King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:16 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:16 in the King James Version says “Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.”

Deuteronomy 28:16 · KJV

Context

14

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

15

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

16

Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.

17

Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store.

18

Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field—The Hebrew arur (אָרוּר, cursed) appears repeatedly in verses 16-19, forming an anaphoric litany that mirrors the baruk (blessed) pattern of verses 3-6. This verse encompasses the totality of human activity: ba'ir (בָּעִיר, in the city) represents commerce, government, craftsmanship, and communal life, while basadeh (בַּשָּׂדֶה, in the field) covers agriculture, livestock, and rural sustenance. The comprehensive scope means no sphere of covenant life escapes judgment's reach.

The city/field polarity reflects ancient Israel's dual economy—urban centers like Jerusalem for trade and administration, rural areas for farming and shepherding. Under covenant blessing, both prosper (v. 3); under curse, both fail. This demonstrates that God's covenant governs all human endeavor, not just 'religious' activities. The curse reverses creation's blessing (Genesis 1:28) and Abrahamic promises of multiplication and land possession. Where obedience brings integration and flourishing, disobedience brings disintegration and futility across every domain of existence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelite society was organized around fortified cities (for protection and governance) and surrounding agricultural lands. Cities like Jerusalem, Samaria, and Beersheba served as administrative and religious centers, while most Israelites lived in villages and worked the land. The dual curse would mean economic collapse in both sectors—no refuge in either urban or rural life. Israel's history validated this: the Assyrian invasion (722 BC) devastated both northern cities and countryside; Babylon's conquest (586 BC) destroyed Jerusalem while laying waste to Judah's farmland. The siege conditions described later in Deuteronomy 28 (vv. 52-57) show cities becoming death traps, while agricultural failure meant rural starvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the comprehensive scope of covenant curse challenge modern compartmentalization of 'sacred' versus 'secular' life?
  2. What does it mean that God's blessing or judgment affects every sphere of existence, not just 'spiritual' matters?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְאָר֥וּר1 of 6

“Cursed”

H779

to execrate

אַתָּ֖ה2 of 6
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בָּעִ֑יר3 of 6

“shalt thou be in the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְאָר֥וּר4 of 6

“Cursed”

H779

to execrate

אַתָּ֖ה5 of 6
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃6 of 6

“shalt thou be in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

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 28:16 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 28:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:9-12Jeremiah 14:18Haggai 1:9-11Lamentations 2:11-22Haggai 2:16-17Malachi 2:2

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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