Deuteronomy 28:29
Deuteronomy 28:29 in Multiple Translations
and at noon you will grope about like a blind man in the darkness. You will not prosper in your ways. Day after day you will be oppressed and plundered, with no one to save you.
And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.
and thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and robbed alway, and there shall be none to save thee.
You will go feeling your way when the sun is high, like a blind man for whom all is dark, and nothing will go well for you: you will be crushed and made poor for ever, and you will have no saviour.
so that even at noon you will be groping around like a blind man in the dark. You won't be successful in what you do. You'll be persecuted and robbed the whole time, and no one will come and save you.
Thou shalt also grope at noone daies, as the blinde gropeth in darknes, and shalt not prosper in thy wayes: thou shalt neuer but bee oppressed with wrong and be powled euermore, and no man shall succour thee.
and thou hast been gropling at noon, as the blind gropeth in darkness; and thou dost not cause thy ways to prosper; and thou hast been only oppressed and plundered all the days, and there is no saviour.
You will grope at noonday, as the blind gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways. You will only be oppressed and robbed always, and there will be no one to save you.
And thou shalt grope at noon-day, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee .
And mayst thou grope at midday as the blind is wont to grope in the dark, and not make straight thy ways. And mayst thou at all times suffer wrong, and be oppressed with violence, and mayst thou have no one to deliver thee.
Because you will not be able to see where you are going, at midday you will ◄grope/feel your way► around with your hands, like people do in the darkness. You will continually be oppressed and robbed, and no one will help you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:29
BAB
Word Study
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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 28:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיִ֜יתָ
מְמַשֵּׁ֣שׁ
בַּֽ/צָּהֳרַ֗יִם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יְמַשֵּׁ֤שׁ
הָ/עִוֵּר֙
בָּ/אֲפֵלָ֔ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
תַצְלִ֖יחַ
אֶת
דְּרָכֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/הָיִ֜יתָ
אַ֣ךְ
עָשׁ֧וּק
וְ/גָז֛וּל
כָּל
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
וְ/אֵ֥ין
מוֹשִֽׁיעַ
וְ/הָיִ֜יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מְמַשֵּׁ֣שׁ
mâshash
H4959
to feel
V-Piel
בַּֽ/צָּהֳרַ֗יִם
tsôhar
H6672
midday
Prep | N-mp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יְמַשֵּׁ֤שׁ
mâshash
H4959
to feel
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
הָ/עִוֵּר֙
ʻivvêr
H5787
blind
Art | Adj
בָּ/אֲפֵלָ֔ה
ʼăphêlâh
H653
darkness
Prep | N-fs
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תַצְלִ֖יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דְּרָכֶ֑י/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
וְ/הָיִ֜יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
עָשׁ֧וּק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/גָז֛וּל
gâzal
H1497
to plunder
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מוֹשִֽׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 28:29
וְ/הָיִ֜יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מְמַשֵּׁ֣שׁ
mâshash
H4959
"to feel"
V-Piel
To mashash means to feel or grope, often used to describe searching for something in the dark or unfamiliar surroundings.
Definition: 1) to feel, grope 1a) (Qal) to feel, grope 1b) (Piel) to feel over or through, grope 1b1) to feel through 1b2) to grope 1c)(Hiphil) to feel
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: feel, grope, search. See also: Genesis 27:12; Exodus 10:21; Job 12:25.
בַּֽ/צָּהֳרַ֗יִם
tsôhar
H6672
"midday"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a roof or a window, and can also mean noon or midday, likely due to the sun shining through a window at that time. It is used in descriptions of buildings and daily routines in the Bible.
Definition: 1) noon, midday 1a) noon (as specific time of day) 1b) noon (in simile as bright of happiness, blessing)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: midday, noon(-day, -tide), window. See also: Genesis 6:16; Psalms 37:6; Psalms 55:18.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
יְמַשֵּׁ֤שׁ
mâshash
H4959
"to feel"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To mashash means to feel or grope, often used to describe searching for something in the dark or unfamiliar surroundings.
Definition: 1) to feel, grope 1a) (Qal) to feel, grope 1b) (Piel) to feel over or through, grope 1b1) to feel through 1b2) to grope 1c)(Hiphil) to feel
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: feel, grope, search. See also: Genesis 27:12; Exodus 10:21; Job 12:25.
הָ/עִוֵּר֙
ʻivvêr
H5787
"blind"
Art | Adj
This word describes someone who is blind, either physically or unable to see spiritually. In the Bible, it is used in Matthew 9:27 to describe the two blind men who followed Jesus. The word is also used in Romans 2:19 to describe spiritual blindness.
Definition: 1) blind 1a) blind (physically) 1b) blind (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: blind (men, people). See also: Exodus 4:11; Isaiah 35:5; Psalms 146:8.
בָּ/אֲפֵלָ֔ה
ʼăphêlâh
H653
"darkness"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a state of darkness or gloom, often used to describe a difficult or trying time. In the book of Isaiah, it is used to describe a time of sadness and despair.
Definition: 1) darkness, gloominess, calamity 2) wickedness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dark, darkness, gloominess, [idiom] thick. See also: Exodus 10:22; Isaiah 58:10; Proverbs 4:19.
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.
תַצְלִ֖יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דְּרָכֶ֑י/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
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.
וְ/הָיִ֜יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
עָשׁ֧וּק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
וְ/גָז֛וּל
gâzal
H1497
"to plunder"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.
Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.
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/יָּמִ֖ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מוֹשִֽׁיעַ
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:29
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- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 28:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:29
Context — The Curses of Disobedience
27The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors and scabs and itch from which you cannot be cured.
28The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind,
29and at noon you will grope about like a blind man in the darkness. You will not prosper in your ways. Day after day you will be oppressed and plundered, with no one to save you.
30You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit. 31Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will save you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:10 | Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead. |
| 2 | Job 5:14 | They encounter darkness by day and grope at noon as in the night. |
| 3 | Judges 6:1–6 | Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites would plant their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. Israel was greatly impoverished by Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD. |
| 4 | Judges 10:8 | who that very year harassed and oppressed the Israelites, and did so for eighteen years to all the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. |
| 5 | Judges 4:2–3 | So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his forces was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and he had harshly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. |
| 6 | Psalms 106:40–42 | So the anger of the LORD burned against His people, and He abhorred His own inheritance. He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and subdued them under their hand. |
| 7 | Judges 3:14 | The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. |
| 8 | Judges 13:1 | Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 13:5–7 | Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. Seeing that they were in danger because their troops were hard-pressed, the men of Israel hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in cellars and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan into the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul, however, remained at Gilgal, and all his troops were quaking in fear. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 9:26–29 | But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies. So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies. But as soon as they had rest, they again did evil in Your sight. So You abandoned them to the hands of their enemies, who had dominion over them. When they cried out to You again, You heard from heaven, and You delivered them many times in Your compassion. You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They stubbornly shrugged their shoulders; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. |
Deuteronomy 28:29 Summary
Deuteronomy 28:29 is a warning about what happens when we disobey God's commands and live in rebellion against Him. It's like being lost in the dark, unable to find our way, and it leads to a life of hardship and struggle, as seen in the Israelites' experience in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33). When we disobey God, we can expect to face difficulties and hardships, but when we obey Him and follow His ways, we can experience true prosperity and blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Psalm 1:1-3). By seeking God's guidance and living in obedience to His commands, we can avoid the pitfalls of spiritual blindness and live a life that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'groppe about like a blind man in the darkness' in Deuteronomy 28:29?
This phrase is a metaphor for being completely lost and without direction, much like the Israelites when they rebelled against God in the wilderness, as described in Numbers 14:33 and Psalm 107:27.
Is Deuteronomy 28:29 talking about a physical or spiritual blindness?
While physical blindness is mentioned, the context suggests that spiritual blindness is also implied, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:28, where the Lord afflicts them with 'madness, blindness, and confusion of mind', similar to the spiritual blindness described in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 4:18.
What does it mean to 'not prosper in your ways' in this verse?
