King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:27 Mean?

Exodus 23:27 in the King James Version says “I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enem... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. backs: Heb. neck

Exodus 23:27 · KJV


Context

25

And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

26

There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. backs: Heb. neck

28

And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.

29

I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֶת1 of 17
H853

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

אֵֽימָתִי֙2 of 17

my fear

H367

fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)

אֲשַׁלַּ֣ח3 of 17

I will send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ4 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְהַמֹּתִי֙5 of 17

thee and will destroy

H2000

properly, to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy

אֶת6 of 17
H853

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

כָּל7 of 17
H3605

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

הָעָ֔ם8 of 17

all the people

H5971

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 17
H834

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

תָּבֹ֖א10 of 17

to whom thou shalt come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בָּהֶ֑ם11 of 17
H0
וְנָֽתַתִּ֧י12 of 17

and I will make

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

כָּל14 of 17
H3605

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

אֹֽיְבֶ֛יךָ15 of 17

all thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

אֵלֶ֖יךָ16 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֹֽרֶף׃17 of 17

turn their backs

H6203

the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 23:27 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 Exodus 23:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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