King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:64 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:64 in the King James Version says “And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shal... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.

Deuteronomy 28:64 · KJV


Context

62

And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.

63

And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.

64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone.

65

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

66

And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other—Hebrew wĕhĕpîṣǝḵā YHWH (וֶהֱפִיצְךָ יְהוָה, 'and the LORD will scatter you') describes the diaspora with prophetic precision. The phrase from the one end of the earth even unto the other is hyperbolic but historically accurate—Jews were scattered from Spain to India, Ethiopia to Russia. And there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone—this predicts forced idolatry or cultural assimilation.

This is one of the clearest prophecies in Scripture—the Jewish diaspora has lasted 2,000+ years. The irony is bitter: Israel worshiped false gods voluntarily in Canaan, so God scattered them where they'd be pressured to worship false gods involuntarily. 'Wood and stone' refers to pagan idols (Deuteronomy 4:28), but also implies lifelessness—the gods of exile offer no help.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Assyrian and Babylonian exiles scattered the Northern and Southern kingdoms. After AD 70 and especially AD 135, Jews were dispersed globally—to Europe, North Africa, Asia. During the Inquisition and pogroms, Jews were forced to convert or faced death. The modern return to Israel (1948) represents a prophetic reversal of this scattering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Jewish diaspora demonstrate both God's judgment and His preservation of a remnant?
  2. What does it mean that even in judgment, God maintains His covenant people?
  3. How does the ingathering of Israel in modern times relate to prophetic fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וֶהֱפִֽיצְךָ֤1 of 20

shall scatter

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

And the LORD

H3068

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

בְּכָל3 of 20
H3605

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

הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים4 of 20

thee among all people

H5971

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

קְצֵ֣ה5 of 20

even unto the other

H7097

an extremity

הָאָ֑רֶץ6 of 20

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעַד7 of 20
H5704

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

קְצֵ֣ה8 of 20

even unto the other

H7097

an extremity

הָאָ֑רֶץ9 of 20

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעָבַ֨דְתָּ10 of 20

and there thou shalt serve

H5647

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

שָּׁ֜ם11 of 20
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֱלֹהִ֣ים12 of 20

gods

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

אֲחֵרִ֗ים13 of 20

other

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

אֲשֶׁ֧ר14 of 20
H834

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

לֹֽא15 of 20
H3808

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

יָדַ֛עְתָּ16 of 20

have known

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אַתָּ֥ה17 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וַֽאֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ18 of 20

which neither thou nor thy fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עֵ֥ץ19 of 20

even wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וָאָֽבֶן׃20 of 20

and stone

H68

a stone


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 28:64 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 28:64 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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