Deuteronomy 27:24
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Original Language Analysis
מַכֵּ֥ה
be he that smiteth
H5221
מַכֵּ֥ה
be he that smiteth
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 8
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בַּסָּ֑תֶר
secretly
H5643
בַּסָּ֑תֶר
secretly
Strong's:
H5643
Word #:
4 of 8
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
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)
Historical Context
Ancient Israel lacked modern forensic investigation, making secret murders difficult to solve. The law provided cities of refuge for accidental killers (Deuteronomy 19:1-13) while requiring execution for premeditated murderers. Secret violence was especially abhorrent because it denied victims the protection of Israel's justice system and showed contempt for the image of God (Genesis 9:6). This curse invoked divine investigation and judgment where human investigation failed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's curse on secret violence reassure victims that no injustice escapes His notice and judgment?
- In what ways might you be 'striking your neighbor secretly' through gossip, slander, or harmful actions done beyond accountability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly—the verb nakah (נָכָה, strikes/smites) can mean killing (as in murder) or injuring. The key term is ba-seter (בַּסֵּתֶר, in secret/in hiding), indicating premeditated violence done covertly to evade justice. This encompasses assassination, ambush, poisoning, or false witness leading to execution—any harm inflicted through deception rather than open confrontation.
Secret violence is particularly heinous because it perverts justice by preventing legitimate defense or legal recourse. The requirement for public 'Amen' meant the community bound itself to investigate suspicious deaths and bring hidden murderers to justice. Proverbs repeatedly condemns those who lie in wait for blood (Proverbs 1:11, 12:6), and Jesus intensified the standard by condemning even hateful anger as murder of the heart (Matthew 5:21-22).