Deuteronomy 25:18

Deuteronomy 25:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God.

King James Version KJV

How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.

American Standard Version ASV

how he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

How, meeting you on the way, he made an attack on you when you were tired and without strength, cutting off all the feeble ones at the end of your line; and the fear of God was not in him.

Free Bible Version FBV

They came out to confront you when you were tired and weary from your journey, and they attacked all those of you who were lagging behind. They didn't have any respect for God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

How he met thee by ye way, and smote ye hindmost of you, all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast fainted and weary, and he feared not God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

that he hath met thee in the way, and smiteth in all those feeble behind thee (and thou wearied and fatigued), and is not fearing God.

World English Bible WEB

how he met you by the way, and struck the rearmost of you, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and he didn’t fear God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

How he met thee: and slew the hindmost of the army, who sat down, being weary, when thou wast spent with hunger and labour, and he feared not God.

Translation for Translators T4T

They attacked your ancestors as your ancestors were traveling, when they were weak and exhausted. Those people were not afraid of God at all, so they attacked your ancestors from the rear and killed all those who were unable to walk as fast as the others.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 25:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 25:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֲשֶׁ֨ר קָֽרְ/ךָ֜ בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ וַ/יְזַנֵּ֤ב בְּ/ךָ֙ כָּל הַ/נֶּחֱשָׁלִ֣ים אַֽחַרֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/אַתָּ֖ה עָיֵ֣ף וְ/יָגֵ֑עַ וְ/לֹ֥א יָרֵ֖א אֱלֹהִֽים

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

קָֽרְ/ךָ֜ qârâh H7136 to meet V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

וַ/יְזַנֵּ֤ב zânab H2179 to cut off the tail Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/ךָ֙ Prep | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/נֶּחֱשָׁלִ֣ים châshal H2826 be feeble Art | V-Niphal

אַֽחַרֶ֔י/ךָ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff

וְ/אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

עָיֵ֣ף ʻâyêph H5889 faint Adj

וְ/יָגֵ֑עַ yâgêaʻ H3023 weary Conj | Adj

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָרֵ֖א yârêʼ H3373 afraid V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 25:18

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

קָֽרְ/ךָ֜ qârâh H7136 "to meet" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.

בַּ/דֶּ֗רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

וַ/יְזַנֵּ֤ב zânab H2179 "to cut off the tail" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to cut off the tail or attack from behind. It is used to describe a military tactic in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to cut off 1a) (Piel) to attack the rear, smite the tail

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: smite the hindmost. See also: Deuteronomy 25:18; Joshua 10:19.

בְּ/ךָ֙ "" Prep | Suff

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/נֶּחֱשָׁלִ֣ים châshal H2826 "be feeble" Art | V-Niphal

This Hebrew word means to be weak or fragile, like a broken object. It is used in the book of Psalms to describe someone who is feeling weak. The prophet Isaiah also uses this word to describe a time of weakness.

Definition: 1) to shatter 1a) (Niphal) to be feeble Aramaic equivalent: cha.shal (חֲשַׁל "to shatter" H2827)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: feeble. See also: Deuteronomy 25:18.

אַֽחַרֶ֔י/ךָ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

וְ/אַתָּ֖ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

עָיֵ֣ף ʻâyêph H5889 "faint" Adj

In the Bible, this word means feeling faint or exhausted, like being very thirsty or weary. It is used to describe someone who is drained of energy. This word appears in descriptions of people who are struggling.

Definition: faint, exhausted, weary

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: faint, thirsty, weary. See also: Genesis 25:29; Psalms 63:2; Psalms 143:6.

וְ/יָגֵ֑עַ yâgêaʻ H3023 "weary" Conj | Adj

This word describes someone or something that is tiresome or weary, like the Israelites after their long journey through the wilderness, as described in the book of Numbers.

Definition: weary, wearisome

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: full of labour, weary. See also: Deuteronomy 25:18; 2 Samuel 17:2; Ecclesiastes 1:8.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָרֵ֖א yârêʼ H3373 "afraid" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.

Definition: fearing, reverent, afraid

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: afraid, fear (-ful). See also: Genesis 22:12; Psalms 103:17; Psalms 15:4.

אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 25:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:18
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18
Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:18

Context — Revenge on the Amalekites

16For everyone who behaves dishonestly in regard to these things is detestable to the LORD your God. 17Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt,

18how they met you on your journey when you were tired and weary, and they attacked all your stragglers; they had no fear of God.

19When the LORD your God gives you rest from the enemies around you in the land that He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you are to blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 3:18	“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
2	Psalms 36:1	An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
3	Proverbs 16:6	By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
4	Nehemiah 5:15	The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God.
5	Nehemiah 5:9	So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?

Deuteronomy 25:18 Summary

[This verse reminds us that when we are tired and weary, we can be vulnerable to spiritual attacks, just like the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites. But we can trust in God's protection and provision, as promised in Psalm 121:1-8. We are also called to treat others with kindness and respect, especially when they are weak, and to fear God, which means to reverence and obey Him, as seen in Proverbs 1:7. By doing so, we can reflect God's love and character to those around us, and bring glory to His name.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Amalekites attack the Israelites when they were tired and weary?

