Deuteronomy 28:37
Deuteronomy 28:37 in Multiple Translations
You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you.
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples whither Jehovah shall lead thee away.
And you will become a wonder and a name of shame among all the nations where the Lord will take you.
You will be something that horrifies all the nations where you've been exiled by the Lord. They will laugh at you and ridicule you.
And thou shalt be a wonder, a prouerbe and a common talke among all people, whither the Lord shall carie thee.
and thou hast been for an astonishment, for a simile, and for a byword among all the peoples whither Jehovah doth lead thee.
You will become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where the LORD will lead you away.
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by-word, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
And thou shalt be lost, as a proverb and a byword to all people, among whom the Lord shall bring thee in.
When the people-groups in nearby countries see what has happened to you, they will be shocked/horrified; they will make fun [DOU] of you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:37
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 28:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיִ֣יתָ
לְ/שַׁמָּ֔ה
לְ/מָשָׁ֖ל
וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֑ה
בְּ/כֹל֙
הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים
אֲשֶׁר
יְנַהֶגְ/ךָ֥
יְהוָ֖ה
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
וְ/הָיִ֣יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לְ/שַׁמָּ֔ה
shammâh
H8047
horror
Prep | N-fs
לְ/מָשָׁ֖ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֑ה
shᵉnîynâh
H8148
taunt
Conj | Prep | N-fs
בְּ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְנַהֶגְ/ךָ֥
nâhag
H5090
to lead
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 28:37
וְ/הָיִ֣יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
לְ/שַׁמָּ֔ה
shammâh
H8047
"horror"
Prep | N-fs
Shammâh refers to a state of horror or ruin, often describing a waste or desolate land. It can also mean consternation or appalment, and is used in the Bible to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/waste 1) waste, horror, appalment 1a) a waste (of land, city, etc) 1b) appalment, horror Also means: sham.mah (שַׁמָּה ": appalled" H8047H)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: astonishment, desolate(-ion), waste, wonderful thing. See also: Deuteronomy 28:37; Jeremiah 29:18; Psalms 46:9.
לְ/מָשָׁ֖ל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
Prep | N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
וְ/לִ/שְׁנִינָ֑ה
shᵉnîynâh
H8148
"taunt"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
A taunt is a sharp, hurtful word, like the ones used to mock Jesus in Matthew 27:44. This word is about saying something that cuts deeply.
Definition: sharp word, sharp (cutting) word, taunt, gibe
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: byword, taunt. See also: Deuteronomy 28:37; 2 Chronicles 7:20; Jeremiah 24:9.
בְּ/כֹל֙
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-mp
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.
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.
יְנַהֶגְ/ךָ֥
nâhag
H5090
"to lead"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To moan means to sigh or lament, like in Psalm 77:3 when the psalmist moaned in his sleepless night. It can also mean to lead or guide someone, like in 1 Samuel 25:42 when Abigail led her maids to follow David.
Definition: 1) to drive, lead, guide, conduct 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drive, lead on, drive away, drive off 1a2) to behave itself (fig.) (of heart) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to drive away, lead off 1b2) to lead on, guide, guide on 1b3) to cause to drive
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: acquaint, bring (away), carry away, drive (away), lead (away, forth), (be) guide, lead (away, forth). See also: Genesis 31:18; 1 Chronicles 20:1; Psalms 48:15.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
שָֽׁמָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 28:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:37
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:37
Context — The Curses of Disobedience
35The LORD will afflict you with painful, incurable boils on your knees and thighs, from the soles of your feet to the top of your head.
36The LORD will bring you and the king you appoint to a nation neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone.
37You will become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among all the nations to which the LORD will drive you.
