Deuteronomy 27:18
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה
to wander
H7686
מַשְׁגֶּ֥ה
to wander
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
2 of 8
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
עִוֵּ֖ר
be he that maketh the blind
H5787
עִוֵּ֖ר
be he that maketh the blind
Strong's:
H5787
Word #:
3 of 8
blind (literally or figuratively)
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ
out of the way
H1870
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ
out of the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:14Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.Proverbs 28:10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Isaiah 56:10His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.Job 29:15I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures often viewed disabilities as divine punishment or signs of disfavor, leading to social marginalization. Israel's law uniquely protected the disabled and vulnerable, reflecting God's character as defender of the weak (Psalm 146:8-9). The curse's placement among serious sins like idolatry and sexual immorality elevates care for the vulnerable to fundamental covenant obligation, not optional charity.
Questions for Reflection
- How might you be 'making the blind wander'—taking advantage of those with less knowledge, power, or resources than yourself?
- What responsibility do Christians have to protect the vulnerable from exploitation by unjust systems and misleading teaching?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way—This curse prohibits exploiting disability or vulnerability. The Hebrew mash'geh (מַשְׁגֶּה) means to lead astray, cause to err, or mislead. While literal blindness is in view, the principle extends to any exploitation of those lacking knowledge, power, or ability to defend themselves.
Leviticus 19:14 similarly commands, "Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind." Both texts reveal God's protective concern for the vulnerable and His judgment on those who abuse power disparities. The way (דֶּרֶךְ) can be physical path or metaphorical life-path—misleading the blind encompasses both causing physical harm and giving false counsel.
Jesus applied this imagery to religious leaders who were "blind guides" (Matthew 15:14, 23:16-24), leading people astray spiritually. The curse thus extends to false teachers who exploit the spiritually vulnerable through deceptive doctrine.