King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 21:23 Mean?

Deuteronomy 21:23 in the King James Version says “His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. accursed: Heb. the curse of God

Deuteronomy 21:23 · KJV


Context

21

And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

22

And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

23

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. accursed: Heb. the curse of God


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Burial requirement: 'His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.' Executed criminals hung on trees/poles must be buried same day. The phrase 'he that is hanged is accursed of God' (קִלְלַת אֱלֹהִים תָּלוּי, qilelat elohim talui) indicates divine curse on the sin/criminal. Leaving corpses overnight defiles the land. This shows even criminals retain human dignity—created in God's image. Quick burial limits public shame while maintaining justice. Paul applies this to Christ: 'cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree' (Galatians 3:13)—Jesus bore covenant curse for sinners, becoming cursed on the cross.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare often displayed enemy corpses as deterrent. Israel was forbidden such practice. Joshua hung five kings but removed them at sunset (Joshua 10:26-27). Jesus's crucifixion occurred before Passover; Jews requested removal before Sabbath (John 19:31), fulfilling this law. Christ's burial before nightfall satisfied Deuteronomic requirement. His bearing the curse ('he that is hanged is accursed') means believers escape curse—He took our condemnation. The law's mercy (burial requirement) foreshadowed gospel grace (Christ bearing curse so we're blessed).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does even criminals requiring dignified burial reflect universal human dignity as image-bearers?
  2. What does Christ becoming 'cursed' on the tree mean for believers' legal standing before God?
  3. How does the cross transform the symbol of ultimate curse into the means of ultimate blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
לֹֽא1 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָלִ֨ין2 of 24

shall not remain all night

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

נִבְלָת֜וֹ3 of 24

His body

H5038

a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol

עַל4 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעֵ֗ץ5 of 24

upon the tree

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

כִּֽי6 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִּקְבְּרֶ֙נּוּ֙7 of 24

bury

H6912

to inter

תִּקְבְּרֶ֙נּוּ֙8 of 24

bury

H6912

to inter

בַּיּ֣וֹם9 of 24

him that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא10 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

כִּֽי11 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קִלְלַ֥ת12 of 24

is accursed

H7045

vilification

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ13 of 24

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

תָּל֑וּי14 of 24

for he that is hanged

H8518

to suspend (especially to gibbet)

וְלֹ֤א15 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְטַמֵּא֙16 of 24

be not defiled

H2930

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אֶת17 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַדְמָ֣תְךָ֔18 of 24

that thy land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁר֙19 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְהוָ֣ה20 of 24

which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ21 of 24

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נֹתֵ֥ן22 of 24

giveth

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֖23 of 24
H0
נַֽחֲלָֽה׃24 of 24

thee for an inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 21:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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