Deuteronomy 27:26

KJV

Cursed [be] he that confirmeth not [all] the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} be he that confirmeth {H6965} not all the words {H1697} of this law {H8451} to do {H6213} them. And all the people {H5971} shall say {H559}, Amen {H543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'A curse on anyone who does not confirm the words of this Torah by putting them into practice.'All the people are to say, 'Amen!'

Berean Standard Bible

‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

American Standard Version

Cursed be he that confirmeth not the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:26 serves as the climactic and most comprehensive curse within a series pronounced on Mount Ebal, forming a solemn and pivotal moment in Israel's covenant renewal ceremony. This verse declares a sweeping curse upon any individual who fails to uphold, establish, and actively obey the entirety of God's law, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of their covenant obligations. The resounding "Amen" from all the people signifies their corporate and public affirmation of these terms, acknowledging both the gravity of the law and the dire consequences of disobedience, thereby binding the entire nation to its stipulations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a powerful and dramatic covenant ceremony outlined in [Deuteronomy chapter 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony on Mount Ebal"). Following Moses' instructions to set up inscribed stones and build an altar upon entering the Promised Land ([Deuteronomy 27:1-8](/deuteronomy/27-1-8 "Deuteronomy 27:1-8 - Instructions for the Ceremony at Mount Ebal")), the Levites were commanded to stand between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Six tribes were designated to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings, while the other six stood on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses. From [Deuteronomy 27:15](/deuteronomy/27-15 "Deuteronomy 27:15 - The First Curse") onward, a litany of twelve specific curses is recited, each targeting sins that might be committed in secret, emphasizing the pervasive reach of God's law into every aspect of life. Verse 26, therefore, acts as the culminating, all-encompassing curse, summarizing the entire preceding list and establishing the absolute standard of complete obedience required for the covenant. Its placement at the very end underscores its universal application to every single aspect of the law, leaving no room for partial adherence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ceremony at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, located near the ancient city of Shechem, was strategically chosen for its profound historical and geographical significance. Shechem was an ancient cultic center, a place where Abraham had built an altar upon his initial entry into Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham Builds an Altar at Shechem")), and where Jacob had buried the foreign idols of his household ([Genesis 35:4](/genesis/35-4 "Genesis 35:4 - Jacob Buries Idols at Shechem")). The two mountains, facing each other across a narrow valley, provided a natural amphitheater, allowing the voices of the Levites and the people's resounding responses to echo powerfully throughout the assembly. Covenant ratification ceremonies in the ancient Near East often involved solemn oaths, public declarations, and the invocation of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, creating a binding legal and theological framework. The public recitation of the curses and the communal "Amen" served to deeply impress upon the collective consciousness of Israel their corporate responsibility and the binding nature of their relationship with Yahweh, ensuring that the covenant terms were etched into the nation's memory.
* **Key Themes:** The phrase "[all] the words of this law" is paramount, emphasizing that God's commandments form an indivisible, comprehensive whole. The covenant with Yahweh demanded complete and unwavering adherence, not selective obedience. Failure to "confirm" or uphold even one part of the law was considered a breach of the entire covenant, placing the individual under its curse. This highlights the absolute standard of divine righteousness and the holistic nature of God's demands on His people, a concept later echoed in the New Testament concerning the integrity of the law where [breaking one command is breaking all](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - Breaking One Part of the Law"). The declaration of a "curse" underscores God's unwavering justice and the serious consequences of disobedience. It establishes a clear framework of divine judgment, where rebellion against God's revealed will incurs His righteous displeasure. This theme highlights that God is not indifferent to sin but holds His covenant people accountable to the standards He has set, ensuring that there are tangible repercussions for failing to live up to the divine standard. The unanimous "Amen" from "all the people" is a powerful demonstration of corporate affirmation and shared responsibility. It signifies not merely intellectual assent but a profound, public, and solemn vow to abide by the covenant's terms, including the acceptance of the curse for disobedience. This communal response bound every individual to the covenant and emphasized that the nation's well-being was intrinsically linked to the collective obedience of its members, fostering a sense of mutual accountability within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** Derived from the primitive root `H779`, meaning "to execrate" or "bitterly curse." In this context, "cursed" (אָרוּר, _'arur_) signifies a state of divine disfavor, alienation from God's blessing, and exposure to negative consequences. It is a pronouncement of judgment, not merely misfortune, indicating a divine sentence upon the one who fails to meet the covenant's demands.
* **confirmeth not (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The Hebrew verb `H6965` (קוּם, _qûwm_) fundamentally means "to rise," "to stand up," "to establish," or "to fulfill." In its negative form here, "confirmeth not" implies a failure to uphold, establish, or actively carry out the law. It is not merely a passive lack of intellectual agreement but a profound deficiency in active adherence, practical obedience, and the establishment of God's statutes as the governing principle of one's existence. The curse is for those who do not *make firm* or *give effect* to the law through their actions.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** The Hebrew word `H543` (אָמֵן, _ʼâmên_) is an emphatic affirmation, derived from a root meaning "to be firm," "to be reliable," or "to be trustworthy." When the people say "Amen," they are not merely saying "yes" or "I agree." They are declaring "So be it," "Let it be established," or "Truly, this is binding upon us." It signifies a profound and solemn vow, a full and public acknowledgment of the stated conditions, and an acceptance of the consequences, including the curse, should they fail to abide by them. It binds the speaker to the truth and efficacy of the preceding statement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [be] he that confirmeth not":** This opening phrase establishes the severe consequence for a specific type of failure. The "curse" signifies a state of divine disfavor, alienation from God's blessing, and exposure to negative consequences. The one who is cursed is not merely unfortunate but is under a divine pronouncement of judgment. The failure is not just passive ignorance but an active refusal or neglect to "confirm" or uphold the law, implying a deliberate or persistent pattern of non-compliance.
* **"[all] the words of this law to do them":** This clause specifies the scope and nature of the required obedience. The inclusion of "all" (כָּל, _kol_) is crucial, emphasizing the comprehensive and indivisible nature of God's law. It means no part can be disregarded or selectively obeyed. The phrase "to do them" (לַעֲשׂוֹת אֹתָם, _la'asot 'otam_) highlights that the law demands active, practical obedience, not just intellectual assent or verbal affirmation. The curse is directed at those who fail to translate the entirety of God's revealed will into their daily conduct.
* **"And all the people shall say, Amen":** This concluding phrase underscores the corporate and communal aspect of the covenant. The unanimous affirmation by "all the people" (וְאָמַר כָּל הָעָם, _ve'amar kol ha'am_) demonstrates their collective understanding, agreement, and acceptance of the terms, including the severe consequences. Their "Amen" transforms the curse from a mere declaration into a self-imposed vow, binding the entire nation to the stipulations of the law and making them complicit in its enforcement and the acceptance of its consequences.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:26, within its broader context, effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Litany**, as this verse is the final statement in a series of twelve curses, each followed by the communal "Amen." This repetitive, ritualistic recitation builds dramatic tension and emphasizes the pervasive nature of sin and the comprehensive scope of God's judgment. The structure also utilizes **Conditional Covenant Language**, where a specific action (failure to confirm the law) directly results in a stated consequence (the curse), thereby reinforcing the legal and binding nature of the covenant. Furthermore, the **Corporate Affirmation** of "And all the people shall say, Amen" is a powerful rhetorical device. It transforms the divine pronouncement into a communal vow, highlighting the shared responsibility and the collective agreement to the terms, creating a sense of solemnity, accountability, and unity in their commitment to the law. The emphatic use of "all" in "all the words of this law" and "all the people" also serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the absolute totality required for both obedience and communal assent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:26 stands as a stark and uncompromising declaration of God's perfect standard and humanity's inherent inability to meet it. The insistence on "all the words of this law" exposes the comprehensive nature of divine expectation and, by extension, the universal failure of humanity to perfectly fulfill it. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial theological foundation, demonstrating that under the Old Covenant, perfect obedience was the prerequisite for blessing, and any deviation, no matter how small, incurred the curse. It highlights the profound dilemma of fallen humanity: bound by a holy and just law, yet utterly incapable of perfectly keeping it. This reality powerfully sets the stage for understanding the necessity of God's grace and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, as it reveals the depth of human sin and the impossibility of self-justification through legalistic adherence.

