King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:15 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:15 in the King James Version says “But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 5:15 · KJV


Context

13

Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise. emptied: Heb. empty, or, void

14

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.

15

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.

16

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

17

Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 5:15 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְהַפַּחוֹת֩1 of 27

governors

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֨ים2 of 27

But the former

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִפְּנֵ֖י4 of 27

not I because

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הִכְבִּ֣ידוּ5 of 27

me were chargeable

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עַל6 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעָ֑ם7 of 27

over the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּקְח֨וּ8 of 27

and had taken

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵהֶ֜ם9 of 27
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּלֶ֤חֶם10 of 27

of them bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וָיַ֙יִן֙11 of 27

and wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

אַחַר֙12 of 27

beside

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֶּֽסֶף13 of 27

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שְׁקָלִ֣ים14 of 27

shekels

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

אַרְבָּעִ֔ים15 of 27

forty

H705

forty

גַּ֥ם16 of 27

yea even

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

נַֽעֲרֵיהֶ֖ם17 of 27

their servants

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

שָֽׁלְט֣וּ18 of 27

bare rule

H7980

to dominate, i.e., govern; by implication, to permit

עַל19 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעָ֑ם20 of 27

over the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַֽאֲנִי֙21 of 27
H589

i

לֹֽא22 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשִׂ֣יתִי23 of 27

but so did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵ֔ן24 of 27
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

מִפְּנֵ֖י25 of 27

not I because

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יִרְאַ֥ת26 of 27

of the fear

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

אֱלֹהִֽים׃27 of 27

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 5:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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