Nehemiah 5:14
New International Version
Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.

New Living Translation
For the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes—neither I nor my officials drew on our official food allowance.

English Standard Version
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 Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor’s provisions.

New American Standard Bible
Furthermore, since the day 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, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance.

NASB 1995
Moreover, from the day 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, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance.

NASB 1977
Moreover, from the day 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, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance.

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover, from the day that I was put in command to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my relatives have eaten the governor’s food allowance.

Amplified Bible
Moreover, from the day 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, for twelve years, neither I nor my relatives have eaten the governor’s food allowance.

Christian Standard Bible
Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah—from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, twelve years —I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah—from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, 12 years—I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
I was governor of Judah from the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was king until the thirty-second year. And during these entire twelve years, my relatives and I refused to accept the food that I was allowed.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
During the 12 years that I was governor of Judah, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign to the thirty-second year of his reign, my brothers and I never ate any food that was paid for by the governor's food allowance.

Good News Translation
During all the twelve years that I was governor of the land of Judah, from the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was emperor until his thirty-second year, neither my relatives nor I ate the food I was entitled to have as governor.

International Standard Version
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 allotted to the governor.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
From the day that I was appointed governor in the land of Judah, that is, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes--twelve years in all--neither I nor my relatives ate the food allotted to the governor.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artachshasta the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to 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.

World English Bible
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Also, from the day that he appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king—twelve years—I, and my brothers, have not eaten the bread of the governor:

Young's Literal Translation
Also, from the day that he appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the thirty and second year of Artaxerxes the king -- twelve years -- I, and my brethren, the bread of the governor have not eaten:

Smith's Literal Translation
Also from the day which it was commanded me to be their prefect in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year and even to the thirty and second year to Arthasatha the king, twelve years I and my brethren ate not the bread of the prefect.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And from the day, in which the king commanded me to be governor in the land of Juda, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, for twelve years, I and my brethren did not eat the yearly allowance that was due to the governors.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now from that day, on which the king had ordered me to be governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of king Artaxerxes, for twelve years, I and my brothers did not eat the yearly allowance that was owed to the governors.

New American Bible
Moreover, from the time that King Artaxerxes appointed me governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth to his thirty-second year—during these twelve years neither I nor my kindred lived off the governor’s food allowance.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artakhshisht the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers were leaders over them, but I never took by force even a donkey of one of them nor did I bother any one of them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also from the day he commanded me to be a Ruler in the land of Yehuda, from the twentieth year and unto the thirty second year of Artakhshesht the King, twelve years I and my brothers have been their Leader, and I did not take a donkey from one of them, neither did I harm any person among them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
From the day that he charged me to be their ruler in the land of Juda, from the twentieth year even to the thirty-second year of Arthasastha, twelve years, I and my brethren ate not provision extorted from them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah's Generosity
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. 15The 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.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 13:6-7
While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king / to return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of the house of God.

Nehemiah 2:1-8
Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, / so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” ...

Ezra 7:6-10
this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him. / So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants. / Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. ...

1 Samuel 12:3-5
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.

1 Kings 12:4-7
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” / Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then return to me.” So the people departed. / Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. ...

2 Kings 23:25
Neither before nor after Josiah was there any king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses.

2 Chronicles 31:20-21
So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God. / He acted with all his heart in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered.

Proverbs 29:14
A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.

Isaiah 58:6-7
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?

Jeremiah 22:15-16
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.

Ezekiel 34:2-4
“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.

Matthew 20:25-28
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— ...

Mark 10:42-45
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. ...

Luke 22:25-27
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.

Acts 20:33-35
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.’”


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor.

from the twentieth

Nehemiah 2:1
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.

Nehemiah 13:6
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:

I and my

1 Corinthians 9:4-15,18
Have we not power to eat and to drink? …

2 Thessalonians 3:8,9
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: …

the bread

Ezra 4:13,14
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…

Romans 13:6,7
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing…

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Appointed Artaxerxes Bread Eaten Food Governor Governor's Judah Moreover Thirtieth Thirty-Second Time Twelve Twentieth
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Appointed Artaxerxes Bread Eaten Food Governor Governor's Judah Moreover Thirtieth Thirty-Second Time Twelve Twentieth
Nehemiah 5
1. The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage
6. Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution
14. He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality














Furthermore
This word serves as a continuation of Nehemiah's narrative, indicating that what follows is an extension of his previous thoughts. It suggests a deepening of the account, emphasizing the integrity and leadership of Nehemiah. In the Hebrew text, this is often a conjunction that ties together Nehemiah's personal testimony with the broader narrative of his reforms and leadership.

from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me
This phrase highlights the divine providence and favor Nehemiah experienced. King Artaxerxes, a Persian ruler, is historically known for his administrative acumen and for allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Nehemiah's appointment is a testament to God's sovereignty in placing His people in positions of influence. The historical context here is crucial, as it underscores the political and social dynamics of the Persian Empire and its interactions with the Jewish people.

to be their governor in the land of Judah
Nehemiah's role as governor is significant. The Hebrew term for governor, "pechah," indicates a position of authority and responsibility. Judah, the land of his forefathers, was in need of strong leadership to rebuild and restore its former glory. Nehemiah's governorship is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people, and it reflects the importance of godly leadership in the community.

until his twelfth year—twelve years in all
This time frame provides a sense of the duration and commitment of Nehemiah's service. Twelve years is a significant period, symbolizing completeness and divine order in biblical numerology. Nehemiah's long tenure as governor suggests stability and sustained effort in the face of challenges, reflecting his dedication to God's work.

neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor
This phrase reveals Nehemiah's selflessness and integrity. The "food allotted to the governor" refers to the provisions and taxes typically collected for the governor's household. By refusing these, Nehemiah sets an example of sacrificial leadership, prioritizing the welfare of the people over personal gain. This act of humility and service is a powerful testament to his character and commitment to God's principles.

(14-19) Nehemiah's vindication of his own conduct.

(14) I was appointed.--That he appointed me, viz., Artaxerxes.

Twelve years.--The whole narrative, thus far, was written after his return from Jerusalem, and on a review of his governorship; hence, "their governor in the land of Judah." Of his second appointment the same thing might have been said: but that, at the time of writing, was in the future.

I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.--At the close of the twelve years' term, Nehemiah could say that he and his official attendants had not drawn the customary allowances from the people.

Verse 14. - From the day that I was appointed. Literally, "from the day that he (i.e. Artaxerxes) appointed me." From the twentieth year. See above, Nehemiah 2:1. The appointment, having taken place in Nisan, was in B.C. 444. Unto the two and thirtieth year. We see here that this chapter, and therefore, probably, the entire first section (chs. 1-7.) of this Book, was not written until B.C. 432, the year in which Nehemiah returned to the Persian court from Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:6). I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. i.e. "have not lived at the expense of our subjects, as Persian governors do ordinarily." Nehemiah's brethren here are probably not his brothers only, but his entire court.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Furthermore,
גַּ֞ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

from the day
מִיּ֣וֹם ׀ (mî·yō·wm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

King
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Artaxerxes
לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּא (lə·’ar·taḥ·šast)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 783: Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia

appointed
צִוָּ֣ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

me to be
לִהְי֣וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

their governor
פֶּחָם֮ (pe·ḥām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6346: A governor

in the land
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Judah,
יְהוּדָה֒ (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

from his twentieth
עֶשְׂרִ֗ים (‘eś·rîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

year
מִשְּׁנַ֣ת (miš·šə·naṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

until
וְ֠עַד (wə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

his thirty-second
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

year
שְׁנַ֨ת (šə·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

(12
שְׁתֵּ֣ים (šə·têm)
Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

years total),
שָׁנִ֖ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year

neither I
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

nor my brothers
וְאַחַ֔י (wə·’a·ḥay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

ate
אָכַֽלְתִּי׃ (’ā·ḵal·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 398: To eat

the food
לֶ֥חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

allotted to the governor.
הַפֶּ֖חָה (hap·pe·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6346: A governor


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OT History: Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 5:13
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