King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:39 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:39 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms sh...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them.”

Deuteronomy 28:39 · KJV

Context

37

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

38

Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it.

39

Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them.

40

Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit.

41

Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity. thou shalt not: Heb. they shall not be thine

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them. Vineyards required years of cultivation before bearing fruit—this curse meant long-term investment without any return. The Hebrew tola'at (worm/grub) would destroy vines before harvest, compounding frustration. Isaiah 5:1-7 later used failed vineyard as metaphor for Israel's spiritual fruitlessness despite God's careful cultivation.

Wine symbolized covenant blessing and joy (Psalm 104:15). To plant vineyards but never taste wine meant existing without joy, experiencing perpetual disappointment. This anticipates Jesus's vineyard parables where unfaithful tenants lose everything (Matthew 21:33-41).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vineyards represented long-term economic stability in ancient Israel. Losing vineyard harvests year after year would create grinding poverty and hopelessness. Micah 6:15 echoes this curse: "Thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine."

Reflection Questions

  1. What does planting but never harvesting teach about the frustration of life outside God's blessing?
  2. How does the vineyard imagery connect Deuteronomy's curses to later prophetic warnings and Jesus's parables?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כְּרָמִ֥ים1 of 11

“vineyards”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

תִּטַּ֖ע2 of 11

“Thou shalt plant”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

וְעָבָ֑דְתָּ3 of 11

“and dress”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וְיַ֤יִן4 of 11

“of the wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

לֹֽא5 of 11
H3808

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

תִשְׁתֶּה֙6 of 11

“them but shalt neither drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְלֹ֣א7 of 11
H3808

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

תֶֽאֱגֹ֔ר8 of 11

“nor gather”

H103

to harvest

כִּ֥י9 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תֹֽאכְלֶ֖נּוּ10 of 11

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַתֹּלָֽעַת׃11 of 11

“the grapes for the worms”

H8438

a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

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 28:39 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 28:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 17:10-11Isaiah 5:10Joel 2:2-4Joel 1:4-7Jonah 4:7

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