Nehemiah 5:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַפַּחוֹת֩

H6346

governors

a prefect (of a city or small district)

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֨ים

H7223

But the former

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

not I because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הִכְבִּ֣ידוּ

H3513

me were chargeable

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעָ֑ם

H5971

over the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַיִּקְח֨וּ

H3947

and had taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵהֶ֜ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#10

בְּלֶ֤חֶם

H3899

of them bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#11

וָיַ֙יִן֙

H3196

and wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

#12

אַחַר֙

H310

beside

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#13

כֶּֽסֶף

H3701

of silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#14

שְׁקָלִ֣ים

H8255

shekels

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

#15

אַרְבָּעִ֔ים

H705

forty

#16

גַּ֥ם

H1571

yea even

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#17

נַֽעֲרֵיהֶ֖ם

H5288

their servants

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

#18

שָֽׁלְט֣וּ

H7980

bare rule

to dominate, i.e., govern; by implication, to permit

#19

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#20

הָעָ֑ם

H5971

over the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

וַֽאֲנִי֙

H589

#22

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#23

עָשִׂ֣יתִי

H6213

but so did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#24

כֵ֔ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#25

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

not I because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#26

יִרְאַ֥ת

H3374

of the fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

#27

אֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?