Deuteronomy 28:56

KJV

The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,

KJV (with Strong's)

The tender {H7390} and delicate {H6028} woman among you, which would not adventure {H5254} to set {H3322} the sole {H3709} of her foot {H7272} upon the ground {H776} for delicateness {H6026} and tenderness {H7391}, her eye {H5869} shall be evil {H3415} toward the husband {H376} of her bosom {H2436}, and toward her son {H1121}, and toward her daughter {H1323},

Complete Jewish Bible

The most delicate and sensitive woman among you, so sensitive and delicate that she wouldn't think of touching the sole of her foot to the ground, will so begrudge her own beloved husband, son and daughter

Berean Standard Bible

The most gentle and refined woman among you, so gentle and refined she would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground, will begrudge the husband she embraces and her son and daughter

American Standard Version

The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:56 delivers a chilling prophecy of extreme human degradation and societal collapse, illustrating the dire consequences of covenant disobedience. It foretells a future where a woman of immense privilege and delicacy, accustomed to a life of utmost comfort, will be driven by the horrors of siege and starvation to turn a malevolent and utterly selfish gaze upon her own husband, son, and daughter, foreshadowing unspeakable acts of survival. This verse serves as a stark warning, revealing the horrifying depths of depravity to which humanity can descend when divine grace and societal order are withdrawn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 occupies a pivotal position within Moses' second discourse to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. It functions as the climactic covenant document, meticulously detailing the blessings for obedience to the Mosaic Law (verses 1-14) and, in stark contrast, the extensive and escalating curses for disobedience (verses 15-68). Verse 56 is situated deep within the curses section, specifically among the most severe judgments related to siege warfare and extreme famine (verses 47-68). It immediately precedes the even more graphic description of cannibalism (verse 57), serving as a crucial setup for the ultimate breakdown of familial bonds and human decency. The progression of curses moves from agricultural failure and military defeat to disease, exile, and finally, the most abject forms of human suffering, culminating in the reversal of natural order and affection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant framework presented in Deuteronomy reflects the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, where a powerful king (suzerain) established terms with a vassal state, including stipulations, blessings for loyalty, and curses for rebellion. For ancient Israel, their relationship with Yahweh was deeply intertwined with their possession and prosperity in the land. Siege warfare was a common and brutal reality in the ancient world, frequently leading to extreme starvation, disease, and the complete collapse of social order. The specific mention of a "tender and delicate woman" is designed to amplify the shock and horror of the prophecy; in patriarchal societies, women, particularly those of means, were typically protected and insulated from the harshest realities of war. The idea that even such a person would resort to extreme measures underscores the predicted severity of the famine and the total disintegration of societal norms, a fate that would tragically befall Israel during subsequent sieges by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:56 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **gravity of covenant obedience and the dire consequences of disobedience**. The detailed and horrifying nature of the curses emphasizes God's absolute holiness and the seriousness with which He regards His covenant. Secondly, it vividly illustrates the **breakdown of societal order and human depravity** when divine blessing is removed. The erosion of natural affection and familial bonds, particularly the maternal instinct, signifies the ultimate unraveling of the social fabric. This theme is tragically echoed in later prophetic books lamenting Israel's apostasy, such as the descriptions of the siege of Jerusalem in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Mothers Cook Their Children"). Lastly, the verse contributes to the theme of **divine justice and faithfulness to warnings**. While terrifying, these prophecies were not arbitrary but served as a solemn warning, demonstrating that God is faithful to execute His word, whether for blessing or for judgment, as seen throughout Israel's history (e.g., the fulfillment of similar prophecies during the [siege of Samaria](/2_kings/6-28-29 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Siege of Samaria")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tender (Hebrew, _rak'_):** From H7390 (_rak_), this word describes someone soft, weak, or tender, often implying a lack of experience with hardship or a delicate constitution. In this context, it emphasizes the woman's physical and experiential fragility, highlighting her unsuitability for the extreme privation she will face. Her "tenderness" is a mark of privilege and protection from the harsh realities of life.
* **Delicate (Hebrew, _‘ânôg'_):** From H6028 (_‘ânôg_), this adjective signifies someone luxurious or pampered. It points to a life of ease, pleasure, and indulgence, unaccustomed to discomfort, manual labor, or any form of adversity. Together with "tender," it paints a picture of a woman from the highest echelons of society, shielded from all forms of suffering, making her eventual descent into depravity all the more shocking and indicative of the famine's unparalleled severity.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _yâraʻ'_):** From H3415 (_yâraʻ_), this root primarily means "to be broken up with any violent action," figuratively leading to "fear" or "being grievous." In the context of "her eye shall be evil," it signifies a gaze that is hostile, grievous, or malevolent, reflecting a complete breakdown of empathy and natural affection. It implies a predatory, grasping, and utterly selfish disposition, where the instinct for survival has perverted the most fundamental human bonds, leading to a willingness to commit unspeakable acts against her own family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness":** This opening clause establishes the extraordinary privilege and pampered existence of the woman in question. Her "delicateness and tenderness" are so extreme that she avoids even the slightest discomfort of touching the bare ground, perhaps always being carried or walking on carpets. This hyperbole serves to heighten the horror of what follows, contrasting her former life of ease with the unimaginable desperation she will face. It sets up a powerful irony: the one least expected to endure hardship, and most expected to embody nurturing care, will descend to the lowest depths of depravity.
* **"her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter":** This clause reveals the horrifying consequence of the extreme famine: the complete reversal of natural affection and familial bonds. The "evil eye" directed towards her closest family members—her husband (literally, "the husband of her bosom," emphasizing intimacy) and her children—signifies a malevolent, covetous, and utterly selfish intent. This is not mere irritation or disagreement but a predatory gaze, anticipating the unspeakable acts of cannibalism described in the subsequent verse (Deuteronomy 28:57). It indicates that the instinct for self-preservation will utterly obliterate love, loyalty, and maternal/spousal affection, leading to a willingness to sacrifice one's own flesh and blood for survival.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:56 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its chilling message and underscore the severity of God's judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the woman so "delicate" that she "would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground." This exaggeration emphasizes her extreme privilege and pampered state, making the subsequent reversal of her character all the more shocking. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the woman who represents the epitome of comfort and nurturing affection becomes the embodiment of malevolent selfishness and depravity. Her former life stands in stark contrast to her future actions, highlighting the devastating impact of the curses. The phrase "her eye shall be evil" functions as potent **foreshadowing**, hinting at the unspeakable acts of cannibalism explicitly detailed in the very next verse (Deuteronomy 28:57). This builds suspense and horror, preparing the listener for the ultimate breakdown of humanity. Finally, the vivid imagery and the horrific nature of the prophecy evoke profound **pathos**, stirring deep pity and terror in the audience, underscoring the severity of God's judgment and the fragility of human goodness under extreme duress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the depths of human depravity. It underscores that God's covenant is not to be trifled with; His warnings are as certain as His promises. When a nation persistently rebels against His commands, the consequences are not merely external calamities but can lead to a fundamental unraveling of the moral and social fabric, exposing the inherent sinfulness of humanity when divine restraint is removed. The breakdown of the most sacred familial bonds—that of a mother towards her children and husband—reveals the ultimate horror of a society cut off from God's sustaining grace and moral order. It illustrates that true security and well-being are found not in material comfort or social status, but in faithful obedience to the Lord.

* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Mothers Cook Their Children")
* [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28-29 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Cannibalism During Siege of Samaria")
* [Jeremiah 19:9](/jeremiah/19-9 "Jeremiah 19:9 - Eating One Another's Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:56 is a chilling reminder of the profound consequences of national and individual apostasy, serving as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and rebellion against God's revealed will. It forces us to confront the terrifying reality of human nature unconstrained by divine grace and the moral order God establishes. While we live under a new covenant, the principle remains: persistent disobedience can lead to societal decay and personal degradation, where even the most fundamental human affections can be perverted. This verse calls us to profound humility, recognizing our own vulnerability to sin and the critical importance of living in faithful dependence on God. It challenges us to pray for our nations, to uphold justice and righteousness, and to actively cultivate compassion and self-sacrificial love, lest we witness the erosion of the very bonds that hold society together. Ultimately, it drives us to appreciate the immeasurable grace of God that preserves us from such horrors and offers redemption for our fallen nature, transforming hearts and restoring relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our assumptions about human nature and the limits of depravity?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the seriousness with which God views covenant faithfulness, both in ancient Israel and in our lives today?**
* **In what ways might a society's turning away from God manifest in the breakdown of familial or social bonds, even if not to this extreme degree?**
* **How does this prophecy prompt us to value God's sustaining grace and the importance of spiritual vigilance in our own lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**Was the prophecy of Deuteronomy 28:56-57 literally fulfilled in Israel's history?**

Answer: Yes, tragically, the horrific prophecy of mothers eating their own children during sieges was literally fulfilled on multiple occasions in Israel's history, demonstrating the faithfulness of God's warnings. The most prominent examples include the siege of Samaria by the Arameans, as recorded in [2 Kings 6:28-29](/2_kings/6-28-29 "2 Kings 6:28-29 - Cannibalism During Siege of Samaria"), where two women agreed to boil and eat their sons. Later, during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah laments this very horror in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Mothers Cook Their Children"), stating, "The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children; they became food for them in the destruction of the daughter of my people." Josephus, the Jewish historian, also records similar acts during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. These fulfillments underscore the gravity of God's covenant and the dire consequences of persistent rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:56, with its chilling depiction of utter human degradation under divine judgment, powerfully points to the necessity and glory of Christ. The curses detailed in Deuteronomy, culminating in such horrors, represent the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin and covenant unfaithfulness. Yet, in the person of Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment and reversal of these curses. He became a curse for us, as [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." The breakdown of natural affection and the descent into depravity shown in this verse stand in stark contrast to Christ's perfect, self-sacrificial love. While humanity, left to its own devices, turns on its own flesh and blood in desperation, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly offered His own flesh and blood for the salvation of humanity, even for those who would betray and deny Him. His suffering on the cross absorbed the full judgment of God, sparing believers from the ultimate spiritual and eternal consequences of sin. Through His new covenant, established by His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), He offers not curses but blessings—a new heart and the indwelling of the Spirit, enabling true love and obedience ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), transforming those who were dead in sin into children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")), restoring the broken bonds of humanity, and ultimately establishing a kingdom where such horrors are forever abolished, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning").

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 28:54

[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:

Lamentations 4:3

Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people [is become] cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

Lamentations 4:6

For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.

Isaiah 3:16

¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: