Deuteronomy 28:44
He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.
Original Language Analysis
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
תַלְוֶ֑נּוּ
He shall lend
H3867
תַלְוֶ֑נּוּ
He shall lend
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַלְוֶ֑נּוּ
He shall lend
H3867
תַלְוֶ֑נּוּ
He shall lend
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
ה֚וּא
H1931
ה֚וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְרֹ֔אשׁ
to him he shall be the head
H7218
לְרֹ֔אשׁ
to him he shall be the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
8 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Historical Context
Post-exilic Jews struggled under Persian taxation (Nehemiah 5:1-5, 9:36-37). Later, Roman tribute crushed first-century Judea. The diaspora often faced discriminatory laws limiting Jewish economic participation, creating perpetual financial disadvantage—living as "tail" among nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does economic reversal (from lender to borrower) illustrate the comprehensive nature of covenant curses?
- What does being "tail" rather than "head" teach about losing spiritual authority and influence through disobedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail. Economic reversal completes social reversal from verse 43. Deuteronomy 28:12 promised Israel would "lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow"—now that blessing inverts completely. The Hebrew rosh (head) and zanab (tail) picture leadership versus following, honor versus shame. Debt creates bondage; the borrower becomes servant to lender (Proverbs 22:7).
This curse describes exile economics—Jews became debt slaves in foreign lands while their conquerors possessed the wealth. It anticipates Jesus's teaching about two masters—you'll love one and hate the other (Matthew 6:24). Covenant unfaithfulness creates spiritual debt that enslaves.