Deuteronomy 28:54
Deuteronomy 28:54 in Multiple Translations
The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived,
So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:
The man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children whom he hath remaining;
That man among you who is soft and used to comfort will be hard and cruel to his brother, and to his dear wife, and to of those his children who are still living;
The kindest and most sensitive man among you will refuse to share his food with his brother, the wife he loves, and those of his own children who are left.
So that the man (that is tender and exceeding deintie among you) shalbe grieued at his brother, and at his wife, that lieth in his bosome, and at the remnant of his children, which hee hath yet left,
'The man who is tender in thee, and who [is] very delicate — his eye is evil against his brother, and against the wife of his bosom, and against the remnant of his sons whom he leaveth,
The man who is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye will be evil toward his brother, toward the wife whom he loves, and toward the remnant of his children whom he has remaining,
So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil towards his brother, and towards the wife of his bosom, and towards the remnant of his children whom he shall leave:
The man that is nice among you, and very delicate, shall envy his own brother, and his wife, that lieth in his bosom,
When your enemies have surrounded your towns, even the most gentle and sensitive men among you will want food very desperately, with the result that they will kill their own children and eat their flesh, because they will not have anything else to eat. They will not even share any of it with their brothers or wives whom they love very much or with any of their children who are still alive.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:54
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 28:54 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/אִישׁ֙
הָ/רַ֣ךְ
בְּ/ךָ֔
וְ/הֶ/עָנֹ֖ג
מְאֹ֑ד
תֵּרַ֨ע
עֵינ֤/וֹ
בְ/אָחִי/ו֙
וּ/בְ/אֵ֣שֶׁת
חֵיק֔/וֹ
וּ/בְ/יֶ֥תֶר
בָּנָ֖י/ו
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יוֹתִֽיר
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
הָ/רַ֣ךְ
rak
H7390
tender
Art | Adj
בְּ/ךָ֔
Prep | Suff
וְ/הֶ/עָנֹ֖ג
ʻânôg
H6028
dainty
Conj | Art | Adj
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
תֵּרַ֨ע
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עֵינ֤/וֹ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
בְ/אָחִי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Conj | Prep | N-fs
חֵיק֔/וֹ
chêyq
H2436
bosom
N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְ/יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
Conj | Prep | N-ms
בָּנָ֖י/ו
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יוֹתִֽיר
yâthar
H3498
to remain
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
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 28:54
הָ/אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/רַ֣ךְ
rak
H7390
"tender"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means tender or weak, and can be used to describe something that is soft or delicate. It can also be used to describe someone who is faint-hearted or timid.
Definition: 1) tender, soft, delicate, weak 1a) tender, delicate (of flesh) 1b) weak of heart, timid 1c) soft (of words) 1c1) gentle words (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak. See also: Genesis 18:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; Proverbs 4:3.
בְּ/ךָ֔
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/הֶ/עָנֹ֖ג
ʻânôg
H6028
"dainty"
Conj | Art | Adj
This word describes something or someone as dainty or delicate, requiring careful handling. In the Bible, it is used to describe the beauty of a loved one. The KJV translates it as 'delicate'.
Definition: dainty, delicate
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: delicate. See also: Deuteronomy 28:54; Deuteronomy 28:56; Isaiah 47:1.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
תֵּרַ֨ע
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
עֵינ֤/וֹ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְ/אָחִי/ו֙
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וּ/בְ/אֵ֣שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
חֵיק֔/וֹ
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
וּ/בְ/יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
בָּנָ֖י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
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.
יוֹתִֽיר
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:54
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 28:54 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:54
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:54
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:54
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:54
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:54
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:54
Context — The Curses of Disobedience
52They will besiege all the cities throughout your land, until the high and fortified walls in which you trust have fallen. They will besiege all your cities throughout the land that the LORD your God has given you.
53Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you.