38You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because the locusts will consume it. 39You will plant and cultivate vineyards, but will neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, because worms will eat them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 25:9 | behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 9:7–8 | then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. Then Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all peoples. And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ |
| 3 | Jeremiah 24:9 | I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 7:20 | then I will uproot Israel from the soil I have given them, and I will banish from My presence this temple I have sanctified for My Name. I will make it an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples. |
| 5 | Psalms 44:13–14 | You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. |
| 6 | Zechariah 8:13 | As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.” |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 28:28 | The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind, |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 29:22–28 | Then the generation to come—your sons who follow you and the foreigner who comes from a distant land—will see the plagues of the land and the sicknesses the LORD has inflicted on it. All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. So all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them. Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against this land, and He brought upon it every curse written in this book. The LORD uprooted them from their land in His anger, rage, and great wrath, and He cast them into another land, where they are today.’ |
| 9 | Joel 2:17 | Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” |
Deuteronomy 28:37 Summary
This verse is saying that if God's people disobey Him, they will become a laughing stock and an object of horror to the nations around them, as a result of their own sinful choices. This is not just about the nation of Israel, but can also apply to individuals who reject God's ways, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:19-20. However, as believers, we can avoid this by following God's commands and trusting in His goodness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11. By living a life that honors God, we can be a positive witness for Him and bring glory to His name, instead of shame and ridicule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to become an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule among the nations?
This means that God's people will be despised and laughed at by other nations due to their disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:37, and this is a result of their rejection of God's ways, as warned in Deuteronomy 8:19-20.
Is this verse only talking about the nation of Israel or can it apply to individuals as well?
While the context of Deuteronomy 28 is addressing the nation of Israel, the principles of disobedience and its consequences can apply to individuals, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and Galatians 6:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of being a witness for God?
As believers, we are called to be a witness for God, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20, but when we disobey God, we can become a negative witness, bringing shame and ridicule to His name, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:37 and Romans 2:24.
Can this curse be reversed if God's people repent and turn back to Him?
Yes, according to Deuteronomy 30:1-10, if God's people repent and turn back to Him, He will restore them and turn their curse into a blessing, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be bringing shame and ridicule to God's name through my actions or attitudes?
- How can I ensure that my life is a positive witness for God, even in the midst of challenges and pressures?
- What are some areas where I need to repent and turn back to God, in order to avoid the consequences of disobedience?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with difficult circumstances or persecution?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:37
And thou shall become an astonishment,.... To neighbouring nations, that shall hear of their overthrow and captivity, and that shall see the miserable condition they are brought into: a proverb and a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:37
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37
All other nations shall wonder to see such calamities befall such a people; and when they would express any dreadful affliction in a proverbial way, they shall make use of thy example: they shall also sport themselves in thy miseries, and say, These are the people of the Lord, the only saints upon earth, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37
Deuteronomy 28:37 And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.Ver. 37. And thou shalt become.] See on Psalms 44:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37
(37) And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword.—This verse is the contrary to Deuteronomy 28:10. It was verified in the first captivity, and did not wait for the last dispersion. (See 1 Kings 9:7-9, where the threat is repeated; Jeremiah 42:18; Ezekiel 36:20-22.)
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:37
37. a proverb] Rather, a taunt. byword] Only here, Jeremiah 24:9, 1 Kings 9:7, 2 Chronicles 7:20; lit. the object of biting remarks. shall lead thee away] So in Deuteronomy 4:27.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 44 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 43, highlighting the connection between the suffering of the Martyrs and the Passion of Christ, emphasizing the endurance and faith of believers ami |
|
Gideon #1: The Presence of the Lord by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the burden he has for the people of God and their need for blessings. He references Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to bless Abraham and m |
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.8:14 - 10:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is faithful to fulfill both his promises of judgment and blessings. He encourages believers not to fear, as God has proven his fait |
|
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.5:5 - 8:13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four spirits of heaven mentioned in Revelation 7. These spirits are sent forth by God to execute tasks of judgment. The preacher emphasiz |
|
|
(Youth Conference 2006) Thirst for the Spirit's Power by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for God or His work. He shares personal experiences of being called upon to speak when someone else didn |
|
|
(Church Leadership) 13. Jesus Is the Author of Faith by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God. He shares a story of two individuals, one who believed in God's power and another who did not. Des |
|
Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights |