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 5:15KJV
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Nehemiah 5:15 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 5:15 mean?

Nehemiah 5:15 describes how earlier governors of Judah had burdened the people by demanding food, wine, and money, and even allowed their servants to act with authority over the people, but Nehemiah chose not to do this because he respected and feared God. Nehemiah is explaining his different approach to leadership, highlighting that he refused the privileges and abuses his predecessors took for granted.

Nehemiah himself is speaking here, addressing the people of Jerusalem as he recounts his time as governor. The situation is a time of economic hardship and social tension, where Nehemiah is trying to restore justice and fairness among the returned exiles. By mentioning the actions of the former governors and his own restraint, Nehemiah is making it clear that his leadership is guided by reverence for God, not personal gain.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 5:15

  • "Chargeable" (כָּבֵד, kavéd) means to lay a heavy burden or to be oppressive. This word shows that the previous governors made life difficult for the people, not just by collecting what was due, but by being harsh or demanding.
  • "Servants" (נַעַר, naʿar) refers to young men or attendants. The verse notes that even the subordinates of the former governors "ruled" (שָׁלַט, shalat) over the people, suggesting a widespread abuse of power, not just at the top but throughout the administration.
  • "Fear" (יִרְאָה, yir'ah) of "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) is the reason Nehemiah gives for his restraint. This word for "fear" often means a deep respect or reverence, not just being afraid, and it signals that Nehemiah’s motivation is spiritual and moral, not just practical.

Why Nehemiah 5:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Nehemiah’s leadership style was intentionally different from those before him, motivated by a desire to honor God rather than exploit his position.
  • It highlights the depth of corruption and oppression that had been normal under previous governors, helping the reader understand the social problems Nehemiah was trying to address.
  • Nehemiah’s refusal to be "chargeable" to the people connects to the broader theme of justice and compassion in the book, showing that true leadership is marked by humility and a sense of accountability to God.

Where else these words appear

“rule” Hebrew H7980 · used in 7 verses

  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

“governors” 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 5:14 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.
  • 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.

“even” Hebrew H1571 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Deuteronomy 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
  • Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
  • Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.