And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.

DEUTERONOMY 28:46KJV
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Deuteronomy 28:46 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:46 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:46 says that the consequences described earlier—curses for disobedience—will serve as a visible sign and an astonishing warning for the people of Israel and their descendants, lasting indefinitely. These hardships are meant to stand out as unmistakable evidence of what happens when the covenant with God is broken.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He is explaining that the blessings and curses listed in this chapter are not just temporary events but will be ongoing reminders for future generations. The verse emphasizes that these signs are meant to teach, warn, and be remembered by Israel and their children forever.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:46

  • "sign" (אוֹת, 'ot): This word often means a visible marker or signal that points to something important. Here, it highlights that the curses will be obvious and recognizable as warnings.
  • "wonder" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth): This word refers to something extraordinary or astonishing, often something that causes people to marvel or be shocked. The verse uses it to stress how striking and memorable these events will be.
  • "seed" (זֶרַע, zera‘): This word means "descendants" or "offspring." The verse is clear that these signs and wonders are not just for the current generation but will affect future generations as well.
  • "for" (עַד, ‘ad) and "ever" (עוֹלָם, ‘olam): Together, these words underline that the consequences are not short-lived but are intended to last "forever," meaning for an indefinite, ongoing period.

Why Deuteronomy 28:46 matters

  • Deuteronomy 28:46 clarifies that the curses are not random punishments but purposeful signs meant to instruct and warn, making their meaning clear to all who see them.
  • The verse stresses the long-term impact, showing that the consequences of breaking the covenant will shape not just one generation but the entire future of Israel.
  • By using the words for "sign" and "wonder," the verse connects the curses to the miraculous signs God performed in Egypt, but now in reverse—Israel becomes the object lesson for others.

Where else these words appear

“wonder” Hebrew H4159 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 4:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
  • Deuteronomy 29:3 The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:
  • Psalms 105:27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?