Albert Barnes Commentary Nehemiah 5:14

"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." — Nehemiah 5:14 (ASV)

Have not eaten the bread of the governor - that is, “have not, like other Persian governors, lived at the expense of the people under my government.” See Ezra 4:14 note.