Deuteronomy 11:26
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
Original Language Analysis
רְאֵ֗ה
Behold
H7200
רְאֵ֗ה
Behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נֹתֵ֥ן
I set
H5414
נֹתֵ֥ן
I set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַיּ֑וֹם
you this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
you this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
Deuteronomy 30:1And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Historical Context
Chapter 27-28 will dramatize this choice: blessings pronounced from Mount Gerizim, curses from Mount Ebal, after Jordan crossing (Deuteronomy 27:11-13; Joshua 8:30-35). This ceremony institutionalized the choice. Moses, about to die, presses Israel toward faithful decision. Similarly, Joshua later challenges: 'choose this day whom you will serve' (Joshua 24:15). Every generation faces this choice. Israel's history validates it: obedience → prosperity; apostasy → exile.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God frame His covenant in terms of blessing or curse rather than neutrality?
- How do modern Christians face similar choice between obedience (blessing) and disobedience (curse/discipline)?
- What factors influence people to choose curse over blessing when the choice seems obvious?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The stark choice: 'Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.' Moses presents binary options with no middle ground. The Hebrew berakah (בְּרָכָה, blessing) and qelalah (קְלָלָה, curse) represent opposite covenant outcomes. This anticipates Deuteronomy 28's extended blessings and curses. The word 'behold' (re'eh, רְאֵה, 'see!') demands attention to momentous decision. Life under God's covenant isn't neutral—it's dynamically blessed or cursed based on response to His word. This reflects ancient Near Eastern treaty structure: vassal loyalty brings protection; rebellion brings destruction.