Deuteronomy 28:30

KJV

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt betroth {H781} a wife {H802}, and another {H312} man {H376} shall lie {H7901}{H7693} with her: thou shalt build {H1129} an house {H1004}, and thou shalt not dwell {H3427} therein: thou shalt plant {H5193} a vineyard {H3754}, and shalt not gather the grapes {H2490} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will get engaged to a woman, but another man will marry her. You will build a house but not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but not use its fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build a house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not use the fruit thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:30 serves as a profoundly poignant and severe warning within the extensive catalog of covenant curses, vividly illustrating the devastating consequences of Israel's disobedience to God's commands. This verse details a triple tragedy of unfulfilled hopes and profound personal violation: the betrothed wife taken by another, the built house left uninhabited, and the planted vineyard yielding no harvest. It powerfully conveys a state of utter futility, dispossession, and deep humiliation, serving as a stark reminder of the breakdown of divine order and blessing when a nation deviates from its covenantal commitment to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 constitutes the climactic chapter of Moses's second address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. It functions as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, meticulously outlining the abundant blessings that would follow obedience to God's Law, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"), and the far more extensive and terrifying curses that would inevitably result from disobedience, found in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Verse 30 is strategically embedded deep within the curses section, specifically among those detailing personal and societal collapse, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine judgment. It follows a series of curses related to disease, military defeat, and siege, intensifying the sense of personal loss, shame, and public dishonor that would befall the covenant-breaking nation. The parallel structure of these curses, including the specific examples in this verse, powerfully highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's actions and God's sovereign response, underscoring the absolute seriousness of their covenant obligations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, almost equivalent to marriage, with sexual relations before the wedding considered a grave offense. The violation of a betrothed woman by another man was an act of profound dishonor to both her and her future husband, striking at the very core of family integrity, a man's honor, and his lineage. Building a house and planting a vineyard were not merely economic activities; they were significant acts of establishing a family, securing one's future, and demonstrating prosperity, permanence, and a settled life. A man's identity, status, and legacy were intrinsically tied to his land, his home, and his ability to provide for his family and enjoy the fruits of his labor. To be denied the enjoyment of these foundational achievements—a home, a family, and a livelihood—represented the ultimate reversal of blessing and a complete breakdown of societal norms. Such a state signaled divine judgment that stripped away every source of security, dignity, and personal fulfillment, leaving the individual and the nation exposed and vulnerable.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:30 powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Covenant Faithfulness and Consequences**, where the verse explicitly details the tragic outcomes of breaking the covenant with Yahweh. It vividly portrays **Futility and Dispossession**, demonstrating that human effort, no matter how diligent or well-intentioned, becomes meaningless and unproductive when divine blessing is withdrawn. This echoes similar lamentations found in other prophetic books, such as [Amos 5:11](/amos/5-11 "Amos 5:11 - Building but Not Dwelling") and [Micah 6:15](/micah/6-15 "Micah 6:15 - Planting but Not Harvesting"), which decry conditions of unfulfilled labor. The verse also underscores the theme of **Humiliation and Dishonor**, particularly through the violation of the betrothed wife, which was a profound societal shame and a direct assault on a man's reputation and family line. Finally, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting that these misfortunes are not random occurrences but direct manifestations of God's righteous judgment against a rebellious people, emphasizing His ultimate control over all aspects of human life and the severe consequences of rejecting His authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Betroth (Hebrew, _ʼâras'_):** This verb (H781) signifies the formal, legally binding act of engagement or betrothal in ancient Israel. Unlike modern engagements, it was a covenantal agreement that made the couple legally husband and wife, though they did not yet live together. Sexual infidelity during this period was considered adultery, punishable by death. The curse, therefore, highlights not just a future loss but a violation of an already established, sacred bond, making the subsequent act of "lying with her" an ultimate act of theft and profound dishonor, striking at the very foundation of societal order and personal dignity.
* **Lie with her (Hebrew, _shâgal'_):** This is a strong and often violent verb (H7693), typically used to describe sexual violation, often implying rape or forced intercourse, particularly in contexts of conquest or humiliation (e.g., [Isaiah 13:16](/isaiah/13-16 "Isaiah 13:16 - Violation in Conquest") or [Jeremiah 3:2](/jeremiah/3-2 "Jeremiah 3:2 - Prostitution and Violation")). Its use here emphasizes the brutal, involuntary, and deeply humiliating nature of the act, underscoring the complete powerlessness and public shame that would befall the disobedient man. It signifies a complete breakdown of personal security and the sanctity of marriage, a direct assault on a man's honor and legacy.
* **Gather the grapes (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** In the context of a vineyard, this verb (H2490) literally means "to profane" or "to make common." According to Israelite law, the fruit of a newly planted vineyard was considered "uncircumcised" for the first three years and forbidden. In the fourth year, the fruit was holy to the Lord. Only in the fifth year could the owner "profane" or "make common" the fruit, meaning he could then eat it (see [Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23-25 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Laws for Fruit Trees")). Thus, "shalt not gather the grapes thereof" using _châlal_ implies not even reaching the point of being able to legally or ritually "profane" and enjoy the fruit, signifying a total denial of the expected reward for one's labor, even the initial, sacred enjoyment. It speaks to a complete futility of effort and a reversal of the expected blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her:"** This clause speaks to the profound personal and familial violation. Betrothal was a sacred, legally binding commitment, the very foundation of a family and lineage in ancient Israel. The act of "another man" violating this bond represents the ultimate dishonor, stripping the man of his dignity, his future family, and his legacy. It signifies a complete loss of control over one's most intimate and cherished relationships, a public shaming that profoundly undermines his very identity and standing in ancient Israelite society.
* **"thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein:"** This clause highlights the futility of human effort and the denial of security. Building a house (H1004, _bayith_) was a significant investment of time, resources, and labor (H1129, _bânâh_), symbolizing establishment, stability, and a place of rest and belonging. To complete such a monumental task only to be denied the enjoyment of living in it (H3427, _yâshab_) represents a crushing disappointment and a profound lack of security. It implies dispossession, perhaps by invaders, creditors, or other forces, leaving the builder homeless despite his diligent efforts.
* **"thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof."** This final clause underscores economic ruin and the denial of the fruits of one's labor. Planting a vineyard (H3754, _kerem_) was a long-term investment (H5193, _nâṭaʻ_), requiring years of patient cultivation before yielding a harvest. The expectation was to enjoy the wine and grapes, which represented prosperity, joy, and the reward of hard work. To plant and tend a vineyard only to be prevented from gathering its produce signifies a complete loss of livelihood, economic instability, and a life devoid of the satisfaction that comes from enjoying the results of one's diligent labor.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark and terrifying message. **Parallelism** is strikingly evident in the tripartite structure of the verse, where each clause follows a consistent pattern of an intended positive action (betroth a wife, build a house, plant a vineyard) immediately followed by a negative, devastating consequence (another man lies with her, not dwell therein, not gather the grapes thereof). This repetitive structure emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of the curses, demonstrating that no area of life—personal intimacy, domestic security, or economic prosperity—would be spared. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the very acts that signify establishment, joy, and security (marriage, home, livelihood) are precisely what become sources of profound loss, humiliation, and futility. The expected outcomes are cruelly reversed, turning aspirations into ashes. The verse also utilizes potent **Symbolism**, with the wife, house, and vineyard serving as powerful representations of prosperity, family continuity, personal honor, and the fruitfulness of life. Their violation or denial thus symbolizes the complete unraveling of a blessed existence. Finally, the cumulative effect of these specific, devastating examples creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme consequence, designed to impress upon the hearers the absolute seriousness of covenant disobedience and the terrifying scope of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:30 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that blessings and curses are inextricably linked to covenant faithfulness. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human endeavors and His unwavering commitment to upholding the terms of His covenant. When Israel departed from the Lord, the very things they sought to establish for security, joy, and legacy would be stripped away, turning their efforts into futility and their lives into a spectacle of dishonor. This is not arbitrary punishment but the natural, divinely ordained consequence of breaking a sacred relationship, demonstrating God's justice and His intolerance for sin. The verse serves as a stark reminder that true security and fulfillment come only through alignment with God's will and reliance on His provision, rather than solely on human effort or material possessions. It highlights the precariousness of life when divine favor is withdrawn, emphasizing the critical importance of a right relationship with God for all aspects of human flourishing and the enjoyment of His blessings.

* [Leviticus 26:16](/leviticus/26-16 "Leviticus 26:16 - Sowing in Vain")
* [Amos 5:11](/amos/5-11 "Amos 5:11 - Building Houses, Not Dwelling")
* [Micah 6:15](/micah/6-15 "Micah 6:15 - Sowing, Not Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:30, though rooted in the Old Covenant, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in the life of faith today. It serves as a powerful reminder that true security, fulfillment, and the ability to enjoy the fruits of our labor are ultimately gifts from God, contingent upon our spiritual alignment and faithfulness to Him. When we prioritize our own desires over God's commands, or when we neglect our spiritual walk, we risk experiencing a profound sense of futility, dissatisfaction, and a lack of true blessing, even if we are outwardly successful by worldly standards. This verse challenges us to examine the foundations upon which we build our lives, our relationships, and our pursuits. Are we seeking to establish our own kingdoms, or are we building upon the rock of Christ? It calls us to cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's provision and protection, recognizing that our ability to enjoy life's blessings is not solely a result of our own efforts but a gracious endowment from the Lord. Ultimately, it warns against spiritual apathy and disobedience, urging us to remain vigilant in our walk with God, lest we find our most cherished aspirations turning to dust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of success, security, and personal achievement?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be "building" or "planting" without truly seeking God's blessing and guidance?**
* **What does "dispossession" or "futility" look like in a spiritual sense for believers today?**
* **How does the concept of divine judgment, as seen in this verse, inform our view of God's character and His holiness?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our efforts are aligned with God's will, leading to true and lasting fruitfulness?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse a literal prediction for every disobedient Israelite, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the curses are described in vivid, literal terms, they function primarily as representative examples illustrating the *principle* of severe consequences for national disobedience to the covenant. It's not a guarantee that every single disobedient Israelite would personally experience all three specific misfortunes outlined in this verse. Rather, it paints a comprehensive picture of the profound societal and personal breakdown, loss, and humiliation that would collectively befall the nation if it turned away from God. The curses are designed to be a powerful deterrent, emphasizing the gravity of the covenant and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, affecting every sphere of life from the most intimate relationships to economic prosperity.

