Deuteronomy 28:17

KJV

Cursed [shall be] thy basket and thy store.

KJV (with Strong's)

Cursed {H779} shall be thy basket {H2935} and thy store {H4863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"A curse on your grain-basket and kneading-bowl.

Berean Standard Bible

Your basket and kneading bowl will be cursed.

American Standard Version

Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:17 is a specific declaration of divine judgment, pronouncing a curse upon the Israelites' most fundamental means of provision—their agricultural harvest and domestic food storage—should they choose disobedience to God's covenant. This verse vividly illustrates the profound and tangible consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, signaling a reversal of divine blessing that would lead to scarcity, futility, and hardship in their daily lives, directly impacting their sustenance and economic well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 is the climactic chapter of Moses' final discourse to Israel before entering the Promised Land. It functions as a covenant renewal ceremony, outlining the blessings of obedience found in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience") and the severe curses for disobedience detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Verse 17 falls squarely within the extensive list of curses, which systematically dismantle every aspect of life promised as a blessing. The curses are presented as a direct antithesis to the blessings, ensuring that every sphere of life—from personal health and family prosperity to national security and agricultural yield—would be impacted by their faithfulness or unfaithfulness. This verse, following general curses on the city and field, narrows the focus to the very instruments of daily provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy is set on the plains of Moab, with the Israelites poised to enter Canaan. The agricultural society of ancient Israel relied heavily on the land's fertility and successful harvests. Baskets were essential for gathering crops from the fields (grapes, figs, grain), and kneading troughs or storage bins were vital for preparing and preserving food within the home. The concept of "basket and store" thus encapsulates the entire cycle of food production and consumption, from field to table. Curses on these items would signify a complete breakdown of their agrarian economy and household sustenance, a direct consequence from a God who controlled the rain, the soil, and the yield. This was not merely bad luck but a direct divine act, understood within their covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai").
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:17 powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout the Mosaic covenant. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience**, making clear that turning from God's commands has direct and tangible repercussions, not just spiritual but material, impacting daily provision and economic stability. This futility of labor is echoed in other prophetic warnings, such as when the people's earnings are put into "[a bag with holes](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Futility of Labor") due to their neglect of God's house. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **divine control over provision**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over the land's fertility and the people's ability to prosper. When God's blessing is withdrawn, human effort alone cannot guarantee sustenance, a truth also found in passages like [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - God Builds the House"). Finally, it reinforces the **covenantal nature of Israel's existence**, where their well-being was inextricably linked to their faithfulness to the terms of the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _ʼârar'_):** From a primitive root meaning to execrate or pronounce a severe judgment. In this context, it signifies a divinely ordained state of disfavor and adverse consequences, indicating that the very objects or endeavors would be subjected to supernatural opposition and futility. This is not merely misfortune but a direct act of divine retribution for covenant infidelity.
* **Basket (Hebrew, _ṭeneʼ'_):** From an unused root likely meaning to weave, this term refers to a woven container, typically made of interlaced osiers or reeds. In ancient Israel, it was a fundamental tool for gathering agricultural produce from the fields, symbolizing the initial stage of collecting the fruits of one's labor. A curse upon the "basket" implies that the act of harvesting itself would be unproductive, or that what was gathered would be lost, spoiled, or rendered useless.
* **Store (Hebrew, _mishʼereth'_):** Derived from a root suggesting swelling, this word denotes a kneading trough or a storage vessel, specifically where dough would rise or where provisions were kept within the household. It represents the domestic sphere of food preparation and preservation, the place where sustenance was secured for daily consumption. A curse on the "store" means that even if produce was brought in, it would not be successfully processed, stored, or kept, leading to spoilage, theft, or an inability to sustain the household, rendering all efforts futile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cursed [shall be]":** This opening declaration sets the tone, indicating a divine pronouncement of judgment and disfavor. The passive construction implies that the curse originates from God, the ultimate sovereign, as a direct consequence of Israel's actions. It is not merely misfortune but a divinely ordained reversal of blessing, signifying a state of profound spiritual and material disadvantage.
* **"thy basket":** This phrase directly targets the means of gathering and initial collection of agricultural produce. It signifies a failure at the very source of sustenance, implying that the harvest itself would be deficient, or that what was gathered would be lost or rendered useless. This speaks to a lack of productivity and fruitfulness in their outdoor labor.
* **"and thy store":** This complements "thy basket" by focusing on the domestic aspect of food provision—the kneading trough or storage bin. It means that even if something was brought in from the field, it would not be successfully processed, preserved, or made available for consumption within the home. This points to a breakdown in the entire chain of sustenance, from field to table, ensuring pervasive hunger and hardship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Merism** is evident in the pairing of "basket" and "store," which together represent the totality of agricultural production and domestic provision, from the field to the household. This device emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the curse, indicating that no aspect of their food supply would be spared. The use of **concrete imagery** ("basket," "store") makes the abstract concept of "curse" tangible and immediately relatable to the daily lives of an agrarian society, allowing the audience to vividly imagine the practical consequences of disobedience. Furthermore, the declaration "Cursed [shall be]" functions as a **performative utterance**, where the very act of speaking the words brings about the reality they describe, underscoring the divine authority and certainty of the judgment. The verse also utilizes **antithesis** when read in the broader context of Deuteronomy 28, directly contrasting the blessings of abundance and overflowing provisions (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:5](/deuteronomy/28-5 "Deuteronomy 28:5 - Blessed Basket and Store")) with the curses of scarcity and futility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:17 profoundly illustrates the covenantal principle that God's blessing is the ultimate source of prosperity and sustenance, and that disobedience leads to a withdrawal of that blessing, resulting in futility and lack. This verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and human endeavor, reminding us that true provision is not solely the result of human labor or ingenuity but flows from divine favor. It underscores the interconnectedness of spiritual faithfulness and material well-being within the Old Covenant, where the Lord directly intervened in the natural order to reward obedience or punish rebellion. The curse on the "basket and store" serves as a stark reminder that when humanity turns from its Creator, even the most basic necessities of life can be withheld, demonstrating God's justice and His demand for covenant fidelity.

