Old Testament
Nehemiah 5:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then I shook out the folds of my robe and said, "May God shake out and empty every person from their home and livelihood if they don't keep this promise — shaken out and left with nothing, just like this." The whole assembly said, "Amen," and praised the LORD. And the people followed through on the promise.
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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.
What Nehemiah 5:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 5:13, Nehemiah uses a dramatic gesture to emphasize the seriousness of the promise made by the people. By shaking out the folds of his robe, he symbolically calls upon God to remove anyone who fails to uphold their commitment. This act serves as a warning that breaking the promise would lead to dire consequences, akin to being left with nothing. The assembly responds with an 'Amen,' indicating their agreement and support for Nehemiah's call to accountability. This moment highlights the importance of integrity and communal responsibility in fulfilling promises, especially in the context of rebuilding their community. The people's commitment to follow through on their promise reflects a collective effort to restore justice and support one another during a challenging time. Nehemiah's leadership and the people's response demonstrate the power of unity and the need for accountability in maintaining trust within a community.
How to apply Nehemiah 5:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to take our commitments seriously and to hold each other accountable in our communities. Just as Nehemiah called for integrity, we should strive to support one another in fulfilling our promises, fostering trust and unity.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
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Keep studying Nehemiah 5:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 5:13 mean?
Nehemiah 5:13 emphasizes the seriousness of keeping promises within the community. By shaking out his robe, Nehemiah symbolically calls on God to remove anyone who fails to uphold their commitment, highlighting the importance of accountability and integrity.
What is the significance of shaking out the robe in Nehemiah 5:13?
Shaking out the robe in Nehemiah 5:13 serves as a dramatic gesture to illustrate the consequences of breaking promises. It symbolizes a warning that those who do not keep their commitments may face severe repercussions, reinforcing the need for integrity.
How does Nehemiah 5:13 relate to community integrity?
Nehemiah 5:13 highlights the need for integrity within a community by stressing that promises must be kept. The collective agreement of the assembly to follow through on their commitments reflects a shared responsibility to maintain trust and unity.
What themes are present in Nehemiah 5:13?
Key themes in Nehemiah 5:13 include accountability, community, integrity, leadership, and commitment. These themes underscore the importance of working together and supporting one another in fulfilling promises during challenging times.
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