King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:24 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:24 in the King James Version says “Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Deuteronomy 27:24 · KJV


Context

22

Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

23

Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.

24

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

25

Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person . And all the people shall say, Amen.

26

Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly—the verb nakah (נָכָה, strikes/smites) can mean killing (as in murder) or injuring. The key term is ba-seter (בַּסֵּתֶר, in secret/in hiding), indicating premeditated violence done covertly to evade justice. This encompasses assassination, ambush, poisoning, or false witness leading to execution—any harm inflicted through deception rather than open confrontation.

Secret violence is particularly heinous because it perverts justice by preventing legitimate defense or legal recourse. The requirement for public 'Amen' meant the community bound itself to investigate suspicious deaths and bring hidden murderers to justice. Proverbs repeatedly condemns those who lie in wait for blood (Proverbs 1:11, 12:6), and Jesus intensified the standard by condemning even hateful anger as murder of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel lacked modern forensic investigation, making secret murders difficult to solve. The law provided cities of refuge for accidental killers (Deuteronomy 19:1-13) while requiring execution for premeditated murderers. Secret violence was especially abhorrent because it denied victims the protection of Israel's justice system and showed contempt for the image of God (Genesis 9:6). This curse invoked divine investigation and judgment where human investigation failed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's curse on secret violence reassure victims that no injustice escapes His notice and judgment?
  2. In what ways might you be 'striking your neighbor secretly' through gossip, slander, or harmful actions done beyond accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אָר֕וּר1 of 8

Cursed

H779

to execrate

מַכֵּ֥ה2 of 8

be he that smiteth

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

רֵעֵ֖הוּ3 of 8

his neighbour

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

בַּסָּ֑תֶר4 of 8

secretly

H5643

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

וְאָמַ֥ר5 of 8

shall say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּל6 of 8
H3605

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

הָעָ֖ם7 of 8

And all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אָמֵֽן׃8 of 8

Amen

H543

sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly


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 27:24 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 27:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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