Deuteronomy 28:37
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיִ֣יתָ
H1961
וְהָיִ֣יתָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְשַׁמָּ֔ה
And thou shalt become an astonishment
H8047
לְשַׁמָּ֔ה
And thou shalt become an astonishment
Strong's:
H8047
Word #:
2 of 10
ruin; by implication, consternation
לְמָשָׁ֖ל
a proverb
H4912
לְמָשָׁ֖ל
a proverb
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
בְּכֹל֙
H3605
בְּכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
among all nations
H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֔ים
among all nations
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְנַֽהֶגְךָ֥
shall lead
H5090
יְנַֽהֶגְךָ֥
shall lead
Strong's:
H5090
Word #:
8 of 10
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
Cross References
Jeremiah 25:9Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.Jeremiah 24:9And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.2 Chronicles 7:20Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.Zechariah 8:13And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Historical Context
This prophecy was fulfilled spectacularly in the Babylonian exile (586 BC) and again in the Roman destruction (AD 70). Lamentations 2:15-16 records nations mocking Jerusalem's fall. Even today, phrases like "wandering Jew" reflect this ancient curse's enduring legacy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does becoming a negative example among nations reverse God's intended purpose for Israel?
- What does Israel's historical experience teach about the seriousness of covenant obligations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee. The Hebrew shammah (astonishment) conveys horror and desolation—Israel's covenant unfaithfulness would make them a shocking spectacle. Mashal (proverb) and sheninah (byword) indicate they would become proverbial examples of divine judgment, cautionary tales told among nations.
This curse reversed the Abrahamic promise that Israel would be a blessing to nations (Genesis 12:3). Instead of nations seeking Israel's God through their prosperity, they would mock Israel's God through their misery. Jeremiah witnessed this fulfilled: "Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land?" (1 Kings 9:8-9). The answer always pointed to covenant violation—their shame evangelized God's holiness negatively.