Deuteronomy 27:24

KJV

Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be he that smiteth {H5221} his neighbour {H7453} secretly {H5643}. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A curse on anyone who secretly attacks a fellow member of the community.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

American Standard Version

Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:24 is a solemn declaration within a series of twelve covenantal curses, condemning any individual who inflicts harm or injustice upon their neighbor in a clandestine manner. This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to perfect justice, even for transgressions concealed from human eyes, and highlights the community's collective responsibility to affirm and uphold divine judgment, serving as a potent deterrent against hidden malice and a profound call for integrity in all human dealings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a pivotal covenant renewal ceremony commanded by Moses, designed to be performed immediately upon Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Specifically, it belongs to a sequence of twelve curses (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) that the Levites were to recite from Mount Ebal, to which "all the people" were commanded to respond with a resounding "Amen." These curses stand in stark contrast to the blessings pronounced from Mount Gerizim (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and collectively form a profound covenantal liturgy intended to impress upon the Israelites the gravity of their commitment to God's law. A distinguishing characteristic of many of these curses, including verse 24, is their focus on sins that are often committed in secret or are difficult to prove in a human court, thereby ensuring that divine justice would address transgressions that human legal systems might overlook. The immediate preceding verses deal with secret idolatry, dishonoring parents, and moving boundary markers, establishing a clear pattern for the nature of the offenses condemned.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ceremony at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim represented a crucial moment in Israel's history, symbolizing their transition from wilderness wanderers to a settled nation in the land promised by God. The act of publicly affirming the curses and blessings was a communal oath, binding the entire nation to the covenant stipulations. In ancient Near Eastern treaties, curses and blessings were standard components, outlining the consequences of adherence or rebellion against a suzerain. The public recitation and affirmation ("Amen") served not only as a deterrent but also as a vital mechanism for social cohesion, reinforcing shared moral and legal standards. The concept of "smiting secretly" would have been particularly insidious in a close-knit tribal society where community trust was paramount. Such hidden acts, whether physical assault, slander, or economic exploitation, would erode the social fabric from within, making divine intervention and communal condemnation essential for maintaining order and justice.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 27:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Justice for Hidden Sins**, asserting God's omniscience and His commitment to judging actions that escape human detection. This theme resonates deeply with the principle that "there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open," as stated by Jesus in [Luke 8:17](/luke/8-17 "Luke 8:17 - Nothing Hidden Will Remain Hidden"). Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Integrity and Transparency**, calling for a lifestyle where one's private actions align with public declarations of righteousness. Hurting a neighbor secretly is a profound breach of trust and a direct affront to the covenant, which demands love for one's neighbor (cf. [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")). Thirdly, the people's collective "Amen" highlights **Community Accountability and Solidarity**. It signifies their active participation in upholding God's moral law and their shared responsibility to condemn injustice, even when it is covert. This communal affirmation transforms individual moral choices into matters of national covenantal fidelity, as seen in the broader call for obedience throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Lastly, the curse implicitly speaks to the **Protection of the Vulnerable**, as secret acts of harm often target those who are defenseless or lack social standing, making the divine curse a crucial safeguard for the marginalized within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smiteth (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This Hebrew verb (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike" in a broad sense, encompassing both light and severe impacts, literally or figuratively. While it can denote physical violence, its usage in various contexts suggests a wider application to causing harm or injury, which may include verbal abuse, slander, or even economic detriment. The emphasis in Deuteronomy 27:24 is not merely on the act of striking but on the _consequences_ of the action and the _intent_ behind it, especially when done with malicious secrecy, indicating a deliberate act of causing detriment.
* **Secretly (Hebrew, _çêther'_):** This word (H5643), often appearing with a preposition as "in secret" (בַּסָּתֶר, _bassater_), is crucial to the meaning of the verse. It refers to a "cover" or "hiding place," highlighting the clandestine nature of the act. This implies an intentional effort to evade detection, accountability, and human justice. The sin is not just the harm inflicted but the deceptive and cowardly manner in which it is executed, demonstrating a contempt for both human law and divine oversight, as the perpetrator believes their actions will remain unseen.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," "to be reliable," or "to be faithful," "Amen" (H543) is a powerful affirmation. In this context, it is far more than a simple "yes." It functions as a solemn oath, a binding commitment, and an active participation by the entire assembly in ratifying the divine curse. By saying "Amen," the people not only acknowledge the justice and necessity of the warning but also declare their own willingness to uphold the covenant and to stand in judgment against such hidden evils, transforming the curse from a mere pronouncement into a shared, ratified commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly":** This clause pronounces a divine curse upon any individual who inflicts harm upon another in a hidden manner. The term "neighbor" (רֵעַ, _rea'_) refers to a fellow member of the Israelite community, emphasizing the violation of intra-community trust and solidarity. The "secretly" aspect is paramount, indicating that the sin is not only the act of harm but the deliberate attempt to conceal it from human eyes and accountability. This highlights God's omniscience and His unwavering commitment to justice, even for transgressions that escape detection by human legal systems, ensuring no wrong goes unaddressed.
* **"And all the people shall say, Amen":** This second clause underscores the collective and communal nature of the covenant. The unified "Amen" from the entire assembly signifies their solemn agreement with the curse, their acknowledgment of its justice, and their corporate commitment to upholding the moral standard it represents. It serves as a public ratification of the divine judgment, binding the community together in shared responsibility and deterring individuals from committing such hidden acts, knowing that the entire nation stands in condemnation of them and that God's judgment will surely come to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:24 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is the **Pronouncement of Curse**, a formal, ritualistic declaration of divine judgment against specific transgressions. This is an integral part of a larger **Covenantal Liturgy**, where the curses and blessings are recited as a foundational act of national identity and commitment to God's law. The phrase "Cursed be he..." is a fixed **Legal Formula** that imbues the statement with absolute authority and solemnity. The inclusion of "secretly" introduces a powerful **Contrast** between the hidden nature of the sin and the public, communal affirmation of the curse. This highlights the **Irony** that while the sin is clandestine and seeks to evade human detection, its condemnation is overtly and universally acknowledged by the entire assembly. Finally, the collective "Amen" functions as a form of **Call and Response**, transforming passive listening into active participation and communal **Ratification**, solidifying the people's agreement and shared responsibility in upholding divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:24 profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of perfect justice and omniscience, who sees and judges not only outward actions but also the hidden intentions and secret deeds of the heart. This verse establishes a crucial theological principle: no sin, however concealed from human eyes, escapes divine scrutiny. It affirms that God's moral law extends beyond the visible realm of human courts, penetrating the private spaces where integrity is truly tested. The communal "Amen" further emphasizes the corporate responsibility of God's people to align themselves with His righteous judgments, fostering a society where justice and truth are upheld, even when challenging or inconvenient. It teaches that the pursuit of righteousness is not merely an individual endeavor but a collective commitment that shapes the very fabric of the community, ensuring that the vulnerable are protected and that all are held accountable to a divine standard that transcends human limitations.

* [Psalm 90:8](/psalm/90-8 "Psalm 90:8 - God's Knowledge of Secret Sins")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord Are Everywhere")
* [Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God Judges the Secrets of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:24 challenges us to examine the deepest recesses of our hearts and actions, reminding us that true righteousness extends far beyond public performance. It confronts the human tendency to believe that what is hidden from others is also hidden from God. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound sense of integrity, knowing that every thought, word, and deed, whether in the light or in the shadows, is known to the Almighty. It compels us to live with a holy fear of God, not as a paralyzing dread, but as a reverent awe that inspires us to walk in truth and love, even when no human eye is watching. Furthermore, the communal "Amen" serves as a powerful call for believers today to stand in solidarity against injustice, to speak truth, and to advocate for righteousness in our communities, even when it involves exposing uncomfortable truths or challenging popular opinion. Our "Amen" is expressed when we champion the cause of the vulnerable, when we refuse to participate in gossip or slander, and when we uphold ethical standards in all our dealings, knowing that our actions reflect our commitment to God's justice and His righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "secret" actions or attitudes in my own life might be contrary to God's will and the well-being of my neighbor?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees all things, even those done "secretly," impact my daily choices and my pursuit of integrity?**
* **In what ways can I, as part of the believing community, actively say "Amen" to God's justice and condemn hidden wrongs in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does this verse challenge me to protect the vulnerable and speak out against injustices that might otherwise remain unexposed?**

### FAQ
**Why is the emphasis on "secretly" so significant in this curse?**

Answer: The emphasis on "secretly" is profoundly significant because it addresses a category of sin that often escapes human detection and, consequently, human justice. In ancient Israelite society, as in any community, many transgressions could be brought before elders or judges for resolution. However, acts committed "secretly"—such as a hidden assault, slander whispered behind closed doors, or the surreptitious moving of a boundary stone—would be difficult or impossible to prove in a human court due to lack of witnesses. By specifically cursing those who "smiteth his neighbour secretly," God demonstrates His omniscience and His commitment to perfect justice. He ensures that even the most clandestine acts, which undermine trust and harm the fabric of society from within, will not go unpunished. This teaches that true accountability is ultimately to God, who sees all things, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Naked to God"), where it states that "everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

**What is the theological weight of "all the people shall say, Amen" in this context?**

Answer: The communal declaration of "Amen" carries immense theological weight. It is not a passive agreement but an active, solemn affirmation and a binding oath. By collectively saying "Amen," the entire assembly of Israel:
* **Ratifies the Curse:** They acknowledge the justice and righteousness of God's judgment against the specified sin.
* **Commits to the Covenant:** They publicly affirm their allegiance to God's covenant and their willingness to uphold its moral and legal standards.
* **Assumes Corporate Responsibility:** They take on a shared responsibility for the moral health of the nation, indicating that such secret sins are not just individual transgressions but offenses against the entire community.
* **Deters Transgression:** The knowledge that the entire nation stands in agreement with the divine curse serves as a powerful deterrent against committing such acts, even in secret. This communal "Amen" transforms the curse from a mere pronouncement into a deeply internalized and communally affirmed principle, demonstrating the power of collective faith and commitment to God's truth, much like the people's response to Ezra's blessing in [Nehemiah 8:6](/nehemiah/8-6 "Nehemiah 8:6 - The People's Amen to Ezra's Blessing"), where they lifted their hands and responded, "Amen, Amen!"

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:24, with its condemnation of secret sin and the communal "Amen" of judgment, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's perfect justice, who "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart" ([1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - God Judges the Heart")). While the curse in Deuteronomy reveals God's judgment against hidden malice, Christ, in His earthly ministry, exposed the hypocrisy of those who performed righteous acts for public acclaim while harboring corrupt hearts (e.g., [Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting Done in Secret")). He taught that true righteousness originates from within, from a heart transformed by God, not merely from outward conformity to the law, as highlighted in the Sermon on the Mount (see [Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount")). Secondly, the curse points to the universal reality of sin, including those hidden transgressions that separate humanity from a holy God. It is Christ who, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full curse of the Law, including the judgment for all secret sins, on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). He became "sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Finally, the "Amen" of the people, signifying their affirmation of God's righteous judgment, is ultimately fulfilled in Christ Himself, who is "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Christ, the Amen")). In Him, all of God's promises—including the promise of perfect justice and the ultimate defeat of all hidden evil—are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of integrity, walking in the light and no longer needing to hide their deeds, for they are now "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8-14](/ephesians/5-8-14 "Ephesians 5:8-14 - Walk as Children of Light")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 35:31

Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

Leviticus 24:17

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.

2 Samuel 11:15

And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.

2 Samuel 11:17

And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell [some] of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

2 Samuel 3:27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2 Samuel 12:9

Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife [to be] thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

2 Samuel 12:12

For thou didst [it] secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.