Deuteronomy 29:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 29:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 29:20 warns that the LORD will not forgive a person who stubbornly turns away from Him; instead, God's anger and jealousy will burn against that person, all the curses written in the book will fall on them, and the LORD will erase their name from under heaven. This verse describes a complete rejection and severe consequence for someone who defiantly breaks the covenant.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, reminding them of the seriousness of their covenant with God. The verse comes in a section where Moses lists the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, stressing that deliberate rebellion will bring the full weight of God's judgment.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 29:20

• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that it is God Himself who acts and judges, not just a distant force.
• "anger" (אַף, aph): This word often means "nose" or "face," but here it refers to God's fierce anger, picturing it as something that can "smoke" or burn hotly.
• "jealousy" (קִנְאָה, qin'ah): This word means zeal or jealousy, showing God's passionate commitment to His people and His covenant, and His intolerance for rivals or betrayal.
• "smoke" (עָשַׁן, ashan): The idea of God's anger and jealousy "smoking" gives a vivid image of wrath that is not hidden or passive, but active and consuming.
• "blot out" (מָחָה, machah): To "blot out" a name means to erase it completely, removing any remembrance or legacy, which in ancient Israel was a fate worse than death.

Why Deuteronomy 29:20 matters

• This verse makes clear that God's covenant is not to be taken lightly; deliberate rebellion brings real and lasting consequences, not just temporary discipline.
• The language of "blotting out" a name shows that covenant faithfulness is about belonging and identity, not just outward actions; to be erased from under heaven means to lose one's place among God's people.
• Deuteronomy 29:20 highlights the seriousness of communal responsibility, since the curses are not just personal but affect the whole community if the covenant is broken.