King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:27 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:27 in the King James Version says “The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods , and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof t...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 28:27 · KJV

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.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The sh'chin Mitzrayim (שְׁחִין מִצְרַיִם, boils of Egypt) recalls the sixth plague (Exodus 9:9-11) that struck Egypt but not Israel—now covenant-breakers would suffer the same afflictions they had been protected from. This demonstrates the terrifying principle: redemption can be reversed through apostasy.

Emerods (t'chorim, טְחֹרִים) likely refers to hemorrhoids or tumors, the same affliction God sent on the Philistines when they captured the ark (1 Samuel 5:6-12). Whereof thou canst not be healed indicates incurable diseases—divine judgment beyond human medical remedy. The accumulation of four distinct skin diseases emphasizes comprehensive physical affliction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses spoke these warnings circa 1406 BC before Israel entered Canaan. The diseases mentioned were well-known afflictions in the ancient world with no cure. During the Babylonian siege, Jeremiah reported pestilence and disease decimating Jerusalem (Jeremiah 14:12, 21:6-7), fulfilling this very curse.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Israel would suffer the same plagues Egypt endured, from which God had previously protected them?
  2. How do incurable diseases function as divine judgment that humbles human pride in medical knowledge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יַכְּכָ֨ה1 of 11

“will smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 11

“The LORD”

H3068

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

בִּשְׁחִ֤ין3 of 11

“thee with the botch”

H7822

inflammation, i.e., an ulcer

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙4 of 11

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּבַעְּפלִ֔ים5 of 11
H6076

a tumor

וּבַגָּרָ֖ב6 of 11

“and with the scab”

H1618

scurf (from itching)

וּבֶחָ֑רֶס7 of 11

“and with the itch”

H2775

the itch

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 11
H834

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

לֹֽא9 of 11
H3808

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

תוּכַ֖ל10 of 11

“whereof thou canst”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהֵֽרָפֵֽא׃11 of 11

“not be healed”

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

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 28:27 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 5:6Deuteronomy 28:35Exodus 15:26Leviticus 21:20Exodus 9:9Psalms 78:66

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 28 →

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