Deuteronomy 28:56

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,

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},

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

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

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

Context of Deuteronomy 28:56

Deuteronomy 28 outlines the profound consequences of Israel's obedience and disobedience to God's covenant. Following a detailed list of blessings for obedience (verses 1-14), the chapter shifts dramatically to a lengthy catalog of curses that would befall the nation if they turned away from the Lord. These curses describe escalating levels of suffering, disease, defeat, and societal breakdown, culminating in severe famine and siege. Deuteronomy 28:56 is a stark and harrowing prophecy within this section, depicting the ultimate degradation of humanity during a prolonged siege and extreme starvation, particularly focusing on those least expected to endure such hardship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Extreme Consequences of Disobedience: This verse vividly illustrates the dire and unimaginable suffering that would result from Israel's persistent rebellion against God's commands. It underscores the severity of breaking covenant with the Almighty.
  • Breakdown of Natural Affection: The "tender and delicate woman" represents someone who, by her upbringing and status, would be shielded from hardship and expected to embody nurturing care. Yet, under the pressure of extreme famine, her natural maternal and spousal affection completely erodes, replaced by a horrifying selfishness.
  • The Horrors of Siege and Starvation: The passage paints a grim picture of life under siege, where food becomes so scarce that all social norms and human decency collapse. This prophecy foresaw events like those described during the sieges of Samaria (2 Kings 6:28-29) and Jerusalem, particularly during its destruction by the Babylonians and Romans, as lamented in Lamentations 4:10.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tender and delicate woman" uses Hebrew words that emphasize a pampered, luxurious existence, someone unaccustomed to any discomfort. The contrast with her future actions highlights the depth of the calamity. The phrase "her eye shall be evil toward" (Hebrew: ayin ra'ah) in this context goes beyond simple envy. While "evil eye" can denote covetousness, here, in the context of extreme hunger, it signifies a malevolent, grasping, and utterly selfish gaze directed at her family members, anticipating the unspeakable acts of survival described in the subsequent verse (Deuteronomy 28:57). It implies a complete breakdown of human empathy and a willingness to do anything for personal survival, even at the expense of one's own flesh and blood.

Practical Application

This chilling verse serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Gravity of Sin: It illustrates the profound and devastating consequences that can arise from a nation's turning away from God. While not all suffering is a direct result of individual sin, this passage underscores the principle that disobedience to divine covenant can lead to severe societal breakdown.
  • Human Vulnerability: It exposes the fragility of human nature and social structures when pushed to the absolute limits of survival. Without God's sustaining grace and the blessings of a righteous society, humanity can descend into unimaginable depravity.
  • God's Justice and Faithfulness: The fulfillment of these prophecies throughout Israel's history demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His warnings, just as He is faithful to His promises of blessing. It reinforces the importance of heeding God's word and living in obedience to His will, as outlined in the broader context of Deuteronomy 28.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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