King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:35 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:35 in the King James Version says “The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy f...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.”

Deuteronomy 28:35 · KJV

Context

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.

35

The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

36

The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.

37

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head. This returns to physical afflictions (cf. v.27) with specific targeting: birkayim (בִּרְכַּיִם, knees) and shoqayim (שֹׁקַיִם, legs) were essential for mobility, work, and worship (kneeling). The sh'chin ra (שְׁחִין רָע, evil/malignant boil) that cannot be healed echoes verse 27.

From the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head employs merism (naming extremes to indicate totality)—comprehensive affliction covering the entire body. Job's sufferings (Job 2:7) match this description, though Job was righteous, not under covenant curse. This demonstrates God's sovereignty to afflict even the righteous for His purposes, while covenant-breakers suffer as just judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses delivered this warning circa 1406 BC. Throughout Israel's history, various diseases afflicted covenant-breakers as judgment—King Jehoram suffered incurable intestinal disease (2 Chronicles 21:18-19), and King Uzziah contracted leprosy for presumption (2 Chronicles 26:19-21), exemplifying this curse's fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does affliction from head to foot signify about the comprehensive nature of covenant judgment?
  2. How does this curse being "incurable" emphasize human inability to remedy divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יַכְּכָ֨ה1 of 16

“shall smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 16

“The LORD”

H3068

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

בִּשְׁחִ֣ין3 of 16

“botch”

H7822

inflammation, i.e., an ulcer

רָ֗ע4 of 16

“with a sore”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

עַל5 of 16
H5921

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

הַבִּרְכַּ֙יִם֙6 of 16

“thee in the knees”

H1290

a knee

וְעַל7 of 16
H5921

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

הַשֹּׁקַ֔יִם8 of 16

“and in the legs”

H7785

the (lower) leg (as a runner)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 16
H834

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

לֹֽא10 of 16
H3808

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

תוּכַ֖ל11 of 16

“that cannot”

H3201

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

לְהֵֽרָפֵ֑א12 of 16

“be healed”

H7495

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

מִכַּ֥ף13 of 16

“from the sole”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

רַגְלְךָ֖14 of 16

“of thy foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וְעַ֥ד15 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קָדְקֳדֶֽךָ׃16 of 16

“unto the top of thy head”

H6936

the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)

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 28:35 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 28:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:27Isaiah 3:17Isaiah 1:6Isaiah 3:24Job 2:6-7

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

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