Deuteronomy 28:54

KJV

[So that] the man [that is] tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave:

KJV (with Strong's)

So that the man {H376} that is tender {H7390} among you, and very {H3966} delicate {H6028}, his eye {H5869} shall be evil {H3415} toward his brother {H251}, and toward the wife {H802} of his bosom {H2436}, and toward the remnant {H3499} of his children {H1121} which he shall leave {H3498}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Even the most gentle and sensitive man among you will be without pity for his brother, his beloved wife or his surviving children,

Berean Standard Bible

The most gentle and refined man among you will begrudge his brother, the wife he embraces, and the rest of his children who have survived,

American Standard Version

The man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children whom he hath remaining;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:54 is a stark prophetic warning within Moses' final discourse, depicting the horrific moral degradation that would afflict Israel if they persistently violated God's covenant. It portrays a society ravaged by siege and famine, where even the most privileged and gentle individuals would descend into such extreme desperation that natural affection would vanish, leading to utter selfishness and malevolence towards their closest family members—their siblings, spouses, and even their own children—in the desperate struggle for survival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the climactic "curses" section of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), specifically following the blessings for obedience (verses 1-14). [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") meticulously details the dire consequences of covenant infidelity, escalating from disease and defeat to famine and exile. Verses 49-53 describe the arrival of a ruthless foreign invader and the ensuing siege, which would lead to unimaginable privation, including the horrific act of cannibalism. Verse 54 then narrows the focus, illustrating the internal moral collapse within the family unit, setting the stage for the even more graphic descriptions of mothers consuming their children in [Deuteronomy 28:56-57](/deuteronomy/28-56 "Deuteronomy 28:56-57 - Cannibalism in Siege"). This progression emphasizes the total breakdown of societal and familial norms under divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Deuteronomy was delivered by Moses on the plains of Moab, just before Israel entered the Promised Land. It served as a covenant renewal document, reminding the new generation of their obligations to Yahweh. The warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") are deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern treaty forms, which typically included extensive blessings for loyalty and curses for disloyalty. The specific imagery of siege, famine, and cannibalism was a grim reality of ancient warfare, well-documented in the region. The "tender and delicate" man refers to someone accustomed to luxury and ease, highlighting that even the most sheltered would not be exempt from the horrors. The breakdown of family bonds was particularly shocking in a collectivist society where family was the fundamental social unit and source of security.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 28:54](/deuteronomy/28-54 "Deuteronomy 28:54 - The Evil Eye of Desperation") powerfully underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, revealing the dehumanizing depths to which a people can sink when they abandon their covenant with God. It vividly portrays **Extreme Desperation**, where the primal instinct for self-preservation utterly obliterates all natural affection and moral decency. This leads directly to the **Breakdown of Family Bonds**, as the most intimate relationships—between husband and wife, and parent and child—are shattered by overwhelming need. The phrase "his eye shall be evil toward" highlights a profound **Loss of Compassion and Generosity**, replaced by a selfish, envious, and malevolent disposition even towards one's closest kin, serving as a stark warning against the corrosive power of sin and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tender (Hebrew, רַךְ, _rakh_):** This word signifies softness, weakness, or gentleness. In this context, it describes someone not hardened by labor or adversity, implying a life of comfort and ease. The KJV's addition of "very delicate" (עָנֹג, _ʿānōg_) further emphasizes this, referring to someone pampered, luxurious, or effeminate. The combination highlights that even those accustomed to the finest things, typically associated with refinement and gentleness, would be driven to such extremes.
* **His eye shall be evil (Hebrew, עֵינוֹ רָעָה, _ʿêynōw rāʿah_):** This is a crucial Hebrew idiom. A "good eye" (טוֹבָה עֵינוֹ, _ṭôvâ ʿêynōw_) signifies generosity, benevolence, and contentment. Conversely, an "evil eye" denotes stinginess, envy, greed, malevolence, and a lack of compassion. It's not merely a look of anger, but a deep-seated disposition of selfishness that begrudges even the smallest portion to others, even one's closest family, guarding one's own meager provisions with hostile possessiveness.
* **Wife of his bosom (Hebrew, אֵשֶׁת חֵיקוֹ, _ʾēšet ḥêqōw_):** This phrase emphasizes the profound intimacy and cherished nature of the marital relationship. The "bosom" (חֵיק, _ḥêq_) refers to the chest, lap, or inner garment, symbolizing the closest and most protected place. To have an "evil eye" towards one's "wife of his bosom" signifies the ultimate betrayal and dissolution of the most sacred human bond, illustrating the extreme depravity brought on by the curses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate":** This clause sets the shocking premise, indicating that the coming horrors would not be confined to the hardened or desperate, but would corrupt even those of refined upbringing and privileged status. It underscores the pervasive and indiscriminate nature of the judgment.
* **"his eye shall be evil toward his brother":** This signifies a complete collapse of fraternal affection and communal solidarity. Instead of sharing or showing compassion, the individual would harbor a selfish, envious, and malevolent disposition, begrudging even a glance or a morsel to his own kin.
* **"and toward the wife of his bosom":** This phrase intensifies the horror, demonstrating the dissolution of the most intimate and foundational human bond—that between husband and wife. The man's "evil eye" would extend even to his most cherished companion, indicating an utter abandonment of love, protection, and shared existence.
* **"and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave":** This final clause paints the most tragic picture. The term "remnant" implies that some children may have already perished, highlighting the dire conditions. The "evil eye" towards his own surviving children, whom he might abandon or even worse, signifies the complete breakdown of parental love and responsibility, illustrating the ultimate depths of human depravity under extreme duress.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its chilling message. **Irony** is prominent, as the "tender and delicate" man, typically associated with refinement and gentleness, becomes the epitome of ruthlessness and selfishness. This **Contrast** highlights the extreme nature of the judgment, showing that no one, regardless of their background, would be immune to the moral decay. The phrase "his eye shall be evil" is a potent **Idiom** that functions as **Metonymy**, where the "eye" represents the entire disposition and moral character of the person, emphasizing their internal state of malevolence and stinginess. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery** of a society pushed to the brink, where basic human bonds are shattered, creating a sense of dread and urgency. Furthermore, the passage serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, grimly predicting the future sieges and famines that would indeed afflict Israel, such as those described in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Mothers Eating Children in Siege") during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:54 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, judgment, and human depravity. It vividly illustrates that persistent rebellion against God's covenant leads not only to external calamities but also to an internal moral collapse, eroding the very fabric of human relationships. The "evil eye" personifies the ultimate consequence of self-centeredness, where even the most fundamental bonds of love and compassion are sacrificed for individual survival. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the severe, yet just, consequences of rejecting His divine order, reminding us that true societal well-being is inextricably linked to covenant faithfulness.

* [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Leviticus 26:29 - Eating One's Children as a Curse")
* [Jeremiah 19:9](/jeremiah/19-9 "Jeremiah 19:9 - Eating Flesh in Siege")
* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Compassionate Women Boil Their Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific historical context of Deuteronomy 28:54 describes ancient judgments and extreme privation, its underlying principles offer timeless and sobering lessons for all generations. It compels us to consider the profound fragility of human society and morality when detached from divine principles. The verse serves as a stark warning against the insidious nature of selfishness and the ease with which compassion can erode under pressure, even towards those we are most bound to love. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we harbor an "evil eye" of stinginess, envy, or malevolence, even in less extreme circumstances? Are we quick to share and show generosity, or do we guard our resources with a possessive spirit? Ultimately, this passage calls us to a deeper reliance on God, recognizing that true security and human flourishing are found not in self-preservation at all costs, but in covenant faithfulness, fostering a spirit of generosity, and upholding the sanctity of family bonds, even amidst adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "evil eye" challenge my own tendencies towards selfishness or generosity in my daily life?**
* **In what ways might societal pressures or personal anxieties tempt me to compromise my compassion towards those closest to me?**
* **What are the "covenants" or commitments in my life (e.g., marriage, family, community) that I must diligently uphold to prevent moral decay?**
* **How can I cultivate a "good eye" – a spirit of benevolence and open-handedness – even when resources feel scarce or circumstances are challenging?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God wants people to suffer this way?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean God desires human suffering. Instead, it is a prophetic warning, outlining the severe, yet just, consequences that would naturally follow Israel's persistent and deliberate rebellion against the covenant God established with them. These curses are not arbitrary punishments but rather the inevitable outcome of rejecting divine wisdom and order, leading to societal breakdown, moral decay, and ultimately, self-destruction. God, in His holiness and justice, reveals the full spectrum of outcomes—blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience—to impress upon His people the gravity of their choices and to call them to faithfulness. The purpose is redemptive: to lead them to repentance and a right relationship with Him, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life").

**Was this prophecy ever fulfilled in Israel's history?**

Answer: Yes, tragically, this prophecy found chilling fulfillment in various periods of Israel's history, particularly during prolonged sieges. The most prominent examples include the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, vividly recounted in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Compassionate Women Boil Their Children"), where mothers resorted to boiling their own children for food. Similar horrors are alluded to during the siege of Samaria in [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Woman Eats Her Son in Samaria"), and again during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, as documented by the historian Josephus. These historical events serve as grim attestations to the accuracy of Moses' prophetic warnings and the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

**What is the significance of the "tender and delicate" man suffering this fate?**

Answer: The emphasis on the "tender and delicate" man is significant because it highlights the extreme and indiscriminate nature of the judgment. This individual, accustomed to a life of ease and luxury, would typically be shielded from the harshest realities of famine and war. By depicting even such a person succumbing to utter depravity—exhibiting an "evil eye" towards his closest family—the verse underscores that no one, regardless of their social standing or previous character, would be immune to the dehumanizing effects of prolonged suffering brought on by covenant disobedience. It demonstrates the total breakdown of societal norms and personal morality, illustrating the depth of the curse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:54, with its chilling depiction of human depravity and the dissolution of sacred bonds under the weight of God's covenant curses, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "evil eye" of selfishness and malevolence, which leads a man to begrudge even his closest family in the struggle for survival, represents the pinnacle of humanity's fallen state—a state from which no one, "tender" or otherwise, is truly exempt apart from divine grace. Christ, however, perfectly embodies the "good eye" of boundless generosity and compassion. He did not come to condemn but to save, taking upon Himself the very curses described in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), becoming a curse for us on the cross ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Where the old covenant brought judgment leading to the breakdown of family and society, the new covenant inaugurated by Christ offers reconciliation and the restoration of true community. Through His sacrifice, believers are given a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling them to overcome the "evil eye" of the flesh and instead manifest the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the ultimate answer to the terrifying prospect of [Deuteronomy 28:54](/deuteronomy/28-54 "Deuteronomy 28:54 - The Evil Eye of Desperation") is found in the self-giving love of Christ, who restores broken relationships and transforms selfish hearts into vessels of divine compassion, establishing a new family of God where love, not desperation, reigns ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Deuteronomy 15:9

Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

Matthew 20:15

Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;

Matthew 7:9

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Matthew 7:11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

2 Samuel 12:3

But the poor [man] had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.