Nehemiah 5:18
New International Version
Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.

New Living Translation
The provisions I paid for each day included one ox, six choice sheep or goats, and a large number of poultry. And every ten days we needed a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet I refused to claim the governor’s food allowance because the people already carried a heavy burden.

English Standard Version
Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people.

Berean Standard Bible
Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now that which was prepared daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of this I did not demand the governor’s provisions, because the bondage was heavy on this people.

New American Standard Bible
Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep; also birds were prepared for me, and every ten days all sorts of wine were provided in abundance. Yet for all this I did not request the governor’s food allowance, because the forced labor was heavy on this people.

NASB 1995
Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people.

NASB 1977
Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not require the governor’s food allowance, because the slavery was heavy on this people.

Amplified Bible
Now the following were prepared for each day: one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls (poultry) were prepared for me; and in intervals of ten days all sorts of wine was provided in abundance. Yet for all this, I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people.

Christian Standard Bible
Each day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every ten days. But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Each day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every 10 days. But I didn’t demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

American Standard Version
Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Contemporary English Version
Each day one ox, six of the best sheep, and lots of chickens were prepared. Then every ten days, a large supply of wine was brought in. I knew what a heavy burden this would have been for the people, and so I did not ask for my food allowance as governor.

English Revised Version
Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Preparing one ox and six choice sheep was necessary every day. Poultry was prepared for me. Once every ten days a supply of wine was ordered. Yet, in spite of all this, I never demanded anything from the governor's food allowance, because these people were already carrying a heavy load.

Good News Translation
Every day I served one beef, six of the best sheep, and many chickens, and every ten days I provided a fresh supply of wine. But I knew what heavy burdens the people had to bear, and so I did not claim the allowance that the governor is entitled to.

International Standard Version
Our daily requirements were one ox and six choice sheep, along with various kinds of poultry prepared for me. Every ten days there was a delivery of an abundant supply of wine. Despite all this, I refused the governor's allotment, because demands on the people were heavy.

Majority Standard Bible
Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

NET Bible
Every day one ox, six select sheep, and some birds were prepared for me, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Despite all this I did not require the food allotted to the governor, for the work was demanding on this people.

New Heart English Bible
Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I did not demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 an abundance of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I required not the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

World English Bible
Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days a store of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this, I didn’t demand the governor’s pay, because the bondage was heavy on this people.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and that which has been prepared for one day [is] one ox, six fat sheep, also birds have been prepared for me, and once in ten days of all wines abundantly, and with this, the bread of the governor I have not sought, for heavy is the service on this people.

Young's Literal Translation
and that which hath been prepared for one day is one ox, six fat sheep, also fowls have been prepared for me, and once in ten days of all wines abundantly, and with this, the bread of the governor I have not sought, for heavy is the service on this people.

Smith's Literal Translation
And what was done for one day, one ox, six choice sheep; and birds were done for me, and within ten days with every wine for abundance: and with this, the bread of the prefect I sought not for the servitude was heavy upon this people.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there was prepared for me day by day one ox, and six choice rams, be- sides fowls, and once in ten days I gave store of divers wines, and many other things: yet I did not require my yearly allowance as governor: for the people were very much impoverished.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now there was prepared for me, on each day, one ox and six choice rams, along with poultry. And once every ten days, I distributed diverse wines and many other things. Yet I did not require my yearly allowance as governor. For the people were greatly impoverished.

New American Bible
and though the daily preparations were made at my expense—one ox, six choice sheep, poultry—besides all kinds of wine in abundance every ten days, despite this I did not claim the governor’s allowance, for the labor lay heavy upon this people.

New Revised Standard Version
Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and every ten days skins of wine in abundance; yet with all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because of the heavy burden of labor on the people.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now the man who prepared food brought to the servants who did the cooking, daily one ox and six fat sheep; also yearling goats were prepared for us, and once in ten days wine in abundance; yet for all this I did not ask for the provisions which were due the governorship, because the work was heavy upon this people.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a man that had made bread was bringing it for the Servants who worked; one bull and six fat sheep and kids were prepared for us, and once in ten days much wine, and with this I did not ask the bread of the governorship, because the work was severe on this people.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now that which was prepared for one day 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 I demanded not the bread of the governor, because the service was heavy upon this people.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there came to me for one day one calf, and I had six choice sheep and a goat; and every ten days wine in abundance of all sorts: yet with these I required not the bread of extortion, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah's Generosity
17There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations. 18 Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. 19Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.…

Cross References
Acts 20:33-35
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 9:12-15
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. / Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. ...

