Nehemiah 5:14-19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Generosity of Nehemiah
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.(A) 15 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.(B) 16 Indeed, I devoted myself to the work on this wall and acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table one hundred fifty people, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.(C) 18 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.(D) 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.(E)
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Nehemiah 5:14-19
International Standard Version
Nehemiah Refuses the Governor’s Allotment
14 In addition, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah (that is, during the twelve years from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes), neither I nor my relatives relied on the provisions[a] allotted to the governor. 15 Nevertheless, the former governors before me placed a heavy burden on the people. They received food and wine, plus a tax of[b] 40 shekels[c] of silver. Even their young men took advantage of the people, but I never did so because I feared God.
16 Also, as I continued to work on the wall, we purchased no land, and all of my young men were employed in the work. 17 I fed 150 Jews and officials every day, not counting those who came from the nations around us. 18 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,[d] because demands on the people were heavy.
19 “Remember me with favor, my God, for everything I’ve done for this people.”
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- Nehemiah 5:14 Lit. have eaten the bread
- Nehemiah 5:15 The Heb. lacks a tax of
- Nehemiah 5:15 I.e. about a pound; a shekel weighed about 0.4 ounces
- Nehemiah 5:18 Lit. bread
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