Deuteronomy 28:35
The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.
Original Language Analysis
יַכְּכָ֨ה
shall smite
H5221
יַכְּכָ֨ה
shall smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 16
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
יְהוָ֜ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 16
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 #:
10 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תוּכַ֖ל
that cannot
H3201
תוּכַ֖ל
that cannot
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
11 of 16
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לְהֵֽרָפֵ֑א
be healed
H7495
לְהֵֽרָפֵ֑א
be healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
מִכַּ֥ף
from the sole
H3709
מִכַּ֥ף
from the sole
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
13 of 16
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
רַגְלְךָ֖
of thy foot
H7272
רַגְלְךָ֖
of thy foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
14 of 16
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Historical Context
Moses delivered this warning circa 1406 BC. Throughout Israel's history, various diseases afflicted covenant-breakers as judgment—King Jehoram suffered incurable intestinal disease (2 Chronicles 21:18-19), and King Uzziah contracted leprosy for presumption (2 Chronicles 26:19-21), exemplifying this curse's fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does affliction from head to foot signify about the comprehensive nature of covenant judgment?
- How does this curse being "incurable" emphasize human inability to remedy divine judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head. This returns to physical afflictions (cf. v.27) with specific targeting: birkayim (בִּרְכַּיִם, knees) and shoqayim (שֹׁקַיִם, legs) were essential for mobility, work, and worship (kneeling). The sh'chin ra (שְׁחִין רָע, evil/malignant boil) that cannot be healed echoes verse 27.
From the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head employs merism (naming extremes to indicate totality)—comprehensive affliction covering the entire body. Job's sufferings (Job 2:7) match this description, though Job was righteous, not under covenant curse. This demonstrates God's sovereignty to afflict even the righteous for His purposes, while covenant-breakers suffer as just judgment.