* [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Breaking the Staff of Bread")
* [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Earnings in a Bag with Holes")
* [Malachi 3:9](/malachi/3-9 "Malachi 3:9 - Cursed with a Curse")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today live under the new covenant of grace, Deuteronomy 28:17 offers enduring principles for reflection and application. It compels us to consider the profound impact of our relationship with God on every facet of our lives, including our material provision. Though the direct, physical curses of the Mosaic Law are not applied to New Testament believers, the principle remains that faithfulness to God's will often brings a sense of peace, purpose, and spiritual fruitfulness, while a life of persistent disobedience can lead to a sense of futility, spiritual barrenness, and a lack of true contentment. This verse challenges us to examine our priorities: do we trust in our own efforts and resources, or do we acknowledge God as the ultimate provider? It calls for a renewed commitment to stewardship, recognizing that all we possess is a gift from God, and that our use of these gifts should align with His purposes. Ultimately, it encourages a posture of dependence on God for daily bread and a life lived in grateful obedience, understanding that true abundance is found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a sense of "futility" or "lack," and how might this be connected to my spiritual walk or obedience to God's principles?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of prosperity and provision? Am I relying more on my own efforts than on God's blessing?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God for my daily needs and to align my stewardship with His will?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all financial or material struggles are a direct result of personal sin?**

Answer: Not necessarily in the direct, cause-and-effect manner described under the Old Covenant for Israel. While persistent disobedience can certainly lead to negative consequences in various areas of life, including financial ones, the New Testament teaches that believers are under grace, not law. Furthermore, the Bible acknowledges other reasons for hardship, such as living in a fallen world ([Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), the testing of faith ([James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Testing of Faith")), or even suffering for righteousness' sake ([1 Peter 4:16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering for Christ")). Deuteronomy 28:17 primarily serves as a historical and theological warning to Israel about covenant fidelity, reminding us that God is the ultimate provider and that a life out of alignment with His will can lead to a sense of futility, even if not a direct "curse" in the Mosaic sense.

**What is the significance of the "basket" and "store" specifically being cursed?**

Answer: The "basket" (Hebrew: *ṭeneʼ*) and "store" (Hebrew: *mishʼereth*) represent the entire cycle of food production and consumption in an agrarian society. The basket was used for gathering the harvest from the fields, while the "store" (often a kneading trough or storage bin) was for preparing and preserving food within the home. Cursing these specific items signifies a comprehensive breakdown of their sustenance, from the initial gathering of produce to its final consumption. It means that even if they labored, their efforts would be fruitless, and what little they acquired would not be kept or would spoil, leading to pervasive hunger and hardship. This specific imagery made the curse tangible and deeply impactful for the Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:17, with its stark warning of a cursed "basket and store" for disobedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While the Old Covenant pronounced material curses for physical disobedience, Jesus Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full curse of the Law on our behalf, becoming a curse for us so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). In Him, the futility and barrenness associated with a life of sin are overcome. Christ offers not a cursed basket and store, but an [overflowing abundance](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")—spiritual provision that never runs out. He himself is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who satisfies our deepest hunger, and the [Living Water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water") that quenches our spiritual thirst, ensuring that those who abide in Him will never truly lack. Our "store" in Christ is eternal life and spiritual fruitfulness ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")), a provision that transcends earthly circumstances and guarantees a secure and blessed future in Him, regardless of material possessions, because our true treasure is found in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")).

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

Haggai 1:6

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages [to put it] into a bag with holes.

Deuteronomy 28:5

Blessed [shall be] thy basket and thy store.

Malachi 2:2

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay [it] to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay [it] to heart.

Zechariah 5:3

Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

Zechariah 5:4

I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.

Psalms 69:22

¶ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

Luke 16:25

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.