Deuteronomy 28:61 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:61 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:61 warns that every sickness and every plague, even those not specifically listed in the law, will be brought upon the people by the LORD until they are destroyed. This verse emphasizes that the consequences for disobedience to God's law are not limited to what is written but can include any kind of affliction.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. He is explaining the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience found in the covenant. Deuteronomy 28:61 comes in the section listing curses, stressing that God's judgment is thorough and not limited to previously mentioned diseases or disasters.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:61

• sickness (חֳלִי, ḥolí): This word refers to illness or disease in a general sense. Its use here broadens the warning to include any kind of physical suffering, not just specific diseases named earlier.
• plague (מַכָּה, makkāh): This word means a blow, wound, or plague. It can refer to any kind of calamity or disaster, suggesting that God's judgment could come in many forms.
• written (כָּתַב, kātav): This word means "to write." The verse points out that not only the curses already recorded in the law apply, but also others that are not written down.
• book (סֵפֶר, séfer): This refers to the physical scroll or book of the law. Mentioning the "book" highlights the seriousness of what is recorded and also the possibility of consequences beyond what is documented.
• law (תּוֹרָה, toráh): This means "instruction" or "law," referring to the teachings and commandments given by God to Israel. The verse ties the consequences directly to the covenant law.

Why Deuteronomy 28:61 matters

• Deuteronomy 28:61 makes it clear that the list of curses is not exhaustive; God's warnings cover all possible afflictions, not just those specifically named.
• This verse highlights the seriousness of the covenant relationship, showing that disobedience brings real and comprehensive consequences.
• By mentioning both what is written and unwritten, the verse underlines the authority and completeness of God's law, reminding the Israelites that nothing is outside God's knowledge or power.