The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
DEUTERONOMY 28:56KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 28:56 mean?
Deuteronomy 28:56 describes a woman in Israel who is so gentle and refined that she would not even let her bare foot touch the ground, but in times of extreme hardship, she will become harsh and selfish even toward her closest family. This is part of a warning about the severe consequences that will come upon the people if they turn away from God’s covenant.
Moses is speaking to the Israelites, listing the curses that will follow disobedience to God’s commands. This verse paints a vivid picture of how dire the situation will become: even those who are naturally kind and delicate will be driven to desperate, unthinkable behavior toward their own loved ones. The verse uses strong imagery to show the complete reversal of normal compassion and family bonds in a time of national crisis.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:56
- "Tender" (רַךְ, rakh, H7390) and "delicate" (עָנֹג, anog, H6028) both describe someone who is gentle, sensitive, and unaccustomed to hardship. The verse emphasizes just how far removed this woman is from rough living, making her later behavior even more shocking.
- "Adventure" (נָסָה, nasah, H5254) means to try or dare. The verse says she would not even dare to let her foot touch the ground, highlighting her extreme delicacy.
- "Evil" (רַע, ra, H3415) as in "her eye shall be evil" often means looking with hostility, jealousy, or selfishness. Here, it shows a complete breakdown of natural affection, as she turns against her own husband and children.
Why Deuteronomy 28:56 matters
- This verse clears up the misunderstanding that only the strong or aggressive would act harshly in desperate times; it shows that even the most gentle can be changed by severe suffering.
- The verse emphasizes the total reversal of normal life and values that will come with the covenant curses, making the warning more vivid and personal.
- It connects to the wider passage by showing that the consequences of disobedience will affect every part of society, including the most protected and refined individuals.