Deuteronomy 28:42 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:42 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:42 warns that locusts will eat all the trees and fruit of the land, leaving nothing behind. This is part of a list of curses that would come upon Israel if they turned away from God’s commandments, describing a total loss of crops and natural resources.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He is explaining the consequences of disobedience to God’s covenant. The verse paints a picture of devastation: not only would their planted crops be destroyed, but even the trees and all fruit-bearing plants would be consumed, showing the completeness of the disaster.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:42

• "Trees" (עֵץ, ‘ets): This word refers to all kinds of trees, not just fruit trees, highlighting that the destruction would affect the entire landscape, not just food sources.
• "Fruit" (פְּרִי, peri): This term means the produce or yield of the land, emphasizing that both the harvest and natural bounty would be lost.
• "Land" (אֲדָמָה, adamah): This word often refers to the ground or soil, underlining that the judgment would reach every part of their territory.
• "Locust" (צְלָצַל, tselatsal): This is a specific kind of locust known for its swarming and destructive nature, suggesting a severe, overwhelming plague.
• "Consume" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This verb often means to dispossess or take over, not just to eat, so the idea is that the locusts would completely take away what belonged to the people.

Why Deuteronomy 28:42 matters

• The verse clarifies that the curse is not limited to annual crops but extends to all sources of food and even the natural beauty of the land, showing the seriousness of the warning.
• By using the word for "consume" that means to dispossess, the verse hints that the locusts would take over the land in a way similar to how Israel was to take possession of it, creating a strong contrast.
• This verse fits into the larger context of Deuteronomy 28, where blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience are laid out in detail, making clear the consequences of the people’s choices.