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, / nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. / Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...

Luke 22:25-27
So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. / For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.

Philippians 4:12-13
I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Ezekiel 34:2-4
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Jeremiah 22:15-16
Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. / He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD.

Psalm 112:5-9
It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. / Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. / He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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 on this people.

Now that

1 Kings 4:22,23
And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of meal, …

required

Nehemiah 5:14,15
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…

because the bondage

Psalm 37:21,26
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth…

Jump to Previous
Bondage Bread Choice Daily Demand Fowls Governor Heavy Once Ox Prepared Required Sheep Six Sorts Store Ten Wine
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Bondage Bread Choice Daily Demand Fowls Governor Heavy Once Ox Prepared Required Sheep Six Sorts Store Ten Wine
Nehemiah 5
1. The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage
6. Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution
14. He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality














Each day
The phrase "each day" emphasizes the regularity and consistency of the provisions made for Nehemiah. In the Hebrew context, daily provisions were a sign of stability and God's ongoing provision. This reflects Nehemiah's disciplined leadership and his commitment to maintaining a standard of living that did not exploit the people.

one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl
The specific mention of "one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl" highlights the substantial nature of the provisions. Oxen and sheep were considered valuable livestock in ancient Israel, often used in sacrifices and feasts. The choice of these animals indicates the quality and generosity of the provisions. This reflects Nehemiah's ability to manage resources wisely while ensuring that his needs and those of his guests were met without excess.

every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine
The phrase "every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine" suggests a periodic celebration or gathering. Wine in the biblical context often symbolizes joy and blessing. The provision of wine in abundance every ten days indicates a rhythm of celebration and community, which was important for maintaining morale and unity among the people.

Yet I never demanded the food allotted to the governor
Nehemiah's statement, "Yet I never demanded the food allotted to the governor," reveals his integrity and selflessness. In the historical context, governors were entitled to certain provisions and taxes from the people. However, Nehemiah chose not to exercise this right, demonstrating his commitment to serving the people rather than burdening them. This reflects a Christ-like leadership model, prioritizing the welfare of others over personal gain.

because the burden on the people was so heavy
The phrase "because the burden on the people was so heavy" underscores Nehemiah's empathy and understanding of the people's plight. The historical context of this period was one of economic hardship and rebuilding after exile. Nehemiah's awareness of the people's struggles and his decision to alleviate their burden exemplifies a compassionate and servant-hearted leader. This aligns with the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2.

Verse 18. - Once in ten clays store of all sorts of wine. Literally, "all sorts of wine in abundance." Wine was probably drunk every day, but laid in every ten days. Yet for all this. Or, "with all this"- notwithstanding this great expenditure, I took no allowance as governor. Because the bondage was heavy upon this people. The bondage intended must be that under the Persian crown, since neither the labour at the wall nor the oppression of the creditors lasted during the twelve years that Nehemiah was governor. It would seem that the tribute, already complained of in ver. 4, must have been felt as a heavy burthen at this period.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Each
אֶחָ֗ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

day,
לְי֣וֹם (lə·yō·wm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

one
אֶחָ֞ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

ox,
שׁ֣וֹר (šō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

six
שֵׁשׁ־ (šêš-)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number)

choice
בְּרֻר֤וֹת (bə·ru·rō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural
Strong's 1305: To clarify, examine, select

sheep,
צֹ֠אן (ṣōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

and some fowl
וְצִפֳּרִים֙ (wə·ṣip·po·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural
Strong's 6833: A little bird

were prepared for me,
נַעֲשֶׂ֜ה (na·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

and once every
וּבֵ֨ין (ū·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

ten
עֲשֶׂ֧רֶת (‘ă·śe·reṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6235: Ten

days
יָמִ֛ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

an abundance
לְהַרְבֵּ֑ה (lə·har·bêh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

of all kinds
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of wine was provided.
יַ֖יִן (ya·yin)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

But I did not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

demand
בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי (ḇiq·qaš·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

the food
לֶ֤חֶם (le·ḥem)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

allotted to the governor,
הַפֶּחָה֙ (hap·pe·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6346: A governor

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the burden
הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה (hā·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the
זֶ֗ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people
הָעָ֥ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

was so heavy.
כָֽבְדָ֥ה (ḵā·ḇə·ḏāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome


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OT History: Nehemiah 5:18 Now that which was prepared for one (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 5:17
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