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.

NEHEMIAH 5:13KJV
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Nehemiah 5:13 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 5:13 mean?

Nehemiah 5:13 describes Nehemiah publicly shaking out his lap (the fold of his garment) as a symbolic act, declaring that anyone who does not keep the promise they have just made will be “shaken out and emptied” by God, losing their possessions and place. The people respond by agreeing (“Amen”) and praising God, then follow through on their commitment.

Nehemiah is speaking to the gathered people of Jerusalem after confronting the wealthy about their unfair treatment of the poor. The promise refers to restoring what was taken from the poor and stopping the practice of charging interest. The verse shows a formal, public agreement, with a physical gesture to underline the seriousness of the vow and the consequences of breaking it.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 5:13

  • “shook” (נָעַר, naʿar): This word means to shake or shake out, often used for removing dust or crumbs. Here, Nehemiah’s action is a vivid warning—just as he shakes out his garment, so God will shake out anyone who breaks their promise.
  • “lap” (חֵיק, ḥēq): This refers to the fold or pocket formed by a garment, where personal items might be kept. Shaking it out would mean emptying it completely, symbolizing total loss.
  • “emptied” (רֵק, rēq): This word means to be made empty or void. The threat is not just being removed, but being left with nothing.
  • “Amen” (אָמֵן, ʾāmēn): This is a strong affirmation meaning “so be it” or “truly.” The people’s response shows their agreement and acceptance of the consequences.

Why Nehemiah 5:13 matters

  • This verse highlights the seriousness of public promises and the expectation that leaders and people alike will be held accountable for their commitments.
  • The physical act of shaking out the lap makes the warning memorable and clear, showing that breaking faith is not just a private matter but has real, visible consequences.
  • The congregation’s unified response (“Amen” and praise) shows community agreement and support for justice, tying the people together in shared responsibility.

Where else these words appear

“lap” Hebrew H2684 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

“shook” Hebrew H5287 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 14:27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
  • Job 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

“emptied” Hebrew H7386 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 37:24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
  • Judges 9:4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

“labour” Hebrew H3018 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Psalms 78:46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
  • Jeremiah 3:24 For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.