* [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law")
* [James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - Breaking One Commandment")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:26 is a sobering reminder of the absolute perfection of God's law and the universal human failure to meet its demands. It underscores that no individual, by their own efforts, can perfectly "confirm all the words of this law to do them." This truth should lead us to a profound sense of humility and a deep appreciation for the unmerited grace of God. It highlights our desperate need for a Savior, for only through Christ can we be redeemed from the curse that our disobedience incurs. For believers today, this verse does not place us back under the condemnation of the law, but rather serves as a powerful testament to the finished work of Christ. Our obedience is no longer a means to earn salvation, but a grateful response to the One who bore our curse. It calls us to take God's Word seriously, to strive for holiness not out of fear of condemnation, but out of love for the One who redeemed us, recognizing that genuine faith expresses itself through a desire to honor Him in all areas of our lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Deuteronomy 27:26 highlight the profound need for a Savior and God's grace?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge our understanding of perfect obedience versus the reality of human sinfulness?**
* **How should the "Amen" of the Israelites inform our own commitment and affirmation of God's Word today, even in light of the New Covenant?**
* **What does "confirming all the words of this law to do them" look like in a practical sense for a believer living under grace?**

### FAQ
**Why is the word "all" so important in Deuteronomy 27:26?**

Answer: The word "all" (Hebrew: _kol_) is critically important because it emphasizes the comprehensive and indivisible nature of God's law. It signifies that the covenant demanded total obedience, not partial or selective adherence. To fail in even one aspect of the law was to fail in upholding the entire law, thus incurring the curse. This highlights the absolute standard of divine righteousness and reveals the impossibility for any human being to perfectly fulfill every single commandment. The Apostle James echoes this principle in the New Testament, stating that "whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it" ([James 2:10](/james/2-10 "James 2:10 - Breaking One Commandment")).

**What is the significance of the people saying "Amen" after each curse?**

Answer: The repeated "Amen" (Hebrew: _'amen_) from "all the people" is a profound act of corporate affirmation and solemn vow. It means "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." By saying "Amen," the Israelites were not merely agreeing intellectually; they were publicly and collectively binding themselves to the terms of the covenant, acknowledging the justice of the curses, and accepting the responsibility for their own obedience. This communal declaration underscored their active participation in the covenant, making them fully accountable for upholding its stipulations and accepting the consequences of disobedience. It was a powerful, unified commitment before God.

**Does this verse mean that God's law is bad or impossible to follow?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean God's law is bad. The Bible consistently affirms that God's law is holy, righteous, and good ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good")). However, Deuteronomy 27:26, by demanding perfect adherence to "all" the law, highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly follow it due to sin. The law's purpose, in part, is to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's need for a Savior ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). It's not that the law itself is flawed, but that fallen humanity is incapable of meeting its perfect standard, thus revealing our desperate need for God's grace and a different way of righteousness found only in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:26 powerfully illuminates the profound necessity of Christ's redemptive work. This verse, by declaring a curse upon anyone who fails to confirm *all* the words of the law, exposes the impossible standard for fallen humanity and reveals the universal condemnation that rests upon every individual under the Old Covenant. No one could perfectly keep the entire law, thus placing all under its curse. This is precisely the "curse of the law" from which Christ redeems us. Jesus Christ alone perfectly fulfilled "all the words of this law" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")), living a life of flawless obedience that no human could achieve. More profoundly, He willingly became "a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")), bearing the full weight of the condemnation pronounced in verses like Deuteronomy 27:26 on the cross. Through His sacrificial death, He absorbed the divine wrath and the curse due to our disobedience, thereby liberating all who believe in Him from the law's condemnation. In Christ, believers are no longer under the curse but are declared righteous, not by their own impossible efforts to keep the law, but by faith in Him who perfectly obeyed and perfectly atoned ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ")). The "Amen" of God's people now resonates not in fear of a curse, but in joyful affirmation of the grace and salvation secured by our Lord, who is the "Amen" himself ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Amen")).

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

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

Romans 10:5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Psalms 119:21

¶ Thou hast rebuked the proud [that are] cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

Ezekiel 18:24

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: