King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:10 in the King James Version says “And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Deuteronomy 28:10 · KJV


Context

8

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. storehouses: or, barns

9

The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

10

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

11

And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. in goods: or, for good body: Heb. belly

12

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. Covenant blessing produces visible testimony - all people of the earth shall see. Israel's relationship with God and resulting flourishing would be evident to watching nations, demonstrating the reality and power of the true God.

Being called by the name of the LORD indicates identification and ownership. Israel belongs to Yahweh, bearing His name as wife bears husband's name. This relationship creates both privilege (divine protection) and responsibility (representing God faithfully).

The result they shall be afraid of thee indicates that nations would respect and fear Israel, not because of Israel's inherent power but because of their association with the Almighty God. Fear here combines dread, awe, and reluctance to oppose.

This missional purpose - displaying God's character to nations - continues for the church. Christians bear Christ's name and should live in ways that cause the world to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

When Israel walked faithfully, surrounding nations did fear them - Rahab testified that terror of Israel fell on Canaanites because of what God had done (Joshua 2:9-11). Israel's God-given victories created international reputation.

When Israel disobeyed, they became objects of derision rather than respect, and God's name was blasphemed among the nations (Ezekiel 36:20-23).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does visible testimony to watching nations teach about covenant blessing's purpose?
  2. How does bearing God's name create both privilege and responsibility?
  3. Why would nations fear Israel - because of Israel's strength or God's power?
  4. How does the church continue this missional purpose of displaying God to the world?
  5. What happens when God's people disobey and cause His name to be blasphemed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְרָאוּ֙1 of 11

shall see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כָּל2 of 11
H3605

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

עַמֵּ֣י3 of 11

And all people

H5971

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ4 of 11

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֛י5 of 11
H3588

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

שֵׁ֥ם6 of 11

by the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 11

of the LORD

H3068

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

נִקְרָ֣א8 of 11

that thou art called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עָלֶ֑יךָ9 of 11
H5921

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

וְיָֽרְא֖וּ10 of 11

and they shall be afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִמֶּֽךָּ׃11 of 11
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses


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 28:10 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 28:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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