Deuteronomy 28:43
Deuteronomy 28:43 in Multiple Translations
The foreigner living among you will rise higher and higher above you, while you sink down lower and lower.
The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.
The sojourner that is in the midst of thee shall mount up above thee higher and higher; and thou shalt come down lower and lower.
The man from a strange land who is living among you will be lifted up higher and higher over you, while you go down lower and lower.
Foreigners who live with you will rise higher and higher in status above you, while you sink lower and lower.
The straunger that is among you, shall clime aboue thee vp on hie, and thou shalt come downe beneath alow.
the sojourner who [is] in thy midst goeth up above thee very high, and thou goest down very low;
The foreigner who is among you will mount up above you higher and higher, and you will come down lower and lower.
The stranger that is within thee shall rise above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.
The stranger that liveth with thee in the land, shall rise up over thee, and shall be higher: and thou shalt go down, and be lower.
Foreigners who live in your land will become more and more powerful, and you will become less and less powerful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:43
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 28:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/גֵּר֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בְּ/קִרְבְּ/ךָ֔
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
מַ֣עְלָ/ה
מָּ֑עְלָ/ה
וְ/אַתָּ֥ה
תֵרֵ֖ד
מַ֥טָּה
מָּֽטָּה
הַ/גֵּר֙
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/קִרְבְּ/ךָ֔
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מַ֣עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Adv | Suff
מָּ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Adv | Suff
וְ/אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
תֵרֵ֖ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מַ֥טָּה
maṭṭâh
H4295
beneath
Adv
מָּֽטָּה
maṭṭâh
H4295
beneath
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 28:43
הַ/גֵּר֙
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Art | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
בְּ/קִרְבְּ/ךָ֔
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַ֣עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
מָּ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
וְ/אַתָּ֥ה
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.
תֵרֵ֖ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
מַ֥טָּה
maṭṭâh
H4295
"beneath"
Adv
This Hebrew word means something is located downward or below something else, often used to describe physical location or position. It appears in various forms, such as beneath or under. In the Bible, it is used to describe something as very low or under something else.
Definition: 1) downwards, below 1a) downwards 1b) under (of age) 1c) beneath
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beneath, down(-ward), less, very low, under(-neath). See also: Exodus 26:24; 1 Chronicles 27:23; Proverbs 15:24.
מָּֽטָּה
maṭṭâh
H4295
"beneath"
Adv
This Hebrew word means something is located downward or below something else, often used to describe physical location or position. It appears in various forms, such as beneath or under. In the Bible, it is used to describe something as very low or under something else.
Definition: 1) downwards, below 1a) downwards 1b) under (of age) 1c) beneath
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beneath, down(-ward), less, very low, under(-neath). See also: Exodus 26:24; 1 Chronicles 27:23; Proverbs 15:24.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 28:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:43
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:43
Context — The Curses of Disobedience
41You will father sons and daughters, but they will not remain yours, because they will go into captivity.
42Swarms of locusts will consume all your trees and the produce of your land.
43The foreigner living among you will rise higher and higher above you, while you sink down lower and lower.
44He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, and you will be the tail. 45All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, since you did not obey the LORD your God and keep the commandments and statutes He gave you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:13 | The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 13:19–23 | And no blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “The Hebrews must not be allowed to make swords or spears.” Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. The charge was a pim for sharpening a plowshare or mattock, a third of a shekel for sharpening a pitchfork or an axe, and a third of a shekel for repointing an oxgoad. So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons. And a garrison of the Philistines had gone out to the pass at Michmash. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 17:20 | So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence. |
| 4 | Judges 2:3 | So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 17:23 | Finally, the LORD removed Israel from His presence, as He had declared through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their homeland into Assyria, where they are to this day. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 24:14–16 | He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle. |
| 7 | Judges 15:11–12 | In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. But they said to him, “We have come down to arrest you and hand you over to the Philistines.” Samson replied, “Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves.” |
| 8 | John 18:31 | “You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. |
| 9 | John 19:15 | At this, they shouted, “Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” replied the chief priests. |
| 10 | Judges 2:11–15 | And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. Wherever Israel marched out, the hand of the LORD was against them to bring calamity, just as He had sworn to them. So they were greatly distressed. |
Deuteronomy 28:43 Summary
This verse, Deuteronomy 28:43, is saying that when the Israelites disobey God, they will struggle and become poor, while the foreigners living among them will become successful and prosperous, as a result of God's judgment, as seen in Leviticus 26:17 and Deuteronomy 4:29-31. This is a warning to the Israelites to follow God's commandments and to trust in His goodness and provision, as stated in Psalm 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11. When we disobey God, we can expect to face difficulties, but when we follow Him, we can experience His blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Matthew 6:33. By trusting in God's love and provision, we can avoid the curses and experience the blessings, as stated in Psalm 84:11-12 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the foreigner to 'rise higher and higher above' the Israelites?
