And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

DEUTERONOMY 28:65KJV
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Deuteronomy 28:65 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 28:65 mean?

Deuteronomy 28:65 describes how, if the Israelites are scattered among foreign nations as a result of disobedience, they will find no peace or rest, but instead will experience constant anxiety, failing strength, and deep inner sorrow. The verse highlights the emotional and physical distress that will come upon them in exile.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel, warning them about the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments. The setting is near the end of Moses’ life, as he outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This particular curse emphasizes the lack of security and well-being the people will face among other nations, painting a vivid picture of restless wandering and inner turmoil.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:65

  • "Ease" (רֶגַע, regaʿ): This word means rest or relief. Its use here stresses that the Israelites will not experience even a moment of comfort or calm in exile.
  • "Trembling" (רַגְזָה, ragzah): This word refers to shaking or quaking with fear. It highlights the deep, ongoing anxiety and fearfulness that will grip their hearts.
  • "Sorrow" (דְּאָגָה, de’agah): This word means anxiety or anguish. In this context, it points to a persistent state of worry and emotional pain affecting their very being.

Why Deuteronomy 28:65 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the consequences of disobedience are not just physical exile but also deep emotional and psychological suffering, showing the full weight of the warning.
  • The verse connects to the broader passage by illustrating how the curses for breaking the covenant affect every part of life—body, mind, and spirit.
  • Understanding the specific Hebrew words for fear, sorrow, and restlessness helps readers grasp the intensity and completeness of the distress described, which goes beyond mere physical hardship.

Where else these words appear

“failing” Hebrew H3631 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 10:22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

“rest” Hebrew H4494 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 8:9 But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest.
  • Isaiah 34:14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.

“ease” Hebrew H7280 · used in 13 verses

  • Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.
  • Isaiah 51:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“these” Hebrew H1992 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Numbers 13:3 And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.
  • Psalms 38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.