King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 28:27 Mean?
“The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods , and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.”
Context
25
The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. removed: Heb. for a removing
26
And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away.
27
The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods , and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
28
The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:
29
And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(27) **The botch of Egypt.**—The “boil,” with which the Egyptians were plagued (Exodus 9:9, &c.) is the same word. (See also 2Kings 20:7; Job 2:7.) Rashi says of this boil, “It was very bad, being moist on the inside, and dry outside.” A learned Dalmatian Jew, with whom I have read this passage, tells me that he has seen many cases of this kind among the Hungarian and Polish Jews, and that it prevails among them, being traceable partly to their uncleanliness.
**Emerods**—*i.e., hœmorrhoids *(as in 1Samuel 5:6).
**The scab.**—In Leviticus 21:20; Leviticus 22:22 “scurvy.” It would make both a priest and a victim unclean, and unfit for the service of Jehovah.
**The itch.**—Here only. “A dry ulcer like a sherd” (Rashi).
**Whereof thou canst not be healed.**—Not that these things are in themselves incurable, but that they should have them incurably.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 28:27 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 28:27
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge