And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

DEUTERONOMY 7:15KJV
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Deuteronomy 7:15 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 7:15 mean?

Deuteronomy 7:15 promises that the LORD will remove all sickness from the Israelites and will not bring upon them the harmful diseases they saw in Egypt, but instead will put those diseases on their enemies. This verse is part of God's assurance to Israel of His special protection as they obey Him.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, reminding them of God's faithfulness and power. The verse refers to the plagues and illnesses experienced in Egypt, which the Israelites witnessed during their time there. The message highlights God's ability to protect His people from harm and to judge those who oppose them.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 7:15

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, used here to emphasize that the promise comes directly from Israel’s covenant God, not a generic deity.
  • "sickness" (חֳלִי, ḥoli): This word means illness or disease, and its use here underlines the physical well-being God promises to His people.
  • "evil" (רַע, ra‘) and "diseases" (מַדְוֶה, madveh): Together, these words describe the particularly severe or notorious diseases that struck Egypt, making clear that these are not ordinary ailments but the memorable plagues of the Exodus story.
  • "Egypt" (מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim): Naming Egypt specifically reminds the Israelites of their past suffering and the dramatic deliverance God provided, reinforcing the contrast between their former bondage and their future under God's care.

Why Deuteronomy 7:15 matters

  • Deuteronomy 7:15 clarifies that God's protection is not just spiritual but also includes physical health and deliverance from specific dangers known to the Israelites.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme of covenant faithfulness in Deuteronomy, where blessings and protection are tied to Israel's obedience to God.
  • By referencing the "evil diseases of Egypt," the verse reminds the Israelites—and readers—of God's power over the forces that once oppressed them, reinforcing trust in God's ongoing care.