hebrew/6346.htm" title="6346: hap·pe·ḥāh (Art:: N-ms) -- A governor. Of foreign origin; a prefect.">allotted to the governor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5656.htm" title="5656: hā·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Labor, service. Or mabowdah; from abad; work of any kind.">the burden</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.">on</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/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3513.htm" title="3513: ḵā·ḇə·ḏāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- Or kabed; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. In a bad sense or in a good sense (in the same two senses).">was so heavy.</a> 19Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.…<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="/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_corinthians/9-12.htm">1 Corinthians 9:12-15</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="/2_corinthians/11-9.htm">2 Corinthians 11:9</a> And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:7-9</a> For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, / nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. / Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17-18</a> Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” <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="/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="/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12-13</a> I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a> Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. <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="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a> Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy. <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? <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/22-15.htm">Jeremiah 22:15-16</a> 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. / He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. <a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5-9</a> It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. / Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. / He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 on this people.Now that<a href="/1_kings/4-22.htm">1 Kings 4:22,23</a> And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, … required<a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">Nehemiah 5:14,15</a> 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… because the bondage<a href="/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21,26</a> The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-23.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/ezra/3-4.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-12.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-24.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-5.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-8.htm">Once</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-33.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/ezra/7-10.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/ezra/7-20.htm">Required</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/ezra/8-35.htm">Six</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-27.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-19.htm">Store</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-12.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-15.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-18.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/job/17-3.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/job/12-7.htm">Fowls</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/job/15-27.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Once</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-18.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-23.htm">Required</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Sheep</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-10.htm">Six</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-71.htm">Store</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-1.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-37.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>Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me This phrase highlights the daily provision for Nehemiah, reflecting the significant resources required to sustain leadership in ancient times. The mention of "one ox" and "six choice sheep" indicates a diet that was both substantial and varied, typical of a person in a high position. Oxen and sheep were common livestock in ancient Israel, used for both food and sacrifices (<a href="/leviticus/1-3.htm">Leviticus 1:3-10</a>). The inclusion of "some fowl" suggests additional variety and luxury, as birds were less commonly consumed. This provision underscores the wealth and resources available to Nehemiah as governor, yet also sets the stage for his restraint in not exploiting these resources.and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided Wine was a staple in the ancient Near Eastern diet, often safer to drink than water due to fermentation. The phrase "an abundance of all kinds of wine" suggests a variety of wines, indicating both wealth and the importance of hospitality in leadership. The ten-day interval may reflect a cultural or practical rhythm for restocking supplies. Wine is frequently mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing joy and blessing (<a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a>) but also cautioning against excess (<a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Proverbs 20:1</a>). Nehemiah's provision of wine aligns with the cultural norms of his time, yet his moderation in consumption is implied.But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor Nehemiah's refusal to demand the governor's food allowance demonstrates his integrity and concern for the people. Governors were entitled to certain provisions, often at the expense of the local population. By not claiming these rights, Nehemiah sets an example of self-sacrifice and servant leadership, reminiscent of Christ's teaching in <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> about serving rather than being served. This decision reflects a deep understanding of the burdens faced by the people and a commitment to justice and compassion.because the burden on the people was so heavy This phrase highlights the socio-economic context of Nehemiah's time. The people of Judah were under significant financial strain due to taxes and tributes imposed by the Persian Empire, as well as local economic challenges. Nehemiah's awareness of this burden and his decision to alleviate it by not taking his entitled provisions demonstrate his empathy and leadership. This concern for the oppressed echoes the prophetic calls for justice found throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a>, and prefigures the compassionate ministry of Jesus Christ, who came to lift the burdens of the oppressed (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah was the governor of Judah and a key leader in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to God and his people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_judah.htm">The People of Judah</a> The community Nehemiah was leading, who were under significant economic and social burdens during the rebuilding process. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events took place, specifically during the period of its reconstruction after the Babylonian exile. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_governor's_allotment.htm">The Governor's Allotment</a> The provision typically given to a governor, which Nehemiah chose not to take to avoid further burdening the people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_rebuilding_of_the_walls.htm">The Rebuilding of the Walls</a> The broader context of this passage, where Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which was both a physical and spiritual restoration for the people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/selfless_leadership.htm">Selfless Leadership</a> Nehemiah exemplifies selfless leadership by prioritizing the needs of the people over his own rights and privileges. Leaders today can learn to serve others by putting their needs first. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_action.htm">Integrity in Action</a> Nehemiah's refusal to take the governor's allotment demonstrates integrity. Believers are called to act with integrity, even when it means sacrificing personal gain. <a href="/topical/b/bearing_one_another's_burdens.htm">Bearing One Another's Burdens</a> By not adding to the people's burdens, Nehemiah lived out the principle of bearing one another's burdens, as taught in <a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>. Christians are encouraged to support and uplift each other in times of need. <a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_responsibility.htm">Stewardship and Responsibility</a> Nehemiah's actions show responsible stewardship of resources. Believers are reminded to manage their resources wisely and consider the impact on others. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> Despite not taking the governor's allotment, Nehemiah trusted in God's provision. Christians are encouraged to rely on God's faithfulness rather than worldly security.<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/key_themes_in_john.htm">What are key themes in the Book of John?</a> <a href="/q/what_foods_are_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What foods are mentioned in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_tithing.htm">What does the Bible teach about tithing?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_coffers_in_a_church.htm">Must Christians tithe to the storehouse per Malachi 3:10?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Once in ten clays store of all sorts of wine. Literally, "all sorts of wine in abundance." Wine was probably drunk every day, but laid in every ten days. Yet for all this. Or, "with all this"- notwithstanding this great expenditure, I took no allowance as governor. Because the bondage was heavy upon this people. The bondage intended must be that under the Persian crown, since neither the labour at the wall nor the oppression of the creditors lasted during the twelve years that Nehemiah was governor. It would seem that the tribute, already complained of in ver. 4, must have been felt as a heavy burthen at this period. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Each אֶחָ֗ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first day, לְי֣וֹם (lə·yō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day one אֶחָ֞ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first ox, שׁ֣וֹר (šō·wr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) six שֵׁשׁ־ (šêš-) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8337.htm">Strong's 8337: </a> Six (a cardinal number) choice בְּרֻר֤וֹת (bə·ru·rō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1305.htm">Strong's 1305: </a> To clarify, examine, select sheep, צֹ֠אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock and some fowl וְצִפֳּרִים֙ (wə·ṣip·po·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6833.htm">Strong's 6833: </a> A little bird were prepared for me, נַעֲשֶׂ֜ה (na·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make and once every וּבֵ֨ין (ū·ḇên) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between ten עֲשֶׂ֧רֶת (‘ă·śe·reṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6235.htm">Strong's 6235: </a> Ten days יָמִ֛ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day an abundance לְהַרְבֵּ֑ה (lə·har·bêh) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> To be or become much, many or great of all kinds בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of wine was provided. יַ֖יִן (ya·yin) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> Wine, intoxication But I did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no demand בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי (ḇiq·qaš·tî) Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> To search out, to strive after the food לֶ֤חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain allotted to the governor, הַפֶּחָה֙ (hap·pe·ḥāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6346.htm">Strong's 6346: </a> A governor because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the burden הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה (hā·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5656.htm">Strong's 5656: </a> Work of any kind on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the זֶ֗ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people הָעָ֥ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock was so heavy. כָֽבְדָ֥ה (ḵā·ḇə·ḏāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3513.htm">Strong's 3513: </a> To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Nehemiah 5:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-18.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 5:18 Now that which was prepared for one (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/5-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/5-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 5:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 5:19" /></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>