Nehemiah 5:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

חָצְנִ֣י

H2684

my lap

bosom

נָע֖וּר

H5287

Also I shook

to tumble about

וַיֹּֽאמְר֨וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּ֣כָה

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

נָע֖וּר

H5287

Also I shook

to tumble about

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֟ים

H430

So God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הָאִישׁ֩

H376

every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יָקִ֜ים

H6965

that performeth

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

כַּדָּבָ֥ר

H1697

according to this promise

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#16

הַזֶּ֗ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#17

מִבֵּיתוֹ֙

H1004

from his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

וּמִ֣יגִיע֔וֹ

H3018

and from his labour

toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)

#19

וְכָ֛כָה

H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

#20

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#21

נָע֖וּר

H5287

Also I shook

to tumble about

#22

וָרֵ֑ק

H7386

and emptied

empty; figuratively, worthless

#23

וַיֹּֽאמְר֨וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#24

כָֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#25

הַקָּהָ֜ל

H6951

And all the congregation

assemblage (usually concretely)

#26

אָמֵ֗ן

H543

Amen

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly

#27

וַֽיְהַלְלוּ֙

H1984

and praised

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

#28

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#29

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#30

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ

H6213

did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#31

הָעָ֖ם

H5971

And the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#32

כַּדָּבָ֥ר

H1697

according to this promise

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#33

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?