Nehemiah 5:13

KJV

Also 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also I shook {H5287} my lap {H2684}, and said {H559}, So God {H430} shake out {H5287} every man {H376} from his house {H1004}, and from his labour {H3018}, that performeth {H6965} not this promise {H1697}, even thus be he shaken out {H5287}, and emptied {H7386}. And all the congregation {H6951} said {H559}, Amen {H543}, and praised {H1984} the LORD {H3068}. And the people {H5971} did {H6213} according to this promise {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shaking out the fold in my garment, I said, "May God thus shake every man from his house and from his work who fails to live up to this promise - may he be shaken out like this and made empty." The whole assembly said, "Amen!" and praised ADONAI; and the people did as they had promised.

Berean Standard Bible

I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, “May God likewise shake out of His house and possession every man who does not keep this promise. May such a man be shaken out and have nothing!” The whole assembly said, “Amen,” and they praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.

American Standard Version

Also 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 5:13 powerfully culminates Nehemiah's confrontation with the wealthy Jewish nobles who were exploiting their impoverished brethren through usury and debt. This pivotal verse records Nehemiah's dramatic symbolic act of shaking out his garment, accompanied by a solemn imprecation invoking divine judgment to "shake out" and "empty" anyone who would fail to uphold the promise of restitution. The verse concludes with the unanimous "Amen" of the entire congregation, signifying their collective agreement and commitment to the oath, immediately followed by their tangible obedience, thereby underscoring the profound gravity of the covenant and the community's renewed dedication to justice and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 5:13 serves as the climactic resolution to the internal social and economic crisis detailed in [Nehemiah 5:1-13](/nehemiah/5-1-13 "Nehemiah 5:1-13 - The Crisis of Usury and Nehemiah's Response"). This chapter interrupts the narrative flow of rebuilding the walls, shifting focus from external opposition (as seen in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding")) to a severe internal threat: economic exploitation within the Jewish community itself. The preceding verses vividly describe the desperate plight of the poor, who, burdened by Persian taxes and famine, were forced to mortgage their lands, vineyards, and even sell their children into slavery to their wealthier Jewish kin due to exorbitant interest rates ([Nehemiah 5:1-5](/nehemiah/5-1-5 "Nehemiah 5:1-5 - The Cry of the Oppressed")). Nehemiah's righteous indignation led him to convene a great assembly, where he rebuked the nobles and officials for their blatant violation of Mosaic Law and demanded immediate restitution of all seized properties and interest ([Nehemiah 5:6-11](/nehemiah/5-6-11 "Nehemiah 5:6-11 - Nehemiah's Rebuke and Demand for Justice")). The nobles, confronted by Nehemiah's authority and the weight of their sin, agreed to restore what they had taken ([Nehemiah 5:12](/nehemiah/5-12 "Nehemiah 5:12 - The Nobles' Agreement")). Thus, [Nehemiah 5:13](/nehemiah/5-13 "Nehemiah 5:13 - The Solemn Oath and Community's Affirmation") acts as the sealing of this covenant, ensuring its solemnity and commitment, before the narrative transitions to Nehemiah's personal example of selflessness in leadership ([Nehemiah 5:14-19](/nehemiah/5-14-19 "Nehemiah 5:14-19 - Nehemiah 5:14-19 - Nehemiah's Selfless Example")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 5 unfolded during the post-exilic period, specifically around 444 BC, under the Persian Empire's dominion. The Jewish community, having returned from Babylonian exile, faced immense challenges, including the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem and sustaining themselves under the burden of Persian taxation. This economic vulnerability created fertile ground for exploitation, particularly by those with resources. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites in need ([Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Usury"); [Leviticus 25:35-37](/leviticus/25-35-37 "Leviticus 25:35-37 - Laws for the Poor and Needy"); [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19-20 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Rules on Interest")). This was not merely a financial regulation but a foundational aspect of Israel's covenantal identity, emphasizing communal solidarity, compassion, and the understanding that all wealth and land ultimately belonged to God. Nehemiah's symbolic act of shaking out his garment was a culturally recognized form of a performative curse, invoking divine judgment and signifying utter destitution upon those who would violate a solemn oath. The public assembly and the communal "Amen" further underscored the gravity and binding nature of the promise within their societal framework.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 5:13 profoundly encapsulates several core themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Justice and Social Righteousness** are paramount. Nehemiah's impassioned response and decisive action against economic oppression highlight that genuine spiritual restoration and community rebuilding must be rooted in ethical conduct and an unwavering commitment to justice for the poor and vulnerable. This reflects God's own character and His consistent demand for righteousness, as seen throughout the prophets (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")). Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience** is powerfully demonstrated. The solemn oath, the public affirmation ("Amen"), and the subsequent immediate obedience of the congregation underscore the vital importance of communal accountability and integrity in upholding God's laws. This commitment to the covenant is not merely ritualistic but demands transformative action in daily life. Thirdly, **Exemplary Leadership** is vividly portrayed through Nehemiah. He not only courageously confronts deep-seated injustice but also leads by personal example, inspiring the community to repentance and righteous action, setting a high standard for all those in positions of authority to champion the cause of the oppressed and ensure the flourishing of God's people ([Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lap (Hebrew, _chôtsen'_):** This term refers to the fold of a garment, typically the outer robe, which was commonly used as a receptacle or pocket for carrying items. Nehemiah's action of "shaking his lap" was a powerful, visually striking symbolic gesture. It represented the complete emptying out of one's possessions, a total disinheritance or dispossession. In this context, it functions as a performative curse, signifying that just as Nehemiah empties his garment, so too would God utterly empty the houses and livelihoods of those who broke their solemn promise.
