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.
From the time I was appointed as governor of Judah—from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes' reign, which was twelve years—neither I nor my associates took the food allowance that governors were entitled to receive.
Nehemiah is explaining that during his entire twelve-year term as governor, he chose not to take the salary and benefits that came with his position.
📚 Historical Context
Nehemiah served as governor of Judah under the Persian Empire during the reign of King Artaxerxes I (around 445-433 BC). Persian governors typically received a food allowance and other benefits paid for by taxing the local population. This was during the period when the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon and were rebuilding Jerusalem and reestablishing their community.
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