King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 25:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 25:18 in the King James Version says “How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.”

Deuteronomy 25:18 · KJV

Context

16

For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.

17

Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;

18

How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.

19

Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee—Amalek specifically targeted stragglers: the elderly, sick, exhausted, children—those unable to keep pace with the main column. When thou wast faint and weary—Israel's vulnerable condition made Amalek's attack particularly cowardly and cruel. And he feared not God—the fundamental charge. Amalek's tactical choice revealed moral bankruptcy: attacking the defenseless demonstrated utter disregard for divine justice or human compassion.

The phrase 'feared not God' identifies Amalek's core character. Exodus 18:21 defined qualified leaders as 'men who fear God,' connecting fear of God to trustworthiness and justice. Amalek's opposite posture—treating God as irrelevant and the weak as prey—made them embodiments of ungodliness. Their attack wasn't war but massacre, not conquest but terrorism. God's judgment on Amalek wasn't arbitrary but response to their brazen evil and persecution of His chosen people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Delivered circa 1406 BC, recalling events from 1446 BC. Ancient warfare had codes (limited as they were)—attacking refugees, especially the weak and vulnerable, violated even pagan warrior honor. Amalek's choice to strike the hindmost revealed calculated cruelty, not battlefield necessity. This attack occurred before Sinai, before Israel had structured military, making it assault on civilians. The Amalekites' nomadic raiding culture prioritized plunder and violence, opposing the settled agricultural order God intended for Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'fearing God' mean, and how does it connect to justice and compassion for the vulnerable?
  2. How do Amalek's tactics—attacking the weakest—characterize those who oppose God throughout history?
  3. Why might God's judgment on Amalek seem harsh, and how do we reconcile divine justice with mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 14
H834

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

קָֽרְךָ֜2 of 14

“How he met”

H7136

to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)

בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ3 of 14

“thee by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וַיְזַנֵּ֤ב4 of 14

“and smote the hindmost”

H2179

to curtail, i.e., cut off the rear

בְּךָ֙5 of 14
H0
כָּל6 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֶּֽחֱשָׁלִ֣ים7 of 14

“of thee even all that were feeble”

H2826

to make (intransitive be) unsteady, i.e., weak

אַֽחַרֶ֔יךָ8 of 14

“behind”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְאַתָּ֖ה9 of 14
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עָיֵ֣ף10 of 14

“thee when thou wast faint”

H5889

languid

וְיָגֵ֑עַ11 of 14

“and weary”

H3023

tired; hence (transitive) tiresome

וְלֹ֥א12 of 14
H3808

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

יָרֵ֖א13 of 14

“and he feared”

H3373

fearing; morally, reverent

אֱלֹהִֽים׃14 of 14

“not 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

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 25:18 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 25:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 3:18Psalms 36:1Proverbs 16:6Nehemiah 5:15Nehemiah 5:9

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