Deuteronomy 28:58
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֨א
H3808
לֹ֨א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמֹ֜ר
If thou wilt not observe
H8104
תִשְׁמֹ֜ר
If thou wilt not observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 21
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 #:
6 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵי֙
all the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי֙
all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 21
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַתּוֹרָ֣ה
of this law
H8451
הַתּוֹרָ֣ה
of this law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
8 of 21
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים
that are written
H3789
הַכְּתֻבִ֖ים
that are written
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
10 of 21
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
בַּסֵּ֣פֶר
in this book
H5612
בַּסֵּ֣פֶר
in this book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
and fearful
H3372
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
and fearful
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
13 of 21
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֵּׁ֞ם
name
H8034
הַשֵּׁ֞ם
name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
15 of 21
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הַנִּכְבָּ֤ד
this glorious
H3513
הַנִּכְבָּ֤ד
this glorious
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
16 of 21
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
and fearful
H3372
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
and fearful
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
17 of 21
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This verse was read publicly during covenant renewal ceremonies (Deuteronomy 31:11, Nehemiah 8). By the first century, Jews avoided pronouncing the divine name (YHWH) out of reverence, saying 'Adonai' instead. Jesus's use of 'I AM' (John 8:58) deliberately invoked this 'glorious and fearful name,' claiming divine identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fear of the Lord relate to obedience to His law?
- What does it mean that God's name is both 'glorious' and 'fearful'?
- In what ways does Christ embody the fullness of God's 'glorious and fearful name' (Philippians 2:9-11)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book—the phrase šāmar laʿăśôt (שָׁמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת, 'observe to do') requires not just hearing but doing. That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD—Hebrew haššēm hanniḵbāḏ wǝhannôrāʾ hazzeh (הַשֵּׁם הַנִּכְבָּד וְהַנּוֹרָא הַזֶּה) uses 'THE NAME' (the Tetragrammaton YHWH) in all capitals, emphasizing God's covenant name.
This verse is the theological hinge: the curses result not from arbitrary divine cruelty but from refusing to fear God's 'glorious and fearful name.' The juxtaposition of niḵbāḏ (glorious) and nôrāʾ (fearful/awesome) captures the paradox of God's character—He is both attractive and terrifying, loving and holy. The phrase 'written in this book' refers to Deuteronomy itself, making obedience concrete and measurable.