King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:32 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:32 in the King James Version says “Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand.”

Deuteronomy 28:32 · KJV

Context

30

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof. gather: Heb. profane, or, use it as common meat

31

Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them. shall not: Heb. shall not return to thee

32

Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand.

33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

34

So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Covenant Curse of Loss: This verse forms part of the extensive covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) that would befall Israel for disobedience. The phrase "given unto another people" (nethunoth le'am akher) indicates forced separation, likely through slavery, captivity, or tribute.

Powerless Grief: The imagery of eyes that "look, and fail with longing" (ra'ah vekhiloth) describes continuous, futile watching—parents desperately hoping to see their children but unable to help them. The Hebrew khiloth suggests eyes failing or becoming exhausted from constant weeping and watching. The phrase "no might in thine hand" (ve'ein le'el yadekha) literally means "there is no power to your hand," emphasizing complete helplessness. This curse describes one of the most painful experiences possible—watching one's children suffer or be enslaved while being powerless to intervene. The language emphasizes both the emotional torture of separation and the humiliation of impotence, demonstrating how covenant breaking leads to the loss of God's protective power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses delivered these covenant terms on the plains of Moab circa 1406 BC, just before Israel entered Canaan. These were not arbitrary threats but covenant stipulations following ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns, where blessings and curses enforced loyalty. The curse was progressively fulfilled throughout Israel's history: during the judges period (foreign oppression), under Philistine domination (1 Samuel), during the divided kingdom when children were taken as hostages (2 Kings 14:14), in the Assyrian captivity of the Northern Kingdom (722 BC), and most notably in the Babylonian exile (586 BC) when Judean nobles' children were taken to Babylon. The ultimate fulfillment came in 70 AD when Rome destroyed Jerusalem, enslaving thousands. Josephus records heartbreaking scenes of families separated as children were sold into slavery, precisely as Moses warned.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this specific curse illustrate the principle that disobedience to God leads to loss of what we value most?
  2. What historical events in Israel's history demonstrate the fulfillment of this prophetic warning?
  3. Why does God warn of such severe consequences for covenant breaking rather than offering unconditional protection?
  4. How does parental helplessness in this verse emphasize the depth of judgment resulting from abandoning God?
  5. What does this passage teach about the relationship between national obedience and divine protection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
בָּנֶ֨יךָ1 of 14

“Thy sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבְנֹתֶ֜יךָ2 of 14

“and thy daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

נְתֻנִ֨ים3 of 14

“shall be given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְעַ֤ם4 of 14

“people”

H5971

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

אַחֵר֙5 of 14

“unto another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

וְעֵינֶ֣יךָ6 of 14

“and thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

רֹא֔וֹת7 of 14

“shall look”

H7200

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

וְכָל֥וֹת8 of 14

“and fail”

H3616

pining

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל10 of 14
H3605

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

הַיּ֑וֹם11 of 14

“with longing for them all the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְאֵ֥ין12 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְאֵ֖ל13 of 14

“long and there shall be no might”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

יָדֶֽךָ׃14 of 14

“in thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 28:32 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 28:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joel 3:6Deuteronomy 28:41Job 17:52 Chronicles 29:9Deuteronomy 28:18Deuteronomy 28:65

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