King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 5:18 Mean?

Nehemiah 5:18 in the King James Version says “Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in t... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 5:18 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 5:18 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 · 31 words
וַֽאֲשֶׁר֩1 of 31
H834

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

הָיָ֨ה2 of 31
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נַֽעֲשׂוּ3 of 31

Now that which was prepared

H6213

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

יָמִ֛ים4 of 31

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶחָ֞ד5 of 31

was one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שׁ֣וֹר6 of 31

ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אֶחָ֞ד7 of 31

was one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

צֹ֠אן8 of 31

sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

שֵׁשׁ9 of 31

and six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

בְּרֻר֤וֹת10 of 31

choice

H1305

to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

וְצִפֳּרִים֙11 of 31

also fowls

H6833

a little bird (as hopping)

נַֽעֲשׂוּ12 of 31

Now that which was prepared

H6213

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

לִ֔י13 of 31
H0
וּבֵ֨ין14 of 31
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

עֲשֶׂ֧רֶת15 of 31

for me and once in ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

יָמִ֛ים16 of 31

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּכָל17 of 31
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יַ֖יִן18 of 31

of all sorts of wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

לְהַרְבֵּ֑ה19 of 31

store

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְעִם20 of 31

yet for all

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

זֶ֗ה21 of 31
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לֶ֤חֶם22 of 31

not I the bread

H3899

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

הַפֶּחָה֙23 of 31

of the governor

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

לֹ֣א24 of 31
H3808

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

בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי25 of 31

this required

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

כִּֽי26 of 31
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָֽבְדָ֥ה27 of 31

was heavy

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

הָֽעֲבֹדָ֖ה28 of 31

because the bondage

H5656

work of any kind

עַל29 of 31
H5921

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

הָעָ֥ם30 of 31

upon this people

H5971

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

הַזֶּֽה׃31 of 31
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 5:18 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 5:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study