Deuteronomy 27:18
Deuteronomy 27:18 in Multiple Translations
‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed is he by whom the blind are turned out of the way. And let all the people say, So be it.
“A curse on anyone who allows a blind man to wander in the road!” Everyone says “Amen!”
Cursed be he that maketh ye blinde go out of the way: And all the people shall say: So be it.
'Cursed [is] he who is causing the blind to err in the way, — and all the people have said, Amen.
‘Cursed is he who leads the blind astray on the road.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way: and all the people shall say, Amen.
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of his way: and all the people shall say: Amen.
‘Yahweh will curse anyone who leads a blind person to go ◄in the wrong direction/where that person does not want to go►.’ And all the people must reply, ‘◄Amen/We want that to happen►.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 27:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 27:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָר֕וּר
מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה
עִוֵּ֖ר
בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ
וְ/אָמַ֥ר
כָּל
הָ/עָ֖ם
אָמֵֽן
אָר֕וּר
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Inf-c
מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה
shâgâh
H7686
to wander
V-Hiphil
עִוֵּ֖ר
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Adj
בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
וְ/אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אָמֵֽן
ʼâmên
H543
amen
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 27:18
אָר֕וּר
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה
shâgâh
H7686
"to wander"
V-Hiphil
This word means to wander or stray, often used to describe someone who has made a moral mistake or is drunk, like in Proverbs 5:23. It can also mean to lead someone astray.
Definition: 1) to go astray, stray, err 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to err, stray 1a2) to swerve, meander, reel, roll, be intoxicated, err (in drunkenness) 1a3) to go astray (morally) 1a4) to commit sin of ignorance or inadvertence, err (ignorantly) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lead astray 1b2) to lead astray, mislead (mentally) 1b3) to lead astray (morally)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, err, be ravished, sin through ignorance, (let, make to) wander. See also: Leviticus 4:13; Psalms 119:118; Psalms 119:10.
עִוֵּ֖ר
ʻivvêr
H5787
"blind"
Adj
This word describes someone who is blind, either physically or unable to see spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 9:27 to describe the two blind men who followed Jesus. The word is also used in Romans 2:19 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: 1) blind 1a) blind (physically) 1b) blind (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: blind (men, people). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:5; Psalms 146:8.
בַּ/דָּ֑רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/אָמַ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אָמֵֽן
ʼâmên
H543
"amen"
Adv
Amen means something is true or faithful, like a promise or a statement of fact. Jesus often used it to begin his teachings, as in Matthew 5:18. It expresses certainty or agreement.
Definition: verily, truly, amen, so be it
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Amen, so be it, truth. See also: Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:26; Psalms 41:14.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 27:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 27:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 27:18
Context — Curses Pronounced from Ebal
16‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
17‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
18‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
19‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ 20‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:14 | You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD. |
| 2 | Matthew 15:14 | Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:10 | He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. |
| 4 | Isaiah 56:10 | Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. |
| 5 | Job 29:15 | I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame. |
| 6 | Revelation 2:14 | But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. |
Deuteronomy 27:18 Summary
This verse is saying that it's very important to help people who can't take care of themselves, like a blind person who can't see where they're going. We should always try to be kind and helpful to those in need, just like God is kind and helpful to us (Psalm 145:9). By doing so, we show that we care about them and want to help them, which is a key part of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). We can apply this principle in our daily lives by being mindful of the needs of those around us and looking for ways to serve and support them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to let a blind man wander in the road?
This phrase is a metaphor for neglecting or taking advantage of someone who is vulnerable or unable to care for themselves, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:18, and is reminiscent of the command to love our neighbors as ourselves in Leviticus 19:18 and to care for the poor and needy in Proverbs 19:17.
Is this verse only talking about physical blindness?
While the verse does mention a blind man, the principle applies to anyone who is spiritually or emotionally blind, and we are called to help guide them, as seen in Psalm 23:4 where God guides us through the darkest valley.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for others?
This verse emphasizes our responsibility to care for and protect those who are unable to care for themselves, which is a theme echoed in James 1:27, where we are called to care for the widows and orphans in their distress.
What is the significance of the people saying 'Amen' after this curse?
The people's affirmation of 'Amen' signifies their agreement with and acceptance of the curse, indicating their commitment to uphold the principles of justice and compassion, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:15-26, where the people affirm their commitment to obey God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of caring for the vulnerable in my everyday life, and what are some ways I can demonstrate love and compassion to those around me?
- In what ways might I be inadvertently 'letting a blind man wander in the road' by neglecting someone in need, and how can I be more mindful of the needs of others?
- What are some ways I can balance my own needs and limitations with the responsibility to care for others, and how can I trust God to provide the necessary resources and guidance?
- How can I create a safe and supportive community where people feel seen and cared for, and what role can I play in helping others navigate life's challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 27:18
Cursed [be] he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way,.... By directing him wrong knowingly, or laying a stumbling block in his way, Leviticus 19:14.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
That misleadeth simple souls, giving them pernicious counsel, either for this life or for the next.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
(18) The blind.—“He that is in the dark upon any matter, when one deceives him with evil counsel” (Rashi).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
Verse 18. The blind to wander out of the way.] A sin against the sixth commandment. See Clarke on Exodus 20:13.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 27:18
18. Leviticus 19:14 : thou shall not put a stumbling block before the blind.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:18
14-26. The Levites shall speak — These twelve curses were to be pronounced against transgressors of the law. The first is against those who make graven or molten images. Comp. Exodus 20:4.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 27:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 255 by George Fox | George Fox addresses the importance of remaining steadfast in God's truth, urging those who have strayed into worldly behaviors such as drunkenness and dishonesty to return to the |
|
The Fear of God - Part 4 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the speaker begins with a far-fetched illustration of a Christian leader who contemplates going to a topless dancer performance to "experience all of life." However |
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Favouritism - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James chapter 2 and the instruction to believers not to show favoritism. He begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the descri |
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The Lamb in the Midst of the Throne by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two chapters from the book of Revelation: chapter 4 and chapter 5. In chapter 4, John sees a vision of the Creator and witnesses the worship |
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Precious in the Sight of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, no |
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Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the opportunities to spread the word of God through tapes and videos, particularly in America. He shares a personal experience |
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(Excerpt) Changing the Word of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the gospel is not meant to please our flesh, but to challenge and transform us. He warns that those who are attached to their flesh and |