Not prospering in your ways means that despite efforts and hard work, things will not go well, similar to the curse described in Malachi 2:2, and is a result of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Joshua 1:8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment?
Deuteronomy 28:29 is part of a larger section describing the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant, highlighting the importance of obedience and the reality of God's judgment, as seen in Leviticus 26:14-39 and Jeremiah 11:3-5.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life might I be 'groping about like a blind man in the darkness', and how can I seek God's guidance?
- In what ways have I experienced the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, and how can I apply the lessons of Deuteronomy 28:29 to my life?
- How does the concept of spiritual blindness relate to my own walk with God, and what steps can I take to ensure I am not living in spiritual darkness?
- What does it mean for me to 'prosper in my ways' as a follower of God, and how can I align my life with His commands to experience true prosperity, as described in Psalm 1:1-3 and Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:29
And thou shalt grope at noon day as the blind gropeth in darkness,.... That is, being in darkness through the loss of their sight; otherwise the darkness and the light are alike to them, and they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:29
And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
At noon-day, i.e. in the most clear and evident matters thou shalt grossly mistake and miss thy way. Thou shalt not prosper in thy ways; thy counsels and enterprises shall be frustrated, and turn to thy destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
Deuteronomy 28:29 And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways: and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save [thee].Ver. 29. And thou shalt be only oppressed.] As the Thebans, ever till then victorious, were, after the death of Epaminondas, famous only for their overthrows: as Rome, since Antichristian, was never besieged by an enemy, but it was taken and plundered: as the Jews since Christ’ s death never attempted anything but miscarried. An evil, an only evil, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
(29) Thou shalt not prosper in thy ways.—The exact opposite is promised to Joshua (Deuteronomy 1:8) if he follows the Book of the Law. (Comp. Isaiah 29:10-14.) When men find it no longer possible to follow the word of God, it is written that “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” Oppressed.—The children of Israel and of Judah were “oppressed “together (Jeremiah 50:33). But it is added, “Their Redeemer is strong” (Deuteronomy 28:34). Spoiled.—The word occurs again in Deuteronomy 28:31 : “Violently taken away.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
Verse 29. Thou shalt be only oppressed, &c.] Perhaps no people under the sun have been more oppressed and spoiled than the rebellious Jews. Indeed, this has been their portion, with but little intermission, for nearly 1,800 years. And still they grope at noon day, as the blind gropeth in darkness-they do not yet discover, notwithstanding the effulgence of the light by which they are encompassed, that the rejection of their own Messiah is the cause of all their calamities.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:29
29. The mental weakness and even infatuation which possess nations and individuals physically debilitated lead to their oppression by stronger peoples; the details of which are illustrated in the next Deuteronomy 28:30-34.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:29
29. Grope at noonday — In the clear light of God’s requirements they will be blind. Comp. John 12:35.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:29
| Sermon | Description | |
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Jehovah Shalom by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Judges and the cycle of sin and repentance that the Israelites went through. He highlights the stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Debo |
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When Defeat Becomes Doctrine by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker passionately addresses the pursuit of self and how it aligns with the heart of Christ. He questions whether the pursuit of self can truly be considered |
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Bristol Conference 1976-15 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark | Bob Clark discusses the life of Gideon from the book of Judges, emphasizing the importance of personal discipline and the need for a deep relationship with God. He highlights Gideo |
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A Vision of Revival by Sammy Tippit | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a spiritual revolution that took place in Romania. Despite facing tanks and machine guns, the people of Romania experienced a |
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Romans, 1978 - Part 5 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a story from the Bible where 300 men came outside of the camp and blew trumpets. They broke pitchers in their hands and were ready for action. |
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Resurrecting the Voices of Victory by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Judges chapter 6 focuses on resurrecting the voices of victory. It emphasizes the need to put away anything that weakens us, to embrace obedience to God's word, an |
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Gideon by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin preaches on the story of Gideon, emphasizing the importance of radical purity and obedience to God's voice. He illustrates how Gideon, initially fearful and hesitant, |