Deuteronomy 28:59 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:59 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:59 says that if the Israelites turn away from God, the LORD will bring severe and lasting plagues and sicknesses on them and their descendants. The verse emphasizes the seriousness and duration of these troubles, describing them as extraordinary, great, and long-lasting.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, warning them about the consequences of breaking their covenant with God. This verse is part of a longer section listing the curses that would come upon Israel if they are unfaithful, highlighting how deeply their actions matter and how thorough the consequences would be.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:59

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, stressing that these warnings come directly from Israel’s covenant God, not a distant or impersonal force.
• make/wonderful (פָּלָא, pala’): This word often means "to do something extraordinary or astonishing." Here, it means the plagues will be remarkable in their severity, not just ordinary troubles.
• plagues (מַכָּה, makkah): This word means a blow, wound, or plague. Its repetition in the verse underscores the intensity and variety of the afflictions.
• continuance (אֵמוּן, ’emun): This word carries the sense of something being enduring or steadfast. The verse uses it to stress that these plagues and sicknesses would not be brief but would persist over a long period.

Why Deuteronomy 28:59 matters

• The verse clarifies that the consequences for breaking faith with God are not only severe but also enduring, countering any idea that such warnings were just about short-term discomfort.
• By repeating words for "plagues" and "continuance," the verse emphasizes both the intensity and the unrelenting nature of these troubles, showing that the covenant relationship with God is deeply serious.
• This verse fits into a larger context of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28, helping readers understand the full weight of Israel’s covenant responsibilities and the real consequences of their choices.