Nehemiah 5:13
What does Nehemiah 5:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 5:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 5:13 means
Nehemiah performs a symbolic act by shaking out his lap, declaring that God would likewise shake out of house and labor anyone who failed to keep this promise. It is a vivid enacted curse, warning that those who exploit others will find their gains emptied by God. The assembly’s “Amen” expresses agreement, and their praise of Jehovah acknowledges His justice and mercy. The closing note—that the people did according to the promise—assures the reader that reform took root. This verse underscores both the seriousness of covenant-breaking and the joy of communal repentance sealed before God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Also I shook out my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the assembly said, Amen, and praised Jehovah. And the people did according to this promise.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Also I shook out my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the assembly said, Amen, and praised Jehovah. And the people did according to this promise.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And shaking out the folds of my robe, I said, So may God send out from his house and his work every man who does not keep this agreement; even so let him be sent out and made as nothing. And all the meeting of the people said, So be it, and gave praise to the Lord. And the people did as they had said.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862also, my lap I have shaken, and I say, `Thus doth God shake out every man, who doth not perform this thing, from his house, and from his labour; yea, thus is he shaken out and empty;' and all the assembly say, `Amen,' and praise Jehovah; and the people do according to this thing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Moreover I shook my lap, and said: So may God shake every man that shall not accomplish this word, out of his house, and out of his labours, thus may he be shaken out, and become empty. And all the multitude said: Amen. And they praised God. And the people did according to what was said.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Also I shook my lap, and said, SoGod shake out every man from his house and from his earnings, that performeth not this promise: even thus be he shaken out and emptied! And all the congregation said, Amen! And they praised Jehovah. And the people did according to this promise.
Context
Having secured an oath in verse 12, Nehemiah now adds a symbolic sanction in verse 13, urging faithfulness and warning of divine discipline if promises are broken. The people’s united “Amen” and praise show communal buy-in and a return to right order. With the immediate crisis addressed, the chapter will pivot in verses 14–19 to Nehemiah’s personal example during his governorship, reinforcing the reforms by displaying integrity in leadership.
v.12Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise.
v.13This passage
v.14Moreover 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 16:36
Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And all the people said, Amen, and praised Jehovah.
- Acts 18:6
And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook out his raiment and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
- Zechariah 5:3
Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole land: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off on the one side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off on the other side according to it.
- Ecclesiastes 5:5
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
- Psalms 119:106
I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances.
- Psalms 76:11
Vow, and pay unto Jehovah your God: Let all that are round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Nehemiah 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Nehemiah 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Confession of Sin
Confession of sin is an essential step in drawing near to God and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing.
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
What the Bible says about…