**How does this verse, with its harsh curses, reconcile with God's love and mercy?**

Answer: The curses in Deuteronomy, including verse 30, are part of a covenant established by a holy God with His chosen people. They highlight God's justice and His absolute intolerance for sin, particularly the sin of covenant infidelity. While severe, these warnings are given out of love, intended to impress upon Israel the seriousness of their commitment and to motivate them to obedience, thereby preserving their relationship with God and ensuring their flourishing in the Promised Land. The purpose of the curses was not merely punishment but also a means of discipline designed to lead to repentance and restoration. God's mercy is seen in His patience and His repeated calls to repentance, even after the curses began to be fulfilled. The severity of the curses underscores the immense value God places on faithfulness and the profound consequences of rejecting His gracious offer of life and blessing.

**Does Deuteronomy 28:30 have any relevance or application for Christians today, who are under the New Covenant?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Old Covenant Law or its specific curses, the underlying *principles* of Deuteronomy 28:30 remain profoundly relevant. The verse illustrates that choices have consequences, and that a life lived apart from God's will, or in spiritual disobedience, can lead to a sense of futility, unfulfilled aspirations, and a lack of true satisfaction. It reminds us that our ability to enjoy the "fruit" of our labors—whether in relationships, work, or spiritual endeavors—is ultimately dependent on God's blessing and our alignment with His purposes. It calls believers to spiritual vigilance, faithfulness, and a recognition that true security and lasting joy are found only in Christ, who established a [better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") with His blood. Just as disobedience brought futility to Israel, spiritual apathy or rebellion can diminish the joy and fruitfulness of a Christian's life, even if not in the exact same physical manifestations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:30, with its stark portrayal of covenant curses, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Law's curses, including the profound futility and dispossession described here, pointed to humanity's inherent inability to perfectly keep God's commands and the inevitable judgment for sin. However, [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us." Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly bore the full weight of the Law's condemnation, enduring the ultimate dispossession and humiliation on the cross, so that believers might be freed from the spiritual futility and judgment depicted in Deuteronomy.

Where the disobedient Israelite would build and not dwell, Jesus is the one who truly builds His church, the spiritual house where believers dwell securely in Him ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church"); [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Where the vineyard planter would not gather, Jesus is the true vine, and those who abide in Him bear abundant spiritual fruit that lasts ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus the True Vine")). And where the betrothed wife would be violated, symbolizing ultimate dishonor, Christ, as the Bridegroom, secures His bride, the Church, with an unbreakable covenant of grace, presenting her without spot or blemish ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus transforms the curse of futility into a promise of lasting fruitfulness and an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope, an Imperishable Inheritance")). In Him, our labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor in the Lord Not in Vain")), for He has secured our eternal dwelling, our spiritual harvest, and our unblemished honor before God.

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

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Jeremiah 8:10

Therefore will I give their wives unto others, [and] their fields to them that shall inherit [them]: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Job 31:10

[Then] let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.

Jeremiah 12:13

They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, [but] shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 20:6

And what man [is he] that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not [yet] eaten of it? let him [also] go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

Deuteronomy 20:7

And what man [is there] that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

Lamentations 5:2

Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.