Deuteronomy 28:38

KJV

Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather [but] little in; for the locust shall consume it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt carry {H3318} much {H7227} seed {H2233} out {H3318} into the field {H7704}, and shalt gather {H622} but little {H4592} in {H622}; for the locust {H697} shall consume {H2628} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You will carry much seed out to the field but gather little in, because locusts will devour it.

Berean Standard Bible

You will sow much seed in the field but harvest little, because the locusts will consume it.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather little in; for the locust shall consume it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:38 serves as a stark warning within the covenant curses, illustrating the devastating consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. It vividly portrays a scenario where diligent agricultural labor, involving the sowing of "much seed," is rendered utterly futile, yielding "but little" in return. This agricultural catastrophe is explicitly attributed to the destructive power of the "locust," signifying a direct, divinely orchestrated judgment that underscores God's sovereign control over creation and the outcomes of human endeavor when His protective hand is withdrawn due to covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:38 is situated within the climactic "blessings and curses" section of Deuteronomy, spanning from [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience") to [Deuteronomy 28:68](/deuteronomy/28-68 "Deuteronomy 28:68 - Curses for Disobedience"). This chapter concludes Moses' second major discourse, outlining the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Verses 1-14 detail the abundant blessings contingent on obedience, while verses 15-68 enumerate the severe curses for disobedience. Verse 38 falls squarely within this latter, longer section, specifically addressing agricultural devastation—a foundational element of Israel's economy and sustenance. The inclusion of the locust plague here emphasizes that even the most fundamental aspects of their livelihood would be directly impacted by their spiritual fidelity, reinforcing the direct link between their covenant relationship with God and their material well-being. This curse is part of a series of judgments designed to highlight the comprehensive nature of divine retribution for rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, where life revolved around the agricultural cycle. The success of their harvests was paramount for survival, economic stability, and even their national identity, as the Promised Land was depicted as "a land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). Locust plagues were a terrifying and well-known natural disaster in the ancient Near East, capable of obliterating entire fields, vineyards, and orchards in a matter of hours or days. These swarms could be so dense as to darken the sky, leaving behind a landscape stripped bare of all vegetation. For the Israelites, the threat of locusts, as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 28:38](/deuteronomy/28-38 "Deuteronomy 28:38 - Locusts Consuming the Harvest"), was not merely a hypothetical natural phenomenon but a very real, existential threat that directly impacted their food security and economic viability. In their worldview, such calamities were often interpreted as direct manifestations of divine displeasure or judgment, reinforcing the absolute necessity of maintaining covenant faithfulness to ensure God's blessing and protection over their land and livelihoods.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His absolute control over creation. The locust plague is not a random occurrence but a divinely appointed instrument of judgment, emphasizing God's justice in response to covenant unfaithfulness, a theme echoed in prophetic warnings like those found in [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - Devastation by Locusts"). Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Effort Apart from God's Blessing**. Despite the diligent labor of sowing "much seed," the outcome is meager, illustrating that human toil, however arduous, is ultimately unproductive and vain without God's favor and protection. This principle extends beyond agriculture to all aspects of life, emphasizing a profound **Dependence on God's Provision** for true prosperity and success. Finally, it reinforces the **Conditional Nature of the Mosaic Covenant**, where blessings and curses are direct outcomes of Israel's adherence to or deviation from the terms established at Sinai, a foundational concept throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 11:26-28](/deuteronomy/11-26-28 "Deuteronomy 11:26-28 - Blessing and Curse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ_):** This word (H2233) refers to the literal seed sown in the field, which is the foundation of the harvest. Figuratively, it can also denote fruit, plant, sowing-time, or even posterity. In this context, "much seed" emphasizes the significant investment of labor, resources, and hope placed into the agricultural endeavor, setting up a stark contrast with the meager return.
* **Carry out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_):** This primitive root (H3318) means "to go (causatively, bring) out." Here, it describes the act of taking the seed from storage and spreading it into the field. It implies intentional action, effort, and the expectation of a future yield, highlighting the human side of the agricultural process that will be frustrated by divine judgment.
* **Consume (Hebrew, _châçal_):** This primitive root (H2628) means "to eat off" or "consume." It vividly describes the destructive action of the locusts, leaving nothing behind. The use of this word emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of the devastation, ensuring that the labor of sowing is utterly wasted, leaving the people with nothing.
* **Locust (Hebrew, _ʼarbeh_):** This term (H697) refers to a specific type of migratory grasshopper, known for its rapid increase and devastating swarms. In biblical contexts, the _ʼarbeh_ is consistently depicted as an instrument of divine judgment, capable of consuming all vegetation and leaving behind utter desolation. Its appearance in this curse signifies a complete and inescapable destruction of agricultural produce, highlighting the severity and totality of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field":** This clause describes the diligent and hopeful effort of the farmer. It implies significant labor, investment, and expectation, as sowing "much seed" is a prerequisite for a potentially bountiful harvest. It sets up a stark contrast with the outcome, emphasizing that even maximum human effort will be rendered fruitless.
* **"and shalt gather [but] little in":** This phrase reveals the tragic and disappointing result of the farmer's labor. Despite the extensive sowing, the yield is minimal, indicating a catastrophic failure of the harvest. The "little" gathered in signifies not just a poor yield, but a yield insufficient for sustenance, leading to scarcity, hardship, and a profound sense of futility.
* **"for the locust shall consume it":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for the agricultural failure. The locust, a symbol and agent of divine judgment, is identified as the direct cause of the ruined harvest. This highlights God's sovereign control over natural elements and His use of them to enforce the covenant, making the disaster a direct consequence of disobedience rather than a random misfortune.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:38 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment and the futility of disobedience. **Juxtaposition** is central, dramatically contrasting the hopeful act of sowing "much seed" with the dismal reality of gathering "little in," thereby amplifying the sense of loss and wasted effort. This contrast also creates a powerful sense of **Irony**, where the very actions intended to produce abundance lead to scarcity. The phrase "locust shall consume it" serves as a powerful instance of **Metonymy**, where the locust represents not just the insect itself, but the broader concept of divine judgment, the complete destruction that accompanies it, and the famine that results. The entire verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Warning**, detailing a future calamity as if it were a certainty, designed to instill fear and encourage immediate obedience. The vivid imagery of the "locust" also acts as **Symbolism**, representing an overwhelming, unstoppable force of destruction, directly linked to God's displeasure and the breaking of the covenant. The concise, declarative nature of the verse contributes to its **Didactic** purpose, serving as a clear and unforgettable lesson about the direct consequences of covenant infidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:38 profoundly illustrates the principle that God's blessing is the ultimate source of prosperity and that disobedience inevitably leads to futility and loss. This concept transcends the specific agricultural context, revealing a universal truth about the spiritual and material consequences of our relationship with God. The verse underscores God's active involvement in the world, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His willingness to use natural phenomena as instruments of judgment or blessing. It reminds us that human effort, however diligent, is ultimately dependent on divine favor for its fruitfulness, a theme echoed throughout Scripture concerning both material provision and spiritual endeavor. The devastating impact of the locusts serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is not abstract but can manifest in tangible, life-altering ways, compelling His people to walk in faithfulness and recognize that true security and abundance flow from obedience to His covenant.

* [Leviticus 26:16](/leviticus/26-16 "Leviticus 26:16 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Haggai 1:6](/haggai/1-6 "Haggai 1:6 - Sowing Much, Bringing Little")
* [Malachi 3:11](/malachi/3-11 "Malachi 3:11 - Rebuke of the Devourer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:38 serves as a timeless reminder that our diligent efforts, whether in our careers, ministries, or personal lives, can be rendered fruitless if we are out of alignment with God's will. It challenges us to examine the underlying spiritual condition of our hearts and actions. Are we sowing "much seed" in areas that God has not blessed, or are we neglecting the foundational principles of His Word? True spiritual and material abundance flows from a life of obedience and dependence on God. This verse calls us to recognize that while hard work is commendable, it is God who ultimately "gives the increase" ([1 Corinthians 3:7](/1_corinthians/3-7 "1 Corinthians 3:7 - God Gives the Increase")). When we operate outside of His favor, our labor can feel like pushing against a current, leading to exhaustion and minimal returns. It compels us to seek God's wisdom and blessing in all our endeavors, understanding that His protection and provision are far more critical than the quantity of our effort alone. It invites us to consider if our pursuit of worldly success or personal ambition has inadvertently led us away from the source of true fruitfulness, prompting a re-evaluation of our priorities and a renewed commitment to seeking God's kingdom first.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel like I am "sowing much seed but gathering little in"?**
* **How might my current spiritual alignment (or misalignment) with God's will be impacting the fruitfulness of my efforts?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a deeper dependence on God's blessing and align my actions more closely with His commands?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of success and productivity in a world that often prioritizes human effort above divine favor?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all natural disasters are a direct punishment from God for individual sin?**

Answer: While [Deuteronomy 28:38](/deuteronomy/28-38 "Deuteronomy 28:38 - Locusts Consuming the Harvest") clearly presents the locust plague as a specific divine judgment for Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, it's crucial to interpret this within its historical and theological context. In the Old Testament, particularly within the covenant framework of the Pentateuch, there was often a direct, immediate correlation between Israel's obedience or disobedience and national blessings or curses, including natural phenomena. However, applying this directly to every individual natural disaster today is an oversimplification. The New Testament and broader biblical theology reveal a more complex understanding of suffering and natural calamities. While God is sovereign over all creation and can use natural events for His purposes (e.g., [Amos 4:9](/amos/4-9 "Amos 4:9 - Famine and Locusts")), not every instance of a natural disaster is a direct, punitive judgment on specific individual sin. Sometimes, they are part of a fallen world's brokenness ([Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")), or they can serve to refine faith ([1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Testing of Faith")), or even to reveal God's glory ([John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Neither Sinned")). This verse primarily highlights God's covenantal faithfulness to Israel and the severe consequences of their national rebellion, serving as a powerful warning to a people on the brink of entering their promised inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:38, with its stark depiction of futility resulting from covenant disobedience, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore its curses on our behalf. Israel's failure to keep the covenant, leading to the devastating consequences illustrated by the consuming locusts, pointed to humanity's inherent inability to achieve righteousness through works. Jesus, as the true Israel, perfectly obeyed God's will, not sowing "much seed" for a meager return, but perfectly fulfilling the divine requirements. He then became the ultimate "seed" sown into the earth, dying to produce abundant life ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - A Grain of Wheat Must Die")). Through His sacrifice on the cross, He took upon Himself the curse of the Law that we deserved ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), effectively breaking the curse of futility and barrenness symbolized by the locust's consumption. For those in Christ, the condemnation of the Law is removed, and we are no longer subject to its devastating consequences. Instead, through faith in Him, we receive the promised blessings of spiritual fruitfulness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")) and eternal life, ensuring that our labor "in the Lord" is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labor Not in Vain")). He transforms the curse into blessing, allowing us to bear much fruit for God's glory, protected from the consuming power of sin and death, and secured in the abundance of His grace ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me, Bear Much Fruit")).

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

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

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.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Amos 4:9

I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured [them]: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Amos 7:1

¶ Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, [it was] the latter growth after the king's mowings.

Amos 7:2

And it came to pass, [that] when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he [is] small.