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. Berean Literal Bible And that which was prepared for one day was one ox, and six choice sheep, and fowl prepared for me, and once every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. And with this, the bread of the governor I did not demand, because the bondage was heavy on this people. 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. Berean Annotated 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. 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEach 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. 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 Versionand 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. Berean Literal Bible And that which was prepared for one day was one ox, and six choice sheep, and fowl prepared for me, and once every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. And with this, the bread of the governor I did not demand, because the bondage was heavy 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleNow 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 1917Now 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) 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 Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me 1 Kings 4:22-23 Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, / ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. 2 Chronicles 9:4 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, the attire of his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. Daniel 1:5 The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service. and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Esther 1:7-8 Beverages were served in an array of goblets of gold, each with a different design, and the royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty. / By order of the king, no limit was placed on the drinking, and every official of his household was to serve each man whatever he desired. Psalm 104:15 wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor 1 Corinthians 9:12-18 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 11:7-9 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? / I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. / 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. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. because the burden on the people was so heavy 1 Kings 12:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 1 Samuel 8:11-18 He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. … Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 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.’” 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.” 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 WineJump to Next Bondage Bread Choice Daily Demand Fowls Governor Heavy Once Ox Prepared Required Sheep Six Sorts Store Ten WineNehemiah 5 1. The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage6. Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution 14. He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, Nehemiah maintained a governor’s household large enough to provide regular hospitality for officials, visitors, and those engaged in Jerusalem’s rebuilding. Such daily provisions reveal the substantial resources associated with Persian provincial leadership. Oxen, sheep, and birds supplied meat for a sizable table and reflected the ordinary expectations placed upon a governor. 1Ki 4:22-23 Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors… and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. Wine was a customary part of banquets and public hospitality in the ancient Near East. The recurring supply indicates that Nehemiah’s household had the means to receive people generously, yet his record emphasizes not personal indulgence but responsible stewardship. God had placed him in a position of influence, and he used its resources without making the vulnerable bear its cost. Pro 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits… But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, Nehemiah willingly declined the allowance and taxes to which he was entitled as governor. Earlier governors had required food, silver, and labor from the people, adding to their oppression (Nehemiah 5:15). Nehemiah instead bore these expenses from his own resources, showing that authority before God is exercised for the good of those entrusted to one’s care. His example anticipates the pattern of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. 1Co 9:12-18 Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder… because the burden on the people was so heavy. Judah’s people were already suffering from famine, debt, taxation, and the loss of family lands. Nehemiah understood that enforcing his lawful privileges would deepen their distress. His restraint joined practical mercy to godly leadership, protecting a restored community that was vulnerable both economically and spiritually. 1Ki 12:4 Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must… Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in this passage, Nehemiah was the governor of Judah and a key leader in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his leadership, integrity, and dedication to God and his people. 2. The People of Judah The community Nehemiah was leading, who were under significant economic and social burdens during the rebuilding process. 3. Jerusalem The city where these events took place, specifically during the period of its reconstruction after the Babylonian exile. 4. The Governor's Allotment The provision typically given to a governor, which Nehemiah chose not to take to avoid further burdening the people. 