54The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived,
55refusing to share with any of them the flesh of his children he will eat because he has nothing left in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within all your gates. 56The most gentle and refined woman among you, so gentle and refined she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground, will begrudge the husband she embraces and her son and daughterCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 15:9 | Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
| 2 | Matthew 20:15 | Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:6 | If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, |
| 4 | Psalms 103:13 | As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
| 6 | Luke 11:11–13 | What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” |
| 7 | Matthew 7:9–11 | Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! |
| 8 | Isaiah 49:15 | “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 12:3 | but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. |
| 10 | Micah 7:5 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. |
Deuteronomy 28:54 Summary
Deuteronomy 28:54 is talking about a time when people will be so hungry and desperate that they will not want to share what little food they have, even with their own family members. This is a result of God's judgment on those who disobey Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. It's a warning to us to remain faithful to God and to trust in His provision, even in hard times (Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Matthew 6:25-34). We can learn from this verse to cultivate a heart of kindness and generosity, and to trust in God's care for us, as seen in the promises of God in Philippians 4:19 and the example of the early church in Acts 2:44-45.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a man to begrudge his brother, wife, and children in Deuteronomy 28:54?
In this context, begrudging means to be so desperate and hardened by circumstances that one is unwilling to share what little they have, even with their own family members, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:55. This is a result of the severe judgment and hardship that God promised to those who disobey Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.
Is this verse talking about a literal lack of food or is it a metaphor for something else?
This verse is talking about a literal lack of food due to a siege, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:52-53, where the people will be forced to eat their own children due to extreme hunger and desperation, a fulfillment of the curse for disobedience in Leviticus 26:29 and Deuteronomy 28:53.
How can a refined and gentle person become so hardened as to begrudge their own family?
The Bible teaches that when people turn away from God and disobey His commands, they can become hardened and their hearts can grow cold, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Matthew 24:12. This is a result of the natural consequences of sin and the judgment of God.
What is the purpose of this verse in the larger context of Deuteronomy?
This verse serves as a warning to the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, and to encourage them to remain faithful and obedient to His covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 and Joshua 24:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can ensure I am not becoming hardened or bitter towards others, especially in difficult circumstances, and instead remain faithful to God's commands as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14?
- How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and kindness, even when it is hard, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46 and as seen in the life of the early church in Acts 2:44-45?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be begrudging others, and how can I work to overcome this, with the help of the Holy Spirit as promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Romans 8:13?
- How can I trust in God's provision and care for me, even in times of scarcity or hardship, as seen in the lives of the Israelites in Exodus 16:1-36 and the promises of God in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:25-34?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:54
[So that] the man [that is] tender among you, and very delicate,.... Not only the rustic that has been brought up meanly, and used to hard living; but one that has been bred very tenderly, and lived
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:54
So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:54
Evil, i.e. unkind, envious, covetous, to monopolize these dainty bits to themselves, and grudging that their dearest relations should have any part of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:54
Deuteronomy 28:54 [So that] the man [that is] tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:Ver. 54. His eye shall be evil,] i.e., Envious and grutchful.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:54
54. The man that is the most tender among you, and the very most delicate] or dainty. The same adjs. in Isaiah 47:1. his eye shall be evil] See on Deuteronomy 15:9.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:54
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
11 - Education and the Future of Nations by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of education and its impact on the future of a nation. He highlights how young people play a crucial role in shaping society an |
|
Of the Will of God, and the Sovereignty of It. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the will of God and its sovereignty, emphasizing that God's will is essential to His nature and is the guiding force behind all His actions. He distinguishes |
|
The Sole Consideration, That God Is God, Sufficient to Still All Objections to His Sovereignty by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the sovereignty of God, emphasizing the church's reliance on God as their refuge and strength during times of trouble and calamity. The duty to be stil |
|
The Journey to Jerusalem by John F. Walvoord | John F. Walvoord preaches on the Parable of the Householder and the Laborers, emphasizing God's sovereignty in rewarding individuals according to His own judgment, regardless of th |
|
K-027 the Fear of Man by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true submission to God rather than relying on material offerings or religious ceremonies. He uses the story of Abraham bei |
|
Stone Him to Death! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and the dangers posed by close relationships that may lead one away from God. He draws from Deuteronomy 13:6-10, urging believe |
|
Poison From the Tongue by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cautious about the content we consume, particularly videos. He warns against allowing negative influences into our l |