King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 25:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 25:19 in the King James Version says “Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 25:19 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about—the command's execution was deferred until Israel secured the land and established peace. God didn't require immediate revenge but patient obedience at the appointed time. That thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven—complete destruction, erasing their name and memory. Thou shalt not forget it—the paradox: remember to destroy their memory. Israel must remember the command and the reason, then execute judgment that eliminates Amalek's future.

This cherem (חֵרֶם, 'ban/devotion to destruction') applied elsewhere to Canaanites represents God's judicial prerogative over nations. Amalek's persistence in opposing Israel throughout Judges (3:13, 6:3, 7:12) validated the judgment. Saul's partial obedience (1 Samuel 15) left remnants who continued hostility. David fought Amalekites (1 Samuel 30), and they appear even in Hezekiah's time (1 Chronicles 4:43). Complete obedience to difficult commands matters—partial obedience leaves ongoing problems.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Given circa 1406 BC for implementation after conquest and consolidation, fulfilled partially by Saul (circa 1020 BC) and David (circa 1000 BC). The command's fulfillment stretched centuries, reflecting both Israel's incomplete obedience and Amalek's persistent survival. Theologically, Amalek became a symbol of anti-God forces (Balaam grouped them with Israel's enemies in Numbers 24:20), particularly those attacking the weak. Haman's descendance from Agag (Esther 3:1) shows Saul's incomplete obedience had lasting consequences—the genocide Haman planned against Jews backfired when Mordecai and Esther intervened.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we understand God's command to destroy Amalek in light of New Testament enemy-love commands?
  2. What does Saul's partial obedience (sparing Agag) teach about incomplete repentance and delayed consequences?
  3. How does Amalek symbolize spiritual enemies Christians must 'blot out'—besetting sins, false teachings, or persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְהָיָ֡ה1 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּהָנִ֣יחַ2 of 24

hath given thee rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

יְהוָֽה3 of 24

Therefore it shall be when the LORD

H3068

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

אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָ4 of 24

thy 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

לְ֠ךָ5 of 24
H0
מִכָּל6 of 24
H3605

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

אֹ֨יְבֶ֜יךָ7 of 24

from all thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

מִסָּבִ֗יב8 of 24

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בָּאָ֙רֶץ֙9 of 24

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 24
H834

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

יְהוָֽה11 of 24

Therefore it shall be when the LORD

H3068

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

אֱ֠לֹהֶיךָ12 of 24

thy 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

נֹתֵ֨ן13 of 24

giveth

H5414

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

לְךָ֤14 of 24
H0
נַֽחֲלָה֙15 of 24

thee for an inheritance

H5159

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

לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ16 of 24

to possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

תִּמְחֶה֙17 of 24

it that thou shalt blot out

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

אֶת18 of 24
H853

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

זֵ֣כֶר19 of 24

the remembrance

H2143

a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration

עֲמָלֵ֔ק20 of 24

of Amalek

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

מִתַּ֖חַת21 of 24
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם22 of 24

from under heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

לֹ֖א23 of 24
H3808

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

תִּשְׁכָּֽח׃24 of 24

thou shalt not forget

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention


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 25:19 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 25:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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