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.

NEHEMIAH 5:14KJV
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Nehemiah 5:14 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 5:14 mean?

Nehemiah 5:14 describes how Nehemiah, during his twelve years as governor in Judah under King Artaxerxes, did not take the food allowance or privileges usually given to governors. Nehemiah and his associates chose not to benefit from the resources that came with his official position.

Nehemiah himself is speaking, giving a personal account to the people of Judah. He is explaining his leadership from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes’ reign, a period of twelve years. The verse highlights Nehemiah’s integrity and self-restraint, showing that he did not use his authority for personal gain, which is especially significant given the context of economic hardship and complaints among the people earlier in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 5:14

  • "Governor" (פֶּחָה, pechah): This word refers to a Persian-appointed official or provincial leader. Nehemiah’s use of this term emphasizes his official status and the privileges he could have claimed but chose not to.
  • "Bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem): While literally meaning "bread," this word often stands for all the provisions or benefits that came with the governor’s office. Nehemiah’s statement means he refused the customary allowances, not just literal bread.
  • "Appointed" (צָוָה, tsavah): This word means to be given a command or commission. Nehemiah is clear that his role as governor was not self-assumed but officially assigned, adding weight to his choice to forgo the usual benefits.

Why Nehemiah 5:14 matters

  • Nehemiah 5:14 clarifies that Nehemiah’s leadership was marked by personal sacrifice, which set him apart from other officials who may have burdened the people.
  • The verse connects to the earlier complaints in the chapter about exploitation, showing that Nehemiah responded with fairness and generosity rather than taking advantage.
  • By mentioning the exact years and the king’s name, Nehemiah grounds his account in real history, making his actions more credible and transparent to his audience.

Where else these words appear

“Artaxerxes” Hebrew H783 · used in 14 verses

  • Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
  • Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
  • Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

“governor” Hebrew H6346 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.
  • Nehemiah 5:15 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.
  • Jeremiah 51:57 And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.