In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
DEUTERONOMY 28:67KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 28:67 mean?
Deuteronomy 28:67 describes a time of such intense fear and distress that people will desperately wish for the day to end when it is morning, and for morning to come when it is evening. The verse shows how overwhelming fear and the terrible things people see will make every part of the day feel unbearable.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, warning them about the consequences of turning away from God’s commands. The setting is a list of curses that would come upon the nation if they broke their covenant. The verse paints a vivid picture of anxiety and dread, where fear in the heart and the horrors witnessed with the eyes make life feel hopeless no matter the time of day.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 28:67
- The word for "morning" is בֹּקֶר (boqer), and "evening" is עָרֶב (ʿerev). The repetition of these words highlights how both the start and end of the day will be filled with longing for escape, showing that the distress is constant.
- "Fear" is פַּחַד (pachad), meaning a deep terror or dread. This word emphasizes that the feeling is not just worry, but a gripping, paralyzing fear.
- "Heart" is לֵבָב (levav), which in Hebrew often means the inner self or the seat of emotions and thoughts. The fear is not just external but deeply internalized.
- "Sight" is מַרְאֶה (mar’eh), and "eyes" is עַיִן (ʿayin), both pointing to the idea that what people see with their own eyes will be so disturbing that it adds to their suffering.
Why Deuteronomy 28:67 matters
- This verse clears up any idea that the curses are only physical hardships; it shows that emotional and psychological suffering are also part of the consequences.
- Deuteronomy 28:67 emphasizes the total nature of the distress—there is no relief at any time of day, which underlines the seriousness of the warning.
- The verse connects to the wider passage by illustrating just how complete and overwhelming the consequences of breaking the covenant would be, helping the reader grasp the gravity of the situation Moses describes.