King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:58 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:58 in the King James Version says “If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glori...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;”

Deuteronomy 28:58 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

56

The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,

57

And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates. young one: Heb. afterbirth

58

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

59

Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.

60

Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book—the phrase šāmar laʿăśôt (שָׁמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת, 'observe to do') requires not just hearing but doing. That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD—Hebrew haššēm hanniḵbāḏ wǝhannôrāʾ hazzeh (הַשֵּׁם הַנִּכְבָּד וְהַנּוֹרָא הַזֶּה) uses 'THE NAME' (the Tetragrammaton YHWH) in all capitals, emphasizing God's covenant name.

This verse is the theological hinge: the curses result not from arbitrary divine cruelty but from refusing to fear God's 'glorious and fearful name.' The juxtaposition of niḵbāḏ (glorious) and nôrāʾ (fearful/awesome) captures the paradox of God's character—He is both attractive and terrifying, loving and holy. The phrase 'written in this book' refers to Deuteronomy itself, making obedience concrete and measurable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse was read publicly during covenant renewal ceremonies (Deuteronomy 31:11, Nehemiah 8). By the first century, Jews avoided pronouncing the divine name (YHWH) out of reverence, saying 'Adonai' instead. Jesus's use of 'I AM' (John 8:58) deliberately invoked this 'glorious and fearful name,' claiming divine identity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fear of the Lord relate to obedience to His law?
  2. What does it mean that God's name is both 'glorious' and 'fearful'?
  3. In what ways does Christ embody the fullness of God's 'glorious and fearful name' (Philippians 2:9-11)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אִם1 of 21
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֨א2 of 21
H3808

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

תִשְׁמֹ֜ר3 of 21

“If thou wilt not observe”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת4 of 21

“to do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת5 of 21
H853

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

כָּל6 of 21
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵי֙7 of 21

“all the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַתּוֹרָ֣ה8 of 21

“of this law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּ֔את9 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים10 of 21

“that are written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּסֵּ֣פֶר11 of 21

“in this book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

הַזֶּ֑ה12 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהַנּוֹרָא֙13 of 21

“and fearful”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת14 of 21
H853

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

הַשֵּׁ֞ם15 of 21

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַנִּכְבָּ֤ד16 of 21

“this glorious”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

וְהַנּוֹרָא֙17 of 21

“and fearful”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הַזֶּ֔ה18 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֵ֖ת19 of 21
H853

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

יְהוָ֥ה20 of 21

“THE LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃21 of 21

“THY GOD”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 28:58 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 28:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:8Hebrews 10:30-31Exodus 3:14-15Exodus 34:5-7Matthew 10:28Psalms 72:19

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