King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:51 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:51 in the King James Version says “And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which also shall not leave... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine, or oil, or the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

Deuteronomy 28:51 · KJV


Context

49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; understand: Heb. hear

50

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young: of fierce: Heb. strong of face

51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine, or oil, or the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

52

And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

53

And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee: body: Heb. belly


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land—the language of devouring (אָכַל, ʾāḵal) is intentionally agricultural, showing how completely the invader would strip the land. The specific mention of corn, wine, oil (דָּגָן תִּירוֹשׁ וְיִצְהָר, dāḡān tîrôš wǝyiṣhār) and kine and sheep lists the covenant blessings of verse 4 now being confiscated.

This economic devastation meant total dependence on foreign powers. What God gave would be taken. The phrase until thou be destroyed appears twice, emphasizing thorough desolation. Historically, Assyria deported populations after stripping their lands, Babylon burned fields, and Rome salted the earth around Jerusalem symbolically cursing its fertility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

2 Kings 17-18 describes Assyria's systematic plundering of Israel. The Babylonians burned grain stores (Jeremiah 52:12-13), and Rome confiscated Jewish lands, redistributing them to Roman veterans. Archaeological excavations confirm widespread agricultural destruction during these periods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does material prosperity become a test of our faithfulness to God?
  2. What is the relationship between covenant obedience and economic blessing?
  3. In what ways does this passage warn against putting trust in earthly security rather than in God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְ֠אָכַל1 of 21

And he shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּפְרִֽי2 of 21

and the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

בְהֶמְתְּךָ֥3 of 21

of thy cattle

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וּפְרִֽי4 of 21

and the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

אַדְמָתְךָ֮5 of 21

of thy land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

עַ֣ד6 of 21
H5704

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

הִשָּֽׁמְדָךְ֒7 of 21

until thou be destroyed

H8045

to desolate

אֲשֶׁ֨ר8 of 21
H834

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

לֹֽא9 of 21
H3808

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

יַשְׁאִ֜יר10 of 21

which also shall not leave

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

לְךָ֗11 of 21
H0
דָּגָן֙12 of 21

thee either corn

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

תִּיר֣וֹשׁ13 of 21

wine

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְיִצְהָ֔ר14 of 21

or oil

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

שְׁגַ֥ר15 of 21

or the increase

H7698

the ftus (as finally expelled)

אֲלָפֶ֖יךָ16 of 21

of thy kine

H504

a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow

וְעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣ת17 of 21

or flocks

H6251

increase

צֹאנֶ֑ךָ18 of 21

of thy sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

עַ֥ד19 of 21
H5704

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

הַֽאֲבִיד֖וֹ20 of 21

until he have destroyed

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אֹתָֽךְ׃21 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)


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 28:51 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 28:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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