Deuteronomy 27:24

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

American Standard Version (1901)

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Bible in Basic English

Cursed is he who takes his neighbour's life secretly. And let all the people say, So be it.

Douay-Rheims 1899

Cursed be he that secretly killeth his neighbour: and all the people shall say: Amen.

Free Bible Version

“A curse on anyone who secretly attacks his neighbor!” Everyone says “Amen!”

Geneva Bible 1599

Cursed be hee that smiteth his neyghbour secretly: And all the people shall say: So be it.

King James (Authorized) Version

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

One Unity Resource Bible

‘Cursed is he who secretly kills his neighbor.’ ‘All the people shall say, ‘Amen ·So be it·.’

Translation for Translators

‘Yahweh will curse anyone who secretly murders someone else.’ And all the people must reply, ‘◄Amen/We want that to happen►.’

Unlocked Literal Bible

'May the man be cursed who kills his neighbor secretly.' Then all the people must say, 'Amen.'

Noah Webster Bible

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor secretly: and all the people shall say, Amen.

World English Bible

‘Cursed is he who secretly kills his neighbor.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

Young's Literal Translation

'Cursed [is] he who is smiting his neighbour in secret, — and all the people have said, Amen.

Context

Curses Pronounced from Ebal

²³‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’²⁴‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Summary

This verse in Deuteronomy lists various curses that would come upon those who dishonor their parents by moving their neighbor's boundary marker. It underscores the importance of respecting authority, property rights, and relationships within the community. The severe consequences mentioned serve as a deterrent against dishonesty and injustice, promoting integrity and righteousness. By highlighting the interconnectedness of individual actions and communal well-being, this verse emphasizes the significance of upholding moral values and social responsibilities. Ultimately, it points to the importance of honoring God's commandments and living in harmony with others.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly,.... And kills him, and the murder is not known; the curse of God follows such, and overtakes them sooner or later. Some interpret this of smiting with the tongue, of secret backbiting and slander; so the Targum of Jonathan,"that smiteth with the third tongue;''or false accusation: and all the people shall say Amen; as disapproving of and condemning such a practice, even slander, and especially murder.