Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.

DEUTERONOMY 28:31KJV
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Deuteronomy 28:31 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:31 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:31 describes a situation where someone’s valuable animals—an ox, a donkey, and sheep—are taken or destroyed by others, and the owner is powerless to stop it or get them back. This verse is part of a warning that if Israel turns away from God’s commands, they will experience loss and helplessness as a consequence.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, explaining the curses that will come if they do not follow God’s law. The verse uses vivid examples from everyday life in ancient Israel, showing how even basic sources of work and food could be lost to enemies, with no one able to help or restore what was taken.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:31

  • The word for “ox” is שׁוֹר (shor, H7794), a key animal for farming and survival in ancient Israel. Its loss would have been a major blow to a family’s livelihood.
  • “Slain” is טָבַח (tabach, H2873), meaning to slaughter or kill, often with the sense of violence. The verse emphasizes that the owner will see this happen but not benefit from the animal at all.
  • “Restored” is שׁוּב (shuv, H7725), meaning to return or bring back. The verse stresses that once these things are taken, there is no hope of recovery.
  • “Rescue” is יָשַׁע (yashaʿ, H3467), meaning to save or deliver. The verse highlights the complete lack of anyone able to intervene on behalf of the victim.

Why Deuteronomy 28:31 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the curses for disobedience would be abstract or only spiritual; they are described in very practical, everyday terms that would have been deeply felt by the original audience.
  • Deuteronomy 28:31 emphasizes the sense of helplessness—seeing loss happen “before your eyes” and being unable to do anything about it—which is a key part of the warning.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where Moses details the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, showing the seriousness and real-life impact of Israel’s covenant with God.

Where else these words appear

“slain” Hebrew H2873 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.
  • Psalms 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
  • Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

“away” Hebrew H1497 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
  • Job 20:19 Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;
  • Jeremiah 21:12 O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 17:3 What man soever there be of the house of Israel, that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or that killeth it out of the camp,
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.