The Amalekites attacked the Israelites when they were tired and weary because they had no fear of God, as stated in Deuteronomy 25:18, and they wanted to take advantage of the Israelites' vulnerability, much like the enemy of our souls tries to attack us when we are weak, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8.

What does it mean to have no fear of God?

To have no fear of God means to disregard and disobey God's commands and principles, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:18, and this can lead to rebellion and sin, as warned in Romans 3:18 and Psalm 36:1.

How does this verse relate to the concept of being a good neighbor?

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, especially when they are vulnerable, as seen in the Amalekites' attack on the Israelites, and it contrasts with the teachings of Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, in Luke 10:25-37.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience with the Amalekites?

We can learn the importance of trusting in God's protection and provision, even in times of weakness and vulnerability, as seen in Deuteronomy 25:18 and Psalm 121:1-8, and we are reminded to be vigilant and prepared for spiritual battles, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Reflection Questions

How have you experienced spiritual attacks when you were tired and weary, and how did you respond?
In what ways can you show kindness and compassion to those who are vulnerable and struggling around you?
What are some areas in your life where you may be disregarding or disobeying God's commands, and how can you repent and turn back to Him?
How can you trust in God's protection and provision in times of uncertainty and weakness, and what promises from Scripture can you hold onto?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 25:18

How he met thee by the way,.... Not with necessary provisions, food and drink, which would have been but a piece of kindness and humanity to travellers; but met them sword in hand, in order to stop

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 25:18

Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; Remember what Amalek did ... how he met thee - i:e., stealthily and in hostile encounter.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18

Smote the hindmost of thee; which God permitted, both for the punishment of Israel’ s sins, and to harden and prepare them for the difficulties of their expedition.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18

Deuteronomy 25:18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, [even] all [that were] feeble behind thee, when thou [wast] faint and weary; and he feared not God.Ver. 18. How he met thee by the way.] Not with bread and water, but with fire and sword. See Exodus 17:8. And he feared not God.] Who had so powerfully brought his Israel out of Egypt. See Job 6:14 Genesis 20:11.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18

Deuteronomy 25:17-19. AMALEK TO BE .At the end of all the precepts of humanity, the extermination of that people which is presented to us as the incarnation of inhumanity is decreed. (18) He . . . smote the hindmost . . .—These details are not given in Exodus 17. Amalek’s attack follows the appearance of the stream of water from Horeb. There was nothing more natural than that the faint and weary should stay behind at the water side. There the Amalekites appear to have found them and cruelly massacred them. (19) Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek.—This decree was entrusted to Joshua in the first instance, as the “servant of the Book” (Exodus 17:14); here it is enjoined upon the nation of Israel. It was carried out in several stages: by Barak and Gideon (Judges 5:14; Judges 6:3; Judges 7:12, &c.), by Saul and Samuel (1 Samuel 15), by David (1 Samuel 27:8-9; 1 Samuel 30:17), by the Simeonites (1 Chronicles 4:42-43), and lastly by Esther, who exterminated the Agagites in Haman’s house. No doubt any remnant of Amalek in the Persian empire under Mordecai would have shared Haman’s fate.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18

Verse 18. Smote the hindmost of thee] See Clarke on Exodus 17:8. It is supposed that this command had its final accomplishment in the death of Haman and his ten sons, Esther iii., vii., ix., as from this time the memory and name of Amalek was blotted out from under heaven, for through every period of their history it might be truly said, They feared not God.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 25:18

18. how he met thee by the way] better, fell on thee. Cp. 1 Samuel 15:2 : how he set himself against him (Israel) in the way. and smote the hindmost of thee] Lit. docked the tail of thee; elsewhere only in Joshua 10:19 (E?). all that had broken down in thy rear] The vb. is not found elsewhere. feared not God] See E, Genesis 20:11; Genesis 42:18, Exodus 1:17, all of non-Israelites; and cp. Amos’ denunciations of foreign peoples for inhumanity (Amos 1:3 to Amos 2:3). A people so devoid of natural religion as to kill the non-combatants deserved no mercy, as the next v. declares.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 25:18

17-19. Remember what Amalek did — Moses concludes this part of his discourse by reminding the people of the crafty enmity of the Amalekites. Comp. Exodus 17:8-16.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 25:18

	Sermon	Description
	Making Whole Hearted Disciples by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for radical repentance and a reverence for God. He challenges the audience to examine their own lives and confess if they have enjo
	Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fa
	(Pure Testimony) Making Whole-Hearted Disciples by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of radical repentance and turning away from sinful behaviors. He warns against enjoying powerful messages and then indulging
	Where Is the Fear of God by Kevin Bruce	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Judges and how each generation became progressively worse in their behavior. Despite God's grace and blessings, the people abused
	The Book of Life by Thaddeus Barnum	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of motivational speaking in today's society. He emphasizes the need for a positive future, personal affirmation, and the belief
	Taking Sin Seriously by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of missionaries and early Christians who sacrificed greatly to spread the Gospel. It highlights the need for genuine
	Do We Fear God? by Derek Melton	Derek Melton delivers a powerful sermon on the lack of fear of God in America, drawing parallels between the days of Lot and the current state of the nation. He highlights the prid