Deuteronomy 28:53

KJV

And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt eat {H398} the fruit {H6529} of thine own body {H990}, the flesh {H1320} of thy sons {H1121} and of thy daughters {H1323}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath given {H5414} thee, in the siege {H4692}, and in the straitness {H4689}, wherewith thine enemies {H341} shall distress {H6693} thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, because of the severity of the siege and distress that your enemies are inflicting on you, you will eat the offspring of your own body, the flesh of your own sons and daughters, whom ADONAI your God has given you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters whom the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, whom Jehovah thy God hath given thee, in the siege and in the distress wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:53 delivers one of the most harrowing and graphic warnings within the covenant curses, painting a vivid picture of the ultimate degradation and desperation that would befall Israel for persistent disobedience. It prophesies that in the extreme famine brought on by relentless enemy sieges, the people would resort to the unthinkable act of cannibalizing their own children—the "fruit of their body"—a stark reversal of God's blessing of fruitfulness and a profound symbol of utter societal collapse and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic chapter of Moses's final address to Israel on the plains of Moab, immediately preceding their entry into the Promised Land. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") serves as the capstone of the covenant renewal ceremony, presenting a stark and absolute dichotomy: abundant blessings for covenant fidelity, detailed in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"), and severe, progressively intensifying curses for disobedience, outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Verse 53 stands as one of the most dreadful in this escalating list, designed to impress upon the Israelites the absolute seriousness of their commitment to Yahweh and the dire consequences of apostasy. It represents the nadir of human suffering and moral decay, a complete inversion of the covenant promise of life, prosperity, and security in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, siege warfare was a common and devastating military tactic. Armies would encircle cities, cutting off all food and water supplies, aiming to starve the inhabitants into submission. Such prolonged sieges inevitably led to horrific famines, where all normal societal rules and human decency often broke down. Cannibalism, particularly of one's own children, was the ultimate taboo, universally condemned across cultures as the most extreme form of human degradation. It signified a complete collapse of natural affection, familial bonds, and human dignity. The inclusion of this curse in Deuteronomy served as a powerful deterrent, drawing upon the deepest human fears to underscore the absolute necessity of covenant loyalty to the God who had delivered Israel from slavery and promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, a land whose blessing was entirely conditional upon their obedience.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - The Curse of Cannibalism") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the Deuteronomic covenant. Firstly, it highlights the **seriousness of covenant disobedience**, demonstrating that turning away from God leads not merely to inconvenience but to catastrophic, existential breakdown. The curses are presented as the natural, albeit divinely ordained, outcome of rejecting the source of life and blessing. Secondly, it vividly portrays **extreme human desperation and the reversal of blessing**. Children, typically seen as a divine blessing and a sign of prosperity, become a source of sustenance in the most horrific way imaginable, symbolizing the complete undoing of God's promise of fruitfulness, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:13](/deuteronomy/7-13 "Deuteronomy 7:13 - Blessings of Fruitfulness"). Finally, while terrifying, this curse also speaks to the **depth of God's righteous judgment** against persistent rebellion. It serves as an unshakeable warning, revealing that God's covenant is not to be trifled with, and His justice, though severe, is a consequence of His holiness in the face of profound and sustained apostasy, a theme echoed in prophetic warnings of judgment like [Jeremiah 19:9](/jeremiah/19-9 "Jeremiah 19:9 - Eating Flesh in Siege") and [Ezekiel 5:10](/ezekiel/5-10 "Ezekiel 5:10 - Parents Eating Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies consumption, both literally and figuratively. In this context, it refers to the literal act of consuming food, but its application here to human flesh, specifically that of one's own children, transforms it into an act of ultimate desperation and depravity. The word underscores the reversal of life-giving sustenance into death-dealing survival, highlighting the complete breakdown of natural order and divine provision.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** This term refers to the soft substance of the body, encompassing both human and animal flesh. While often used in the Old Testament to denote the physical body or humanity in general, its use here in the context of consumption, particularly of one's own offspring, brings out its most gruesome and shocking connotation. It emphasizes the tangible, visceral horror of the curse, stripping away all dignity and natural affection.
* **Siege (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr'_):** This word describes the military encirclement of a city, cutting off all external supplies and communications. It evokes a sense of entrapment, suffocation, and relentless pressure. The "siege" is presented as the direct external cause of the "straitness" and famine described, highlighting the hostile forces that God would allow to afflict His disobedient people, turning their promised security into a literal prison of despair and starvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body":** This opening clause immediately introduces the shocking and unnatural act of cannibalism. The phrase "fruit of thine own body" is a poignant euphemism for children, emphasizing their preciousness as the natural offspring and blessing from God. Its use here intensifies the horror, highlighting the ultimate breakdown of familial bonds and natural affection under extreme duress, signifying a complete reversal of the divine blessing of procreation and family.
* **"the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters":** This specifies the "fruit of thine own body," leaving no ambiguity about the victims. It underscores the profound depravity and desperation, as parents would turn on their most vulnerable and beloved, a direct affront to the covenant's emphasis on cherishing life and family, and a perversion of the very act of parenting.
* **"which the LORD thy God hath given thee":** This parenthetical clause adds a layer of tragic irony and profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder that these children are not merely offspring but cherished gifts from Yahweh, the covenant God. The act of consuming them is therefore not only an atrocity against humanity but also a sacrilege against the divine Giver, illustrating the depth of the judgment and the extent to which Israel would have alienated themselves from God's protective and benevolent hand.
* **"in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee":** This final clause provides the dire context and immediate cause for such extreme behavior. The "siege" (military blockade) and "straitness" (extreme distress, famine, and deprivation, from H4689 _mâtsôwq_) are the conditions imposed by enemies, acting as instruments of God's judgment. This highlights the conditional nature of the covenant: God's protection would be withdrawn, allowing external forces to bring about the curses for disobedience, leading to unimaginable suffering and moral collapse.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:53 employs several potent literary devices to convey its horrifying message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme nature of the curse; while tragically fulfilled in history, its inclusion serves to shock and impress upon the hearers the absolute severity of covenant violation. The language is designed to evoke profound fear and revulsion, ensuring the warning is unforgettable. There is profound **Irony** in the phrase "fruit of thine own body, which the LORD thy God hath given thee." Children, typically seen as the ultimate blessing and a sign of God's favor and fruitfulness, become the very means of survival in the most desperate and cursed circumstances, representing a horrifying perversion of life itself. This also functions as powerful **Symbolism**, where the act of cannibalism symbolizes the complete breakdown of the covenant relationship, societal order, and human morality. The "siege" and "straitness" are not just physical conditions but also symbolic of the spiritual and existential pressure that comes from being cut off from God's blessing and protection. The vivid, visceral imagery constitutes a powerful form of **Pathos**, designed to elicit a strong emotional response and underscore the gravity of the choice between obedience and disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:53 serves as a chilling testament to the absolute holiness of God and the profound seriousness of His covenant. It underscores that God's blessings are conditional upon faithful adherence to His commands, and His justice is a terrifying reality for those who persistently rebel against His gracious rule. This verse reveals the depth of human depravity when stripped of divine restraint and sustenance, showing how far humanity can fall when separated from the life-giving presence of God. It is a stark reminder that true security and prosperity come not from human strength or resources, but from unwavering trust and obedience to the Lord. The curse also highlights the interconnectedness of sin and suffering, demonstrating that spiritual disobedience has tangible, devastating consequences in the physical realm, leading to societal collapse and unimaginable personal anguish.

* [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Parallel Warning of Cannibalism in Covenant Curses")
* [2 Kings 6:29](/2_kings/6-29 "Cannibalism During the Siege of Samaria")
* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Mothers Eating Children During Jerusalem's Siege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the graphic nature of Deuteronomy 28:53 is deeply shocking, its enduring message transcends its ancient context, offering profound spiritual insights for today. It serves as a powerful warning that spiritual rebellion and persistent disobedience to God's revealed will can lead to a state of profound spiritual "straitness" and desolation, where the very blessings God has given us can become sources of anguish or be perverted. It reminds us that true life and flourishing are found only in covenant relationship with God, and that turning away from Him invites a reversal of His intended good. For believers today, this verse underscores the seriousness of sin and the immense value of living in faithful obedience, not out of fear of such literal curses, but out of love for the God who has redeemed us. It prompts us to consider what "fruit of our body"—our talents, resources, relationships, or even our spiritual gifts—we might be tempted to "consume" or pervert when we are under spiritual "siege" by the world, the flesh, or the devil, rather than trusting in God's provision and deliverance. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure our deepest needs are met by God, not by desperate, self-destructive measures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our modern understanding of God's character, particularly His justice in relation to His love and mercy?**
* **In what spiritual ways might we, today, "eat the fruit of our own body" when we abandon God's wisdom for our own desperate or self-serving measures?**
* **What "sieges" or "straitness" in our lives or society might be a consequence of collective or individual disobedience to God's principles?**
* **How does the horror and severity of this curse highlight the immense grace and radical mercy extended to us through Christ's atoning work?**

### FAQ

**Did this prophecy of cannibalism actually come true in Israel's history?**

Answer: Tragically, yes. The horrific scenario described in [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - The Curse of Cannibalism") was fulfilled on several occasions when Israel faced severe judgment due to their disobedience. Historical accounts from the Old Testament record instances of such extreme famine and cannibalism during sieges. Notably, during the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, a woman appealed to the king because another woman had reneged on their agreement to eat their children, as recorded in [2 Kings 6:24-29](/2_kings/6-24-29 "2 Kings 6:24-29 - Famine and Cannibalism in Samaria"). Even more famously, during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah laments this very horror, stating, "With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the ruin of my people" in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Mothers Eating Their Children"). Josephus, the Jewish historian, also records similar events during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, confirming the historical fulfillment of this dreadful prophecy.

**What does this verse tell us about God's character? Is He a cruel God?**

Answer: This verse, while undeniably shocking and horrific, reveals profound aspects of God's character: His absolute holiness, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and the profound seriousness of human sin and rebellion. It is not an arbitrary act of cruelty but a dire warning within a conditional covenant, where the consequences are directly tied to Israel's choices. God, who is the source of all life and blessing, outlines the ultimate reversal of those blessings when His people persistently turn away from Him. The severity of the curse underscores the immense value God places on obedience and faithfulness, demonstrating that He will allow His people to experience the full, natural consequences of abandoning Him, even if those consequences are horrific, to demonstrate the gravity of their choices and to call them back to repentance. Ultimately, it highlights that God is just and righteous, and His warnings are meant to lead to life, not death, by impressing upon His people the necessity of faithful devotion.

**How is this verse relevant for Christians today, who are under grace and not the Law?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the literal curses of the Old Covenant Law, [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - The Curse of Cannibalism") remains profoundly relevant as a spiritual principle and a powerful illustration. Spiritually, it serves as a vivid depiction of the devastating consequences of spiritual rebellion and persistent sin. Just as physical disobedience led to a "siege" and "straitness" for Israel, spiritual disobedience can lead to a "famine" of God's presence, a breakdown of spiritual vitality, and a perversion of the blessings God has given us. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of living in obedience to God's revealed will, not to earn salvation, but as an expression of our love and trust in Him. It also highlights the ultimate "straitness" of being separated from God, from which Christ has delivered us, and the preciousness of the spiritual "food" He provides. It reminds us that while the *form* of the curse has changed, the *principle* that sin leads to death and brokenness remains eternally true.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:53, in its terrifying depiction of the ultimate curse of the Law, powerfully foreshadows the profound "straitness" and spiritual famine from which humanity desperately needed deliverance, and points to the radical, redemptive solution found in Christ. The Law, with its severe blessings and curses, revealed humanity's utter inability to perfectly obey God and thus escape judgment. The ultimate "fruit of the body" that was consumed, not in a literal act of cannibalism but in a profound spiritual sense, was not a child of Israel, but the very Son of God, Jesus Christ. He willingly became a curse for us, bearing the full weight of divine judgment. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He endured the ultimate "siege" of sin and death on the cross, experiencing the profound "straitness" of God's wrath, so that we might be delivered from the spiritual anguish and condemnation that our disobedience deserved ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Furthermore, the horrific act of consuming "the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters" is inverted and gloriously redeemed in the New Covenant, where believers are called to spiritually "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood" to gain eternal life and abide in Him, as taught in [John 6:53-58](/john/6-53-58 "John 6:53-58 - Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of the Son of Man"). Jesus, the true Bread of Life, offers Himself as the ultimate sustenance, delivering us from spiritual starvation and the curse of a broken covenant, providing true life and nourishment in place of the death and degradation brought by sin. He is the fulfillment of all God's promises, transforming the curse into blessing through His sacrifice.

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

Lamentations 4:10

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

Jeremiah 19:9

And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.

Leviticus 26:29

And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.

Lamentations 2:20

Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, [and] children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?

Deuteronomy 28:57

And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all [things] secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.

2 Kings 6:28

And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.

2 Kings 6:29

So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.