Nehemiah 5:15
What does Nehemiah 5:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 5:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 5:15 means
Nehemiah contrasts his conduct with that of former governors who were costly to the people, taking provisions and silver, and whose servants even lorded it over the populace. He explains his restraint: “because of the fear of God.” Reverence for God shaped his leadership, restraining lawful rights when they would harm the flock. The verse presents a different model of authority—one that serves rather than exploits, and that checks the ambitions of subordinates as well. It shows how the fear of God functions practically, curbing entitlement and producing gentle, just governance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the former governors that were before me were chargeable unto the people, and took of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the former governors that were before me were chargeable unto the people, and took of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But earlier rulers who were before me made the people responsible for their upkeep, and took from them bread and wine at the rate of forty shekels of silver; and even their servants were lords over the people: but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the former governors who <FI>are<Fi> before me have made themselves heavy on the people, and take of them in bread and wine, besides in silver forty shekels; also, their servants have ruled over the people--and I have not done so, because of the fear of God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the former governors that had been before me, were chargeable to the people, and took of them in bread, and wine, and in money every day forty sicles: and their officers also oppressed the people. But I did not so for the fear of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the former governors that were before me had been chargeable to the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver: even their servants bore rule over the people. But I did not so, because of the fear ofGod.
Context
Building on verse 14’s claim, verse 15 adds contrast and motive. By recalling the burdens of previous administrations, Nehemiah highlights the relief his policies brought. His stated reason—the fear of God—connects back to verse 9’s call to walk in that same fear. Next, verse 16 will show further evidence: he labored on the wall and refused land acquisition, and verses 17–18 will describe generous hospitality without taxing the people.
v.14Moreover 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.
v.15This passage
v.16Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 2:15
Yea, before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have boiled flesh of thee, but raw.
- Proverbs 29:12
If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, All his servants are wicked.
- Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.
- Nehemiah 5:9
Also I said, The thing that ye do is not good: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
- Psalms 147:11
Jehovah taketh pleasure in them that fear him, In those that hope in his lovingkindness.
- Matthew 5:47
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?
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