Old Testament

Nehemiah 5:17

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

On top of that, 150 Jewish officials and leaders ate at my table regularly, along with visitors who came to us from the surrounding nations.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

What Nehemiah 5:17 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Nehemiah 5:17, Nehemiah shares that he regularly hosted 150 Jewish officials and leaders at his table, indicating his role as a leader and provider. This gathering included not only Jewish leaders but also visitors from surrounding nations, highlighting the importance of hospitality and community in his leadership. Nehemiah's actions reflect a commitment to unity and support among the Jewish people during a time of rebuilding and struggle. By sharing meals, he fostered relationships and encouraged collaboration among leaders, which was essential for the restoration of Jerusalem. This verse illustrates the significance of leadership that prioritizes community and the well-being of others, as Nehemiah used his position to create a supportive environment for those around him. His table became a place of fellowship, where leaders could come together to discuss important matters and strengthen their bonds, ultimately contributing to the success of their collective mission.

How to apply Nehemiah 5:17 to your life

We can learn from Nehemiah's example of hospitality and leadership by creating spaces for community and support in our own lives. Whether through sharing meals or fostering open discussions, we can strengthen relationships and encourage collaboration among those around us, promoting unity and teamwork.

Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Nehemiah 5:17

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Nehemiah 5:17

At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah

Author
Nehemiah, with Ezra
Written
Around 430 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The post-exilic Jewish community

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Nehemiah 5:17 mean?

Nehemiah 5:17 means that Nehemiah regularly hosted 150 Jewish officials and leaders at his table, showing his role as a leader who prioritized community and support during a challenging time for the Jewish people.

What is the significance of hospitality in Nehemiah 5:17?

The hospitality in Nehemiah 5:17 highlights the importance of building relationships and fostering unity among leaders, as sharing meals creates a supportive environment essential for collaboration and the success of their mission.

Who were the people mentioned in Nehemiah 5:17?

In Nehemiah 5:17, the people mentioned include 150 Jewish officials and rulers, as well as visitors from surrounding nations, indicating a diverse gathering that reflects Nehemiah's leadership and commitment to community.

How does Nehemiah 5:17 reflect leadership qualities?

Nehemiah 5:17 reflects leadership qualities by demonstrating Nehemiah's commitment to hospitality and collaboration, as he brought together leaders to strengthen their bonds and work towards a common goal.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.