This phrase indicates that the foreigners living among the Israelites will experience greater prosperity and success, while the Israelites will face poverty and hardship, as a result of their disobedience to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:43 and also warned about in Leviticus 26:17.
Is this verse talking about every foreigner, or just specific ones?
This verse is specifically addressing the foreigners who are living among the Israelites, and how they will prosper while the Israelites are in a state of disobedience, as part of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, which are a result of not following God's commandments as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Deuteronomy 4:29-31.
How does this verse relate to the Israelites' relationship with God?
This verse highlights the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God, as their rebellion leads to their downfall and the prosperity of the foreigners, as also seen in Joshua 23:13 and Psalm 106:34-43, emphasizing the importance of following God's commandments as stated in Exodus 20:1-17.
What is the significance of the foreigner 'lending to' the Israelite in the next verse?
The fact that the foreigner will lend to the Israelite, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:44, signifies the reversal of roles, where the Israelites, who were once the blessed and prosperous people of God, are now in a position of need and dependence on the foreigners, illustrating the fulfillment of the curse as warned in Deuteronomy 28:43 and also in Lamentations 1:3 and 5.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the warning in this verse to my own life, recognizing the consequences of disobedience to God?
- In what ways can I see the 'foreigners' in my life, or those who do not follow God, prospering while I face challenges, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be experiencing the 'curses' mentioned in Deuteronomy 28, and how can I seek God's restoration and blessing?
- How does this verse encourage me to prioritize my relationship with God and to seek His guidance and wisdom in all areas of my life, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:43
The stranger that [is] within thee shall get up above thee very high,.... In wealth and riches, in power and authority, in honour and dignity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:43
The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. The stranger that is within thee shall get above thee very high.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43
Within thee, i.e. within thy gates; who formerly honoured and served thee, and were some of them glad of the crumbs which fell from thy table.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43
Deuteronomy 28:43 The stranger that [is] within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.Ver. 43. The stranger.] The Lurdaines, as once here the Lord Danes.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:43
15–46. The Curses The opening Deuteronomy 28:15-20, correspond to the blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-7, except that there are no antitheses to Deuteronomy 28:1 b and Deuteronomy 28:2 b, and that the curse on basket and kneading-bowl precedes that on fruit of thy body, etc. Then the Discourse leaves the limits it had observed in the remainder of the blessings, Deuteronomy 28:8-14, and while here and there it gives the exact contrast of these blessings (cp. Deuteronomy 28:23 f. with Deuteronomy 28:12 a, Deuteronomy 28:25 with Deuteronomy 28:7 b, Deuteronomy 28:37 and Deuteronomy 28:46 with Deuteronomy 28:10, Deuteronomy 28:43 f. with Deuteronomy 28:12 b, Deuteronomy 28:13 a), the rest is a detailed antithesis to the summary blessing in 11; and diseases, calamities to man and beast, failures of seed and harvest, losses of children and property, and even exile, are set forth in detail. The opinion that Deuteronomy 28:26-37 and Deuteronomy 28:41 are later additions is plausible, not because they contain predictions of exile but because they elaborate the rest; and this rest, Deuteronomy 28:21-25 (or 26), Deuteronomy 28:38-40 and Deuteronomy 28:42-46, more nearly corresponds to Deuteronomy 28:8-14. In view of the repeating style of D it is impossible to say whether some even of those vv. are original or expansions; there are no sufficient grounds for the detailed analysis by Steuernagel.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:43
43. The stranger… shall get up above thee — The nation would become feebler and feebler, utterly impoverished, while their enemies would rise higher and higher above them.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:43
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Knowing God's Way) 11. Owe No Man Anything by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of financial stewardship and the spiritual implications of debt. Under the new covenant, believers are called to partake of God's nature an |
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(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about three men who find a genie and are granted three wishes each. The first man wishes to be back in London, the second wishes to be ba |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - 5 by Zacharias Tanee Fomum | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of success and how it relates to time. They explain that success is often measured by personal growth and opportunities, and that |
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The Word of My Patience by Charles S. Price | Charles S. Price preaches about the darkness and confusion prevailing on earth due to humanity's desire for sovereignty and rejection of God. Despite the chaos, God's promise in De |
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Lead the Way by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that obedience to the Lord positions believers as leaders rather than followers, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:13. He asserts that God's blessings empower Ch |
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A Voice Which May Be Missed by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and understanding the messages of the prophets, as seen in Acts 13:27, where the people of Jerusalem and their rulers fa |
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(Church Leadership) 2. Sharpening Our Sword by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering the word of God with clarity and effectiveness. He shares a personal anecdote about a preacher who would bang t |