5. The Rebuilding of the Walls The broader context of this passage, where Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which was both a physical and spiritual restoration for the people. Teaching Points Selfless LeadershipNehemiah exemplifies selfless leadership by prioritizing the needs of the people over his own rights and privileges. Leaders today can learn to serve others by putting their needs first. Integrity in Action Nehemiah's refusal to take the governor's allotment demonstrates integrity. Believers are called to act with integrity, even when it means sacrificing personal gain. Bearing One Another's Burdens By not adding to the people's burdens, Nehemiah lived out the principle of bearing one another's burdens, as taught in Galatians 6:2. Christians are encouraged to support and uplift each other in times of need. Stewardship and Responsibility Nehemiah's actions show responsible stewardship of resources. Believers are reminded to manage their resources wisely and consider the impact on others. Trust in God's Provision Despite not taking the governor's allotment, Nehemiah trusted in God's provision. Christians are encouraged to rely on God's faithfulness rather than worldly security. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 5:18?2. How does Nehemiah 5:18 demonstrate sacrificial leadership in serving others' needs? 3. What financial sacrifices did Nehemiah make to avoid burdening the people? 4. How can we apply Nehemiah's example of generosity in our daily lives? 5. Compare Nehemiah's actions with Jesus' teachings on servant leadership in Matthew 20:26-28. 6. What motivates Nehemiah to act selflessly, and how can we emulate this today? 7. How does Nehemiah 5:18 reflect on leadership and responsibility in a faith context? 8. What does Nehemiah 5:18 reveal about the socio-economic conditions of the time? 9. How does Nehemiah's example in 5:18 challenge modern Christian leaders? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 5? What Does Nehemiah 5:18 Mean Each day one ox“Each day one ox… was prepared for me”. Nehemiah records an impressive amount of food, showing what a governor’s table normally required. • The daily provision matches the scale described for Solomon’s court in 1 Kings 4:22–23, reminding us that high office often came with high cost. • Nehemiah does not exaggerate; he states an exact, literal figure. • Like the cattle offered in Numbers 28:3–4, the ox was a prized, valuable animal. Highlighting it first stresses the expense he willingly absorbed. Six choice sheep “Six choice sheep…”. The word “choice” signals premium quality. • Abraham set out “a choice, tender calf” for his guests in Genesis 18:7; Nehemiah’s six select sheep echo that spirit of generous hospitality. • Ezekiel 34:3 rebukes leaders who feed on “choice sheep” while neglecting the flock; Nehemiah does the opposite—he feeds others but refuses to fleece them. • The detail underscores that he offered the best, not leftovers. Some fowl were prepared for me “…and some fowl were prepared for me”. Poultry rounded out the menu. • Leviticus 1:14–17 shows birds as legitimate offerings; here they add variety for guests of differing tastes. • Matthew 23:37 pictures Jesus longing to gather Jerusalem’s children “as a hen gathers her chicks”; hospitality with fowl subtly anticipates that nurturing heart. • Listing smaller animals after large ones highlights the completeness of the daily spread. Once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided “…and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided”. • Wine symbolized blessing and joy (Psalm 104:15). • The “ten-day” interval suggests moderation—Nehemiah is not partying nightly, yet he ensures periodic refreshment for workers and diplomats. • Daniel and his friends requested a ten-day test (Daniel 1:12); that same span here marks responsible stewardship, not indulgence. • Nehemiah had earlier been cupbearer to the king (Nehemiah 2:1); he knew quality wine but never let it master him. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor “But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor”. • Nehemiah had the legal right to tax the people for his table, as previous governors did (Nehemiah 5:15), yet he laid that right down. • Paul echoes this principle: “We did not use this right” (1 Corinthians 9:12). • Jesus, though Lord of all, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Nehemiah’s restraint foreshadows Christlike leadership—authority exercised for others, not self. Because the burden on the people was so heavy “…because the burden on the people was so heavy.”. • Earlier in the chapter the poor cried out over crushing debt (Nehemiah 5:1–5). Nehemiah responds not only with words but with personal sacrifice. • Proverbs 14:31 says, “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.” Nehemiah chooses honor. • His empathy mirrors God’s compassion in Exodus 3:7: “I have indeed seen the misery of My people.” A godly leader shoulders weight rather than increasing it. summary Nehemiah 5:18 paints a vivid, literal snapshot of daily generosity balanced by intentional self-denial. He offers plentiful, top-quality food and periodic wine at his own expense, willingly forfeiting the official allowance to spare an already burdened people. The verse models servant leadership: rights surrendered for the good of others, resources stewarded for God’s glory, and compassion guiding every decision. 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 Eachאֶחָ֗ד (’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 Additonal Resources Nehemiah 5:18 Blue Letter BibleNehemiah 5:18 Bible Gateway Nehemiah 5:18 Bible.com Nehemiah 5:18 NIV |
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