Deuteronomy 28:23
Deuteronomy 28:23 in Multiple Translations
The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron.
And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
And the heaven over your heads will be brass, and the earth under you hard as iron.
The sky above you will be like bronze, and the earth beneath you will be like iron.
And thine heauen that is ouer thine head, shall be brasse, and the earth that is vnder thee, yron.
'And thy heavens which [are] over thy head have been brass, and the earth which [is] under thee iron;
Your sky that is over your head will be bronze, and the earth that is under you will be iron.
And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron.
Be the heaven, that is over thee, of brass: and the ground thou treadest on, of iron.
There will be no rain [MET], with the result that the ground will be as hard as iron [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:23
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 28:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָי֥וּ
שָׁמֶ֛י/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
עַל
רֹאשְׁ/ךָ֖
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
וְ/הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
אֲשֶׁר
תַּחְתֶּ֖י/ךָ
בַּרְזֶֽל
וְ/הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
שָׁמֶ֛י/ךָ
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹאשְׁ/ךָ֖
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs
וְ/הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּחְתֶּ֖י/ךָ
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
בַּרְזֶֽל
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
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 28:23
וְ/הָי֥וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁמֶ֛י/ךָ
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹאשְׁ/ךָ֖
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
וְ/הָ/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּחְתֶּ֖י/ךָ
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
בַּרְזֶֽל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 28:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:23
Context — The Curses of Disobedience
21The LORD will make the plague cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land that you are entering to possess.
22The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, and with blight and mildew; these will pursue you until you perish.
23The sky over your head will be bronze, and the earth beneath you iron.
24The LORD will turn the rain of your land into dust and powder; it will descend on you from the sky until you are destroyed. 25The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 26:19 | I will break down your stubborn pride and make your sky like iron and your land like bronze, |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:1–6 | This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. The ground is cracked because no rain has fallen on the land. The farmers are ashamed; they cover their heads. Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass. Wild donkeys stand on barren heights; they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail for lack of pasture.” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 18:2 | So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. The famine was severe in Samaria, |
| 4 | 1 Kings 17:1 | Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives—the God of Israel before whom I stand—there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!” |
| 5 | Amos 4:7 | “I also withheld the rain from you when the harvest was three months away. I sent rain on one city but withheld it from another. One field received rain; another without rain withered. |
Deuteronomy 28:23 Summary
Deuteronomy 28:23 is a warning from God about what will happen if we disobey Him. It says that the sky will be like bronze and the earth will be like iron, which means that everything will be hard and unfruitful. This is a reminder that God is a holy and just God who judges sin, as seen in Exodus 34:7. We can trust in God's goodness and provision, even in difficult times, and strive to follow His commands, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the sky to be bronze and the earth to be iron in Deuteronomy 28:23?
This is a metaphorical expression describing a severe and barren environment, where the sky is hard and unyielding like bronze, and the earth is hard and unfruitful like iron, as seen in other scriptures like Leviticus 26:19 and Isaiah 5:6.
Is this verse only speaking to the Israelites or does it have a broader application?
While Deuteronomy 28:23 is specifically addressed to the Israelites, the principles of God's judgment and the consequences of disobedience are applicable to all people, as seen in Romans 11:21 and 1 Corinthians 10:11.
How does this verse relate to God's character and nature?
This verse highlights God's holiness and justice, as He is a God who judges sin and disobedience, as seen in Exodus 34:7 and Psalm 89:14.
Can this verse be seen as a prophetic warning for future generations?
Yes, Deuteronomy 28:23 can be seen as a warning to future generations of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 29:29 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced or seen the consequences of disobedience in my own life or in the world around me?
- How can I apply the warning in Deuteronomy 28:23 to my own life and relationship with God?
- In what ways can I trust in God's goodness and provision, even in the midst of hardship or difficulty, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that I am following God's commands and avoiding the consequences of disobedience, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and Matthew 22:37-40?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:23
And the heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass,.... Or like brass, not for its clearness, brightness, and splendour, or for its being spread out like a molten looking glass which was of brass,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:23
And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. Heaven ... brass ... earth ... iron - strong Oriental figures used to describe the effects of long-continued drought.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
Be brass, i.e. like brass, hard and dry, and shut up from giving rain. See . Be iron, hard, and chapt, and barren.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
Deuteronomy 28:23 And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron. Ver. 23. See on Leviticus 26:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
(23) Thy heaven . . . shall be brass, and the earth . . . iron.—Not only in respect of the drought, but of God’s refusal to remove it. See Jeremiah 14, 15 for a most pathetic intercession for Israel under this misery, answered by the order, “Pray not for this people for their good” (Jeremiah 14:11). Only grief is permitted (Deuteronomy 28:17). Relief is not given (Deuteronomy 15:1).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
Verse 23. Thy heaven - shall be brass, and the earth - iron.] The atmosphere should not be replenished with aqueous vapours, in consequence of which they should have neither the early nor the latter rain; hence the earth - the ground, must be wholly intractable, and, through its hardness, incapable of cultivation. God shows them by this that he is Lord of nature; and that drought and sterility are not casualties, but proceed from the immediate appointment of the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:23
23. Cp. Leviticus 26:19 : heaven as iron, earth as brass.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:23
23. Thy heaven… brass — There are, at certain seasons, places in the land where the traveller to-day appreciates the full significance of this curse.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Kings) Elijah's Early Ministry by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and the widow's son from the Bible. The preacher highlights how the widow's faith in God deepens after witnessing the mir |
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Life of Tyndale and the Reformation by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and work of William Tyndale, a key figure in the Reformation. Tyndale was a scholar who translated the New Testament into English in |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 5 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of success and how it relates to time. They explain that success is often measured by personal growth and opportunities, and that |
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Timeless Truths From Rend the Heavens by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman shares 'Timeless Truths From Rend the Heavens,' emphasizing the spiritual battles we face and the importance of seeking God diligently. He recounts testimonies of hea |
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Rain at Last! by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the dire consequences of sin as illustrated by the drought in Israel during Elijah's time, contrasting the self-indulgence of King Ahab with Elijah's earnest |
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If My People Humble Themselves - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the destructive nature of pride, highlighting personal struggles with pride and the impact it has on relationships, families, and spiritual life. It emphasi |
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Why Are These Things Come Upon Me? by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the reasons behind the challenges faced by individuals, families, churches, and nations, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and |