Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?

DEUTERONOMY 31:17KJV
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Deuteronomy 31:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:17 describes a time when God’s anger will be stirred against the Israelites because of their unfaithfulness, leading Him to withdraw His presence and allow them to experience many hardships. The people will recognize that their troubles have come because God is no longer among them.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He warns them that if they turn away from God and break their covenant, God will “hide His face” from them, meaning He will no longer protect or help them. The verse highlights the serious consequences of abandoning God, making clear that the people’s suffering will be a result of their own choices.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:17

  • “Anger” (אַף, ’af; H639) refers to God’s wrath, often pictured as a flaring of the nostrils, showing strong emotion rather than a distant or cold response.
  • “Kindled” (חָרָה, charah; H2734) means to burn or become hot, emphasizing that God’s anger is not passive but active and intense.
  • “Hide” (סָתַר, satar; H5641) and “face” (פָּנִים, panim; H6440) together mean God will deliberately withdraw His attention and favor, not just step back but actively conceal His presence.
  • “Evils” (רַע, ra‘; H7451) and “troubles” (צָרָה, tsarah; H6869) describe not just generic misfortune but real calamities and distress, showing the depth of suffering that will come.

Why Deuteronomy 31:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the hardships Israel faces are not random but directly connected to their relationship with God and their choices.
  • The language of God “hiding His face” is a powerful image in the Hebrew Bible, showing that God’s presence is the source of blessing and protection.
  • Deuteronomy 31:17 fits into Moses’ larger warning that faithfulness to God brings life and blessing, while turning away brings real and painful consequences.

Where else these words appear

“troubles” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Isaiah 8:22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.

“hide” Hebrew H5641 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

“kindled” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.