King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:17 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:17 in the King James Version says “Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among t...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 5:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

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.

19

Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 5:17 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 · 13 words
וְהַיְּהוּדִ֨ים1 of 13

“of the Jews”

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

וְהַסְּגָנִ֜ים2 of 13

“and rulers”

H5461

a prfect of a province

מֵאָ֧ה3 of 13

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים4 of 13

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

אִ֗ישׁ5 of 13
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְהַבָּאִ֥ים6 of 13

“beside those that came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלֵ֛ינוּ7 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִן8 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגּוֹיִ֥ם9 of 13

“unto us from among the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר10 of 13
H834

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

סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֖ינוּ11 of 13

“that are about us”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

עַל12 of 13
H5921

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

שֻׁלְחָנִֽי׃13 of 13

“Moreover there were at my table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:192 Samuel 9:71 Peter 4:9-102 Samuel 9:13Romans 12:13Isaiah 32:8

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