15
But the first dukes, that were before me, grieved the people, and took of them in bread, and wine, and money, each day forty shekels; and also their ministers oppressed the people. But I did not so, for the dread of God; (But the former governors, who were there before me, grieved the people, and took from them bread, and wine, and money, forty shekels worth, each day; and their servants, and their officers, also oppressed the people. But I did not do so, for the fear of God/because of my reverence for God;)
16
but rather I subjected myself, and I builded in the work of the wall (and I helped rebuild the wall), and I bought no field, and all my servants were gathered together with me to (do) the work.
17
Also [the] Jews and the magistrates of them, an hundred and fifty men, and they that came to me from heathen men, that be in our compass, were eating in my table. (And some of the Jews and their magistrates, a hundred and fifty men, and also some of the heathen, who came to me from all around us, ate at my table.)
18
Forsooth by each day one ox was made ready to me, six chosen wethers, besides volatiles, and within ten days diverse wines; and I gave many other things; furthermore and I asked not (for) the sustenances of my duchy; for the people was made full poor. (And each day an ox, and six chosen sheep, and fowls, were provided by me, and every ten days, a new supply of wine; and I gave many other things as well; and furthermore I did not ask for the governor's allowance, to which I was entitled, because the people were already so poor.)
19
My God, have thou mind on me into good, by all things which I have done to this people. (My God, remember me, for all the good things which I have done for these people.)