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Deuteronomy 28:50

Deuteronomy 28:50 in Multiple Translations

a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young.

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:

a nation of fierce countenance, that shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young,

A hard-faced nation, who will have no respect for the old or mercy for the young:

They are a ruthless nation that doesn't have respect for the old and doesn't have mercy on the young.

A nation of a fierce countenance, which will not regarde the person of the olde, nor haue compassion of the yong.

a nation — fierce of countenance — which accepteth not the face of the aged, and the young doth not favour;

a nation of fierce facial expressions, that doesn’t respect the elderly, nor show favor to the young.

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young:

A most insolent nation, that will shew no regard to the ancients, nor have pity on the infant,

They will be fierce looking. They will not act mercifully toward anyone, not even young children and old people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 28:50

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 28:50 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB גּ֖וֹי עַ֣ז פָּנִ֑ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹא יִשָּׂ֤א פָנִים֙ לְ/זָקֵ֔ן וְ/נַ֖עַר לֹ֥א יָחֹֽן
גּ֖וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile N-ms
עַ֣ז ʻaz H5794 strong Adj
פָּנִ֑ים pânîym H6440 face N-cp
אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִשָּׂ֤א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פָנִים֙ pânîym H6440 face N-cp
לְ/זָקֵ֔ן zâqên H2205 old Prep | Adj
וְ/נַ֖עַר naʻar H5288 youth Conj | N-ms
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יָחֹֽן chânan H2603 be gracious V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 28:50

גּ֖וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
עַ֣ז ʻaz H5794 "strong" Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
פָּנִ֑ים pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
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.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
יִשָּׂ֤א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
פָנִים֙ pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לְ/זָקֵ֔ן zâqên H2205 "old" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
וְ/נַ֖עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" Conj | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
יָחֹֽן chânan H2603 "be gracious" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 28:50

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 47:6 I was angry with My people; I profaned My heritage, and I placed them under your control. You showed them no mercy; even on the elderly you laid a most heavy yoke.
2 2 Chronicles 36:17 So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar,
3 Luke 21:23–24 How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
4 Luke 19:44 They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ”
5 Hosea 13:16 Samaria will bear her guilt because she has rebelled against her God. They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to pieces, and their pregnant women ripped open.
6 Daniel 7:7 After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.
7 Daniel 8:23 In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne.
8 Proverbs 7:13 She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him:
9 Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed.

Deuteronomy 28:50 Summary

Deuteronomy 28:50 describes a nation that is ruthless and has no respect for the old or pity for the young. This is a picture of what happens when a nation rejects God and His ways, leading to severe judgment, as seen in Leviticus 26:16-20. In simple terms, when we disobey God, He may bring difficult circumstances into our lives to correct us and draw us back to Himself (Hebrews 12:5-11). This verse reminds us of the importance of obeying God and treating all people with respect and kindness, regardless of their age or position in society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nation is being described in Deuteronomy 28:50?

The nation described in Deuteronomy 28:50 is one that is ruthless and shows no respect for the old or pity for the young, highlighting the severe judgment that God will bring upon His people for their disobedience, as also seen in Leviticus 26:16-20.

Why does God bring such a nation against His people?

God brings this nation against His people as a form of judgment for their disobedience and rebellion against Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:47-48, where it is clear that their disobedience leads to severe consequences.

Is this verse only talking about ancient Israel?

While Deuteronomy 28:50 is specifically addressed to ancient Israel, its principles can be applied to any nation or people who reject God and His ways, as seen in Romans 11:21, where God's judgment is not limited to Israel but can apply to all who do not obey Him.

What is the significance of the nation having no respect for the old and no pity for the young?

The lack of respect for the old and pity for the young indicates a complete disregard for the vulnerable and the traditional values of society, emphasizing the depth of the nation's ruthlessness and the severity of God's judgment, as also reflected in Isaiah 13:16-18.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I ensure that I am not contributing to a culture that disregards the vulnerable and traditional values?
  2. What are some ways that I can show respect for the old and pity for the young in my daily life?
  3. In what ways can I be a light for God in a world that often seems ruthless and devoid of pity?
  4. How can I balance the need to stand firm in my faith with the need to show compassion and empathy to those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 28:50

A nation of fierce countenance,.... Or, "strong of face" (y); which aptly describes the old Romans, who are always represented as such; and whereas it is said of the Chaldeans, that they were a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 28:50

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young: A nation of fierce countenance - a just description of the Romans, who were not only bold

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:50

Of fierce countenance, Heb. strong of face or countenance, i.e. bold and impudent, hardy and undaunted, cruel and uncompassionate and inflexible, sparing no age nor sex, &c.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:50

Deuteronomy 28:50 A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:Ver. 50. A nation of fierce countenance.] Heb., Strong of face, i.e., bold, fierce, cruel, impudent; as was Antiochus Epiphanes. See there.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:50

(50) Which shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favour to the young.—Comp. 2 Chronicles 36:17, “The king of the Chaldecs had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man or him that stooped for age; and Lamentations 5:12, “Princes are hanged up by their hand: the faces of elders were not honoured.”

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 28:50

50. fierce countenance] Lit. strong, hard or inflexible. So Daniel 8:23 of Antiochus Epiphanes. Cp. Ezekiel 2:4; Ezekiel 3:7. On regard the person see on Deuteronomy 1:17.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 28:50

SermonDescription
Bob Hoekstra "Unpopular" Promises Regarding Pride and Humility by Bob Hoekstra Bob Hoekstra preaches on the contrasting promises of pride and humility, emphasizing that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exal
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the
David Shirley Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
Sir Robert Anderson Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in
Art Katz Holl-06 Israel's Final Restoration by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on personal failures and the challenges faced in relationships and teaching. The State of Israel is mentioned as an opportunity to recognize an
Art Katz K-472 Walking in the Rest of God by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker shares his recent experiences in Europe and how they were influenced by a vision he had years ago. He emphasizes that just because God gives a vision, i
Paul Ravenhill Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca

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