* **Shake out (Hebrew, _nâʻar'_):** This verb signifies to shake, to shake off, or to shake out with force. Its repeated use in the verse ("shake out," "shaken out") intensifies the meaning, emphasizing a forceful, violent expulsion or removal. The word conveys the certainty and severity of the invoked divine judgment, implying a complete and devastating stripping away of all that one possesses, leaving them utterly destitute and without recourse.
* **Emptied (Hebrew, _rêyq'_):** This word, used as an adjective or adverb, means "empty," "empty-handed," or "without anything." It powerfully reinforces the imagery of destitution and utter loss conveyed by "shake out." To be "emptied" in this context means to lose everything—one's house, one's labor, one's possessions, and one's security—as a direct and inescapable consequence of failing to keep a sacred oath made before God and the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also 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."**: Nehemiah performs a dramatic, symbolic act by shaking out the fold of his garment. This physical gesture is a vivid visual representation of the curse he invokes. His accompanying words are a solemn imprecation, a prayerful declaration calling upon God to "shake out" and "empty" any individual who fails to uphold the promise just made—to restore lands and cease usury. This curse targets their very foundation: their "house" (representing their dwelling, family, security, and lineage) and their "labour" (their livelihood, possessions, and the fruit of their work), signifying a complete and utter loss of all they hold dear, a divine judgment mirroring their own exploitative actions against their brethren.
* **"And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD."**: The entire assembly, having witnessed Nehemiah's powerful act and heard his imprecation, collectively responds with "Amen." This Hebrew word signifies "so be it," "it is true," or "let it be established." It is a profound act of affirmation, indicating their full agreement with the curse and, more importantly, their solemn commitment to the promise of restitution and justice. Their subsequent act of "praising the LORD" demonstrates their recognition of God's justice, His sovereignty over their economic and social lives, and their renewed dedication to His covenantal ways, acknowledging His intervention in their midst.
* **"And the people did according to this promise."**: This concluding phrase is crucial for understanding the immediate impact and transformative power of the event. It confirms that the solemn oath and the communal "Amen" were not mere words or empty gestures but led to immediate and tangible action. The people, especially those who had been exploiting others, followed through on their commitment to restore what they had taken and to cease their usurious practices. This swift obedience highlights the effectiveness of Nehemiah's leadership and the community's willingness to repent and align themselves with God's righteous standards, bringing about genuine social reform.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 5:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact and solemnity. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly in Nehemiah's act of "shaking my lap." This physical gesture is not merely descriptive but performative, embodying the very curse it pronounces. It functions as a powerful visual **Metaphor** for the divine judgment of stripping away possessions and security, making the abstract concept of divine retribution tangible. The repeated phrase "shake out... shaken out, and emptied" functions as **Repetition** for emphasis, powerfully underscoring the severity, certainty, and completeness of the invoked curse. The entire scene constitutes a **Solemn Oath** or **Covenant Ceremony**, where a public declaration, a symbolic act, and a communal affirmation ("Amen") are combined to bind the participants to a sacred promise before God. The collective "Amen" serves as an act of **Collective Affirmation**, demonstrating unity, shared responsibility, and communal accountability to the covenant. The swift resolution, moving from promise to immediate action, also highlights the **Narrative Efficiency** of the text, emphasizing the profound impact of Nehemiah's leadership and the community's responsiveness to God's call for justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 5:13 is a powerful testament to the biblical emphasis on social justice as an integral component of true faith and worship. It demonstrates that spiritual revival is incomplete without a corresponding commitment to ethical conduct and compassionate care for the vulnerable within the community. The confrontation of economic exploitation and the demand for restitution reflect God's unwavering concern for the poor and oppressed, a theme woven throughout the Mosaic Law and the prophetic tradition. The solemn oath and the communal "Amen" underscore the gravity of covenant faithfulness and the importance of integrity in keeping one's word, not just to fellow humans but ultimately before God. This passage serves as a reminder that God's people are called to live out His righteousness in all spheres of life, including economic interactions, ensuring that justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, transforming society from within.

* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Usury")
* [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 5:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It challenges us to critically examine our own economic practices, financial relationships, and societal structures, ensuring they align with God's immutable principles of justice, equity, and compassion rather than exploitation or self-interest. The passage calls us to be vigilant against any form of oppression that preys on the vulnerable, whether through excessive interest, unfair wages, predatory lending, or systemic inequalities. It powerfully reminds us that our "Amen" to God's Word must always be followed by tangible obedience and decisive action, demonstrating unwavering integrity in our promises and commitments, both personal and communal. Furthermore, it highlights the critical role of righteous leadership in championing justice, confronting sin, and inspiring a community to collective repentance and ethical living. Just as the congregation in Nehemiah's day praised the Lord and acted, so too are we called to embody God's justice, not merely in word but in deed, fostering communities where all are treated with dignity, fairness, and Christ-like love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently contributing to or overlooking economic injustices in our current context?**
* **What promises, whether explicit or implicit, have I made—to God, to family, or to community—that require renewed commitment and tangible action on my part?**
* **How can I, in my sphere of influence, actively advocate for justice and compassion for the economically vulnerable, mirroring Nehemiah's courageous leadership?**
* **What does it truly mean for my "Amen" to God's truth to translate into concrete, righteous, and transformative actions in my daily life and within my community?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Nehemiah shaking his lap?**

Answer: Nehemiah shaking his lap (or robe) was a powerful, culturally understood symbolic gesture. In ancient times, the fold of one's outer garment often served as a makeshift pouch for carrying goods or money. By shaking it out, Nehemiah was performing a visual curse, signifying the complete emptying out or stripping away of possessions and security. He was invoking divine judgment, praying that just as he emptied his garment, God would "shake out" and "empty" anyone who failed to uphold the solemn promise made by the nobles to cease usury and restore what they had taken. This dramatic act underscored the gravity of the oath and the severe, divinely ordained consequences for breaking it, making the curse tangible and deeply memorable to the entire assembly.

**Why was usury (charging interest) such a grave offense in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Usury, specifically charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law, as detailed in passages like [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Usury"), [Leviticus 25:35-37](/leviticus/25-35-37 "Leviticus 25:35-37 - Laws for the Poor and Needy"), and [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19-20 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Rules on Interest"). This prohibition was deeply rooted in God's covenantal relationship with Israel, which emphasized communal solidarity, compassion for the poor, and the theological understanding that all land and wealth ultimately belonged to God. Lending to a fellow Israelite in need was to be an act of charity and brotherly care, not an opportunity for personal profit or exploitation. Charging interest on such loans was seen as exploiting a brother or sister's vulnerability, violating the spirit of the Law, and undermining the social and economic fabric of the community. It was a direct failure to love one's neighbor as oneself and a profound affront to God's justice and covenantal demands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 5:13 highlights a powerful moment of social justice and covenant renewal in the Old Testament, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Nehemiah's righteous anger against oppression and his selfless leadership in demanding justice foreshadow the perfect justice and boundless compassion embodied by Jesus. Just as Nehemiah called the people to repent and uphold the Law, Jesus called His followers to a radical righteousness that surpasses mere external observance, reaching into the heart's deepest motivations and demanding love for neighbor ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees"); [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")). The "shaking out" and "emptying" invoked as a curse for covenant-breakers in Nehemiah find their ultimate, redemptive resolution in Christ's work on the cross. He, the sinless Lamb of God, was "emptied" of His divine glory in His incarnation ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")) and was "shaken out" of life, bearing the full curse of sin for humanity ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His sacrificial death, those who believe are not "shaken out" and "emptied" by divine judgment but are instead filled with His Spirit and receive an inheritance that cannot be shaken, a kingdom of enduring righteousness ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). The collective "Amen" of the congregation, signifying their agreement and commitment, prefigures the universal "Amen" to God's promises that is found in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")), where all of God's promises find their "Yes" in Him, inaugurating a new covenant of grace that enables true obedience and justice, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 18:6

And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

1 Chronicles 16:36

Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Matthew 10:14

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Nehemiah 8:6

And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with [their] faces to the ground.