Deuteronomy 27:26
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָקִ֛ים
be he that confirmeth
H6965
יָקִ֛ים
be he that confirmeth
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
4 of 14
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
not all the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
not all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַתּוֹרָֽה
of this law
H8451
הַתּוֹרָֽה
of this law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
7 of 14
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
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.Romans 10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.Psalms 119:21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.Ezekiel 18:24But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Historical Context
The twelve curses (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) covered various sins, both public (idolatry, murder) and secret (moving landmarks, misleading the blind). The final curse encompasses all law violations, making clear that partial obedience is insufficient. Israel's history proved this—repeated law-breaking led to prophetic warnings and eventual exile. Christ bore this curse (Galatians 3:13), satisfying law's demands and enabling justification by faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the impossibility of perfectly keeping the law point to the need for Christ?
- What does the comprehensive nature of this curse teach about God's holiness and justice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The final curse pronounces: 'Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.' This comprehensive curse covers all violations—no one can claim to have kept the entire law. The word 'confirmeth' (Hebrew qum, to establish/uphold) means actively maintaining and performing the law. The communal 'Amen' signifies covenant acceptance—the people agree to the terms and consequences. Paul quotes this verse (Galatians 3:10) to demonstrate that law-keeping cannot justify, since all fall short; only Christ perfectly fulfilled the law.