Nehemiah 5:13
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 5:13 · King James Version
Meaning
The meaning of the verse '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.' is a call to commitment and loyalty to God. The act of shaking one's lap symbolizes the shaking out and emptying of those who do not uphold their promises to God. This verse signifies the importance of following through with one's commitments to God and the consequences of not doing so. The congregation's response of saying 'Amen' and praising the Lord shows their agreement with the sentiment expressed by the speaker. By doing according to the promise made, the people demonstrate their faithfulness and dedication to God's teachings. Overall, this verse emphasizes the need for sincerity and faithfulness in honoring one's promises to God and the importance of communal support and agreement in upholding these commitments.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse '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.' suggests that it signifies the severe consequences for those who fail to fulfill their promises to God. The act of shaking one's lap in the ancient Israelite culture was a symbolic gesture used to invoke God's judgment upon those who broke their oaths or commitments. By shaking out every person who did not keep their promise, it was believed that they would be removed and emptied of any blessings or favor from God. The congregation's response of 'Amen' and praise to the LORD further emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and the consequences of failing to do so. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of honoring our commitments to God and the seriousness of divine judgment for those who do not.
Nehemiah 5:13 in other translations
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.
World English Bible
Also I shook out my lap, and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied.” All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.
Douay-Rheims
Moreover 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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So I shooke my lappe, and said, So let God shake out euery man that wil not perfourme this promise from his house, and from his labour: euen thus let him be shaken out, and emptied. And all the Cogregation said, Amen, and praised the Lord: and the people did according to this promise.