Deuteronomy 28:27

KJV

The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will smite {H5221} thee with the botch {H7822} of Egypt {H4714}, and with the emerods {H2914}{H6076}, and with the scab {H1618}, and with the itch {H2775}, whereof thou canst {H3201} not be healed {H7495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will strike you down with the boils that broke out on the Egyptians, tumors, skin lesions and itching, all incurable.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors and scabs and itch from which you cannot be cured.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will smite thee with the boil of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scurvy, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:27 is a stark declaration within the covenant curses, detailing severe and incurable physical afflictions that would befall Israel for disobedience. The verse specifies "the botch of Egypt," "emerods," "scab," and "itch," emphasizing the Lord's direct agency in bringing these debilitating and persistent diseases as a consequence of covenant infidelity, highlighting the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine judgment when His people turn away.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 stands as the climatic summation of Moses' second discourse, delivered on the plains of Moab as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. This chapter is structured as a comprehensive covenant document, outlining in stark terms the blessings for obedience (vv. 1-14) and the curses for disobedience (vv. 15-68). Verse 27 is situated early within the extensive list of curses, specifically detailing physical ailments that would afflict a disobedient nation. It follows a general declaration of judgment in [Deuteronomy 28:20](/deuteronomy/28-20 "Deuteronomy 28:20 - The Lord's Curse") and precedes a wider array of calamities, including famine, defeat in battle, and exile. The direct address "the LORD will smite thee" underscores the personal and active involvement of God in executing these judgments, making it clear that these are not random misfortunes but divinely ordained consequences of covenant breach.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses' address takes place at a pivotal moment in Israelite history, on the cusp of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. The covenant presented in Deuteronomy is framed within the common ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaty format, where a great king (Suzerain, Yahweh) established terms with a vassal people (Israel). Such treaties typically included detailed stipulations, witnesses, and explicit blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion. The reference to "the botch of Egypt" is particularly potent, directly recalling the plagues God inflicted upon Egypt, especially the sixth plague of boils and sores described in [Exodus 9:9-11](/exodus/9-9 "Exodus 9:9-11 - The Plague of Boils"). This serves as a powerful historical precedent, reminding Israel that the God who judged their oppressors with disease could also judge them if they followed in the path of rebellion. The diseases listed were common and debilitating, and their incurability would have been a terrifying prospect in a time without advanced medicine, signifying divine abandonment of healing.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the **Covenant Consequences**, demonstrating that the Mosaic Covenant was conditional, with fidelity leading to life and prosperity, while rebellion invited severe and comprehensive judgment. It highlights **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's righteous anger against persistent disobedience and idolatry, portraying Him as actively involved in the affairs of His people, not merely as a distant observer. The specific mention of physical ailments illustrates the theme of **Physical Manifestations of Sin**, showing how spiritual rebellion can have tangible and devastating physical repercussions, serving as visible signs of God's displeasure. Furthermore, the phrase "whereof thou canst not be healed" introduces the theme of **Incurability and Divine Sovereignty over Healing**, implying that these afflictions are beyond human remedy, emphasizing the ultimate power of God to both inflict and withhold healing. This also reinforces the **Seriousness of Disobedience**, portraying it as an offense with profound, inescapable consequences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Botch (Hebrew, _shechin'_):** This term refers to boils, sores, or ulcers, often severe and painful. Its specific mention as "the botch of Egypt" directly alludes to the sixth plague inflicted upon Egypt in [Exodus 9:9-11](/exodus/9-9 "Exodus 9:9-11 - The Plague of Boils"), where Moses threw ashes into the air, causing "boils breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast." This connection serves as a powerful reminder of God's past acts of judgment and His ability to inflict debilitating disease.
* **Emerods (Hebrew, _‘ophel'_):** This word typically denotes tumors or swellings, often associated with hemorrhoids or painful anal tumors. This specific affliction is also famously recorded as a divine judgment upon the Philistines when they captured the Ark of the Covenant, as detailed in [1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - The Philistines Afflicted with Tumors"). Its inclusion here suggests a particularly painful, shameful, and debilitating condition.
* **Scab (Hebrew, _garab'_):** This term refers to various dry, scaly skin diseases, possibly including conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It implies persistent irritation and disfigurement, a visible sign of distress and impurity in the ancient world.
* **Itch (Hebrew, _cheres'_):** This word denotes a persistent and irritating skin condition, implying constant discomfort, sleeplessness, and a general state of misery. The combination of "scab" and "itch" paints a picture of chronic, debilitating skin afflictions that would offer no relief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD will smite thee":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agency behind the impending judgment. It is not a random misfortune or a natural consequence, but a direct, intentional act of God. The verb "smite" (נָגַף, _nagaph_) often implies a plague, defeat, or a sudden, severe blow, underscoring the active and destructive nature of God's judgment.
* **"with the botch of Egypt":** This phrase is a specific and terrifying allusion to the plagues God inflicted upon Egypt, particularly the plague of boils (Exodus 9). It serves as a historical precedent and a warning: the same God who judged a powerful empire for its oppression would judge His own people for their rebellion. It also implies a particularly severe and widespread affliction.
* **"and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch":** This is a catalogue of specific, debilitating, and often shameful physical ailments. "Emerods" (tumors/hemorrhoids) would cause immense pain and discomfort, while "scab" and "itch" describe chronic, irritating, and disfiguring skin conditions. The cumulative effect of these diseases paints a vivid picture of a body consumed by suffering, impurity, and constant agony.
* **"whereof thou canst not be healed":** This concluding phrase is perhaps the most terrifying aspect of the curse. It signifies the divine origin and severity of these afflictions, implying that no human remedy, no physician, and no traditional healing practices would be effective. This incurability emphasizes the finality and inescapability of God's judgment, leaving the afflicted without hope of relief from human means.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:27 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the severity of God's judgment. The most prominent is **Catalogue** or **Enumeration**, where a list of specific diseases ("botch," "emerods," "scab," "itch") is presented to create a comprehensive and overwhelming picture of physical suffering. This accumulation of afflictions intensifies the impact of the curse. **Allusion** is powerfully used with the phrase "the botch of Egypt," which directly calls to mind the plagues God inflicted upon Pharaoh and his people. This historical reference serves as a potent reminder of God's power to judge and the historical precedent for such divine retribution. The phrase "whereof thou canst not be healed" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the absolute and inescapable nature of the divine judgment, suggesting a level of incurability beyond human intervention. Finally, the direct statement "The LORD will smite thee" employs **Divine Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human-like action (smite) to God, thereby highlighting His active and personal involvement in executing the curses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:27 profoundly underscores the solemnity of God's covenant with Israel and the absolute seriousness of disobedience. It reveals a God who is not only a benevolent provider of blessings but also a righteous judge who holds His people accountable to their commitments. The physical afflictions described are not arbitrary but serve as tangible manifestations of a broken spiritual relationship, illustrating that sin has real, debilitating consequences. This passage reminds us that God's holiness demands a response of reverence and obedience, and that His justice ensures that rebellion will not go unpunished. While the specific curses of the Mosaic Law do not apply directly to New Covenant believers in the same way, the underlying principles of God's character—His holiness, justice, and the inherent consequences of sin—remain eternally true.

* [Leviticus 26:14-16](/leviticus/26-14 "Leviticus 26:14-16 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:27, though rooted in the Old Covenant, offers profound insights for believers today, particularly concerning the nature of God and the gravity of sin. It compels us to recognize God's unwavering holiness and justice, reminding us that He is not indifferent to rebellion or unfaithfulness. While we live under the grace of the New Covenant, the principle that sin carries consequences remains vital. This passage should cultivate a healthy reverence for God, prompting us to consider the seriousness of our own obedience to His revealed will. It challenges us to examine areas of our lives where we might be subtly or overtly disregarding His commands, reminding us that spiritual health is inextricably linked to our relationship with Him. Ultimately, this vivid portrayal of judgment should drive us to a deeper appreciation for the boundless grace and mercy found in Jesus Christ, who bore the ultimate curse on our behalf, offering healing and redemption where human remedies are utterly insufficient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice, even in a New Covenant context?**
* **In what ways might spiritual disobedience manifest in negative consequences in our lives today, even if not in these specific physical ailments?**
* **How does the "incurability" mentioned in this verse highlight our desperate need for a divine healer, pointing us to Christ?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the seriousness of our covenant relationship with God and the importance of faithful obedience?**

### FAQ

**Does God still inflict physical diseases as punishment for sin today?**

Answer: While the specific, direct curses of the Mosaic Covenant, such as those detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), are not applied to New Testament believers in the same judicial way, the Bible affirms God's ultimate sovereignty over health and sickness. Sin still has consequences, and sometimes these can be physical, either naturally (e.g., consequences of unhealthy choices) or supernaturally (e.g., [1 Corinthians 11:30](/1_corinthians/11-30 "1 Corinthians 11:30 - Sickness and Weakness due to Misconduct")). However, it is crucial not to assume every illness is a direct punishment for a specific sin, as Jesus Himself corrected this assumption in [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Blindness Not Due to Sin"). For those in Christ, the ultimate curse of sin has been borne by Him on the cross, and believers are under grace, not law. God's primary posture towards His children is redemptive and restorative, though He may use various means, including suffering, for discipline, purification, or to reveal His glory ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "God's Discipline")).

**Why are these specific diseases mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:27?**

Answer: The diseases listed—"botch of Egypt," "emerods," "scab," and "itch"—are chosen for their debilitating, visible, and often shameful nature. The "botch of Egypt" specifically links back to the plagues God inflicted upon Israel's oppressors ([Exodus 9:9-11](/exodus/9-9 "Exodus 9:9-11 - The Plague of Boils")), serving as a powerful reminder of God's historical judgment and His power over disease. "Emerods" (tumors/hemorrhoids) were a particularly painful and humiliating affliction, as seen in the Philistines' experience with the Ark ([1 Samuel 5:6-12](/1_samuel/5-6 "1 Samuel 5:6-12 - The Philistines Afflicted with Tumors")). "Scab" and "itch" represent chronic, irritating skin conditions that would bring constant discomfort and social stigma in a society where skin diseases often carried implications of ritual impurity. The combination of these specific ailments paints a vivid picture of comprehensive physical misery and public disgrace, designed to underscore the severity and inescapability of divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:27, with its terrifying pronouncement of incurable physical curses for disobedience, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Mosaic Law, including its curses, served to highlight humanity's utter inability to perfectly obey God and thus escape the just judgment for sin. The "incurability" of the diseases mentioned in this verse points to the spiritual incurability of humanity's sin problem—a condition no human effort or remedy could ever heal. However, Christ, as the ultimate Lamb of God, entered into this cursed reality. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'" He bore the full weight of the curses of the law, including the physical and spiritual consequences of sin, on the cross. The "botch" and "emerods" of sin's judgment were laid upon Him, as [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed") prophesied, "by His stripes we are healed." Through His suffering, Jesus absorbed the divine wrath and the physical manifestations of sin's curse, offering true and lasting healing—not just from physical ailments, but from the spiritual sickness of sin itself. He is the Great Physician who can heal what no human remedy can, transforming the curse into an eternal blessing for all who believe in Him ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")).

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

1 Samuel 5:6

¶ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Leviticus 21:20

Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken;

Deuteronomy 28:35

The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

Exodus 9:9

And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth [with] blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.

Exodus 9:11

And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.

1 Samuel 5:12

And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven.