Deuteronomy 28:57

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And toward her young one {H7988} that cometh out {H3318} from between her feet {H7272}, and toward her children {H1121} which she shall bear {H3205}: for she shall eat {H398} them for want {H2640} of all things secretly {H5643} in the siege {H4692} and straitness {H4689}, wherewith thine enemy {H341} shall distress {H6693} thee in thy gates {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that she will secretly eat the afterbirth that comes out of her and even her own children as she bears them -so desperately hungry will she be in the severity of the siege and distress your enemies are inflicting on you in your towns.

Berean Standard Bible

the afterbirth that comes from between her legs and the children she bears, because she will secretly eat them for lack of anything else in the siege and distress that your enemy will inflict on you within your gates.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:57 presents one of the most harrowing and graphic warnings within the covenant curses, depicting the ultimate degradation and desperation that would befall the Israelites for persistent disobedience. It prophesies a mother’s unspeakable act of consuming her own newborn and other children during a severe siege, driven by utter starvation and a complete breakdown of societal and familial bonds. This horrifying image serves as a stark testament to the extreme consequences of covenant unfaithfulness, underscoring the gravity of God's warnings and the profound depths of human suffering when divine protection is withdrawn.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 forms the climactic conclusion of Moses' second major discourse, detailing the blessings for obedience to the Mosaic Covenant and the curses for disobedience. Verses 1-14 outline abundant blessings, while verses 15-68 enumerate increasingly severe curses. Verse 57 falls within the latter section, specifically among the most extreme and horrifying consequences of prolonged siege and famine, a theme that intensifies from [Deuteronomy 28:47](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47 - Consequences of Disobedience") onwards. The progression of curses moves from general misfortune to disease, military defeat, economic ruin, and finally, to utter societal collapse and unspeakable acts like cannibalism. This progression signifies the complete reversal of God's covenant promises of fruitfulness and security, with this verse representing the apex of the physical and moral degradation resulting from a complete rejection of God's law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was no stranger to siege warfare, a brutal tactic designed to starve out a city's inhabitants. Famine was a common and devastating byproduct, often leading to extreme measures. The prophecy of [Deuteronomy 28:57](/deuteronomy/28-57 "Deuteronomy 28:57 - The Ultimate Curse") found tragic historical fulfillments, most notably during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (586 BC), vividly recounted in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Cannibalism During the Siege of Jerusalem"). Josephus, the Jewish historian, also records instances of cannibalism during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. For a culture that highly valued children as a blessing from God and held deep reverence for family bonds, the act described in this verse represented the ultimate taboo and a profound violation of natural law. It highlighted the extreme distress and moral collapse that would accompany divine judgment, serving as a stark warning to a people whose identity was intrinsically linked to their descendants.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **extreme consequences of disobedience**, demonstrating that turning away from God's covenant leads to unimaginable suffering and degradation, far beyond simple misfortune. Secondly, it highlights the **brutality of siege warfare and famine**, revealing the devastating impact of prolonged deprivation that pushes humanity to its absolute limits, stripping away all pretense of civilization. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **loss of humanity and moral breakdown**, as the most sacred of natural bonds—that between a mother and her child—is utterly shattered. Finally, while shocking, this prophecy served as a **divine warning**, a stark and unforgettable deterrent intended to impress upon Israel the solemnity of their covenant obligations and the immense value of faithful obedience to the God who provides and protects (as seen in the blessings promised in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Young one (Hebrew, _shilyâh'_):** From H7988, this feminine noun refers to "a fetus or babe (as extruded in birth)." In this context, it specifically points to a newborn, emphasizing the extreme vulnerability and utter helplessness of the child, making the mother's act of consuming it all the more horrific and unnatural. It highlights the complete reversal of the life-giving role of a mother.
* **Want (Hebrew, _chôçer'_):** From H2640, this word signifies "poverty" or "in want of." It describes a state of absolute deprivation, where every conceivable resource has been exhausted. This term underscores that the unthinkable act is not born of malice but of an overwhelming, desperate lack of all necessities, driven by the crushing reality of famine.
* **Distress (Hebrew, _tsûwq'_):** From H6693, this primitive root means "to compress, i.e. (figuratively) oppress, distress." It conveys the intense, inescapable pressure and suffering inflicted by the enemy during the siege. This "distress" is the direct cause of the extreme "straitness" and "want," pushing the inhabitants to the absolute breaking point where natural instincts are completely overridden by the will to survive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet":** This phrase graphically describes a newborn child, emphasizing the immediacy and intimacy of childbirth. The imagery of the child "cometh out from between her feet" is a visceral depiction of birth, making the subsequent act of consumption an unimaginable violation of the most fundamental maternal instinct and the sanctity of new life. It highlights the complete collapse of human compassion and natural order.
* **"and toward her children which she shall bear":** This expands the scope beyond just the newborn, indicating that other children, already born, would also become victims of this desperate act. This suggests a prolonged and intensifying famine where no child, regardless of age, would be safe from the mother's ravenous hunger, signifying a complete collapse of all protective instincts and the very fabric of family.
* **"for she shall eat them for want of all [things]":** This clause provides the horrific motivation: utter and absolute starvation. The phrase "for want of all things" is crucial, signifying a state of complete deprivation where every other resource has been exhausted, and no other food source remains. It underscores the extreme duress that would drive a mother to such an unthinkable act, born of a desperate, primal urge for survival.
* **"secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates":** This final clause sets the scene for this ultimate horror. The "siege and straitness" describe the crushing military encirclement and the resulting famine and pressure. The word "secretly" highlights the profound shame, revulsion, and isolation associated with the act, as the mother would hide it not only from others but perhaps even from herself, a testament to the moral degradation. The phrase "in thy gates" refers to the city gates, indicating that the enemy has surrounded and trapped the inhabitants within their own city, leading to the inescapable conditions that force such desperate and hidden acts of survival.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:57 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its terrifying message and maximize its impact. The most prominent is **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, as the curse escalates to an unimaginable extreme—a mother eating her own child—to underscore the gravity of covenant disobedience. This extreme imagery serves as a stark warning, designed to shock the audience into a profound realization of the consequences of turning away from God. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play; the act of cannibalism, particularly by a mother, symbolizes the complete breakdown of natural order, societal bonds, and human dignity that results from a profound rejection of God's covenant and the withdrawal of His protective hand. The verse also functions as **Foreshadowing**, grimly predicting the actual historical events of sieges against Jerusalem, where such atrocities tragically occurred. Finally, the passage evokes intense **Pathos**, stirring deep feelings of horror, pity, and revulsion at the depths of suffering and moral degradation described, aiming to impress upon the hearers the solemnity of their covenant obligations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while deeply disturbing, serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice, the gravity of sin, and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals that God's warnings are not idle threats but carry immense weight, and persistent rebellion against His commands can lead to the most severe and dehumanizing outcomes. The breakdown of natural affection and the violation of the most sacred human bonds underscore the destructive power of sin to corrupt even the most fundamental aspects of creation. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations and the direct link between a people's obedience (or disobedience) and their well-being. Ultimately, it emphasizes the vital importance of living in faithful dependence on God, whose provision and protection are essential for human flourishing and the preservation of societal order, demonstrating that true security is found only in Him.

* [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Leviticus 26:29 - Parallel Covenant Curse")
* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Historical Fulfillment of Cannibalism in Siege")
* [Jeremiah 19:9](/jeremiah/19-9 "Jeremiah 19:9 - Prophecy of Cannibalism During Siege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:57 forces us to confront the terrifying reality of human depravity when stripped of divine grace and provision, and the severe consequences of rejecting God's covenant. While the literal fulfillment of this prophecy is tied to ancient Israel's historical context, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. It serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin, emphasizing that turning away from God and His life-giving commands leads to destructive outcomes, both personally and corporately. This passage calls us to a deeper appreciation for God's blessings and a sober understanding of the importance of obedience. It challenges us to consider what spiritual "famine" might occur in our lives or communities when we neglect God's Word, His spiritual sustenance, and His guidance, potentially leading to desperate and unholy acts in our pursuit of fulfillment apart from Him. Furthermore, it evokes a profound sense of compassion for those who suffer extreme hardship and deprivation, reminding us of the human cost of conflict and the importance of mercy and justice in a fallen world, prompting us to pray for and work towards alleviating such suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice and the severity of sin?**
* **In what ways might a "spiritual famine" manifest in our lives or society today if we neglect God's Word and His spiritual provision?**
* **What is the importance of covenant faithfulness in a believer's life, and how does this passage reinforce that?**
* **How should the extreme suffering depicted here shape our compassion and our response to those in desperate circumstances around the world?**

### FAQ
**Is this a literal prophecy, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the language is stark, this is indeed a literal prophecy of the horrific consequences of extreme famine during a siege. The Bible records its tragic fulfillment in various historical instances, most notably during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (586 BC), as lamented in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - Cannibalism During the Siege of Jerusalem"), and later during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, as recorded by the historian Josephus. The severity of the language is meant to convey the absolute reality and horror of the judgment, serving as a visceral warning.

**Why would God allow such a horrific curse to befall His people?**

Answer: This curse, and others in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), is not an arbitrary act of cruelty from God but a direct consequence of Israel's persistent and deliberate unfaithfulness to the covenant they willingly entered into. It serves as the ultimate warning, intended to underscore the gravity of their covenant obligations and the immense value of faithful obedience. God, in His justice, allows the natural and spiritual consequences of human rebellion to unfold, demonstrating that turning away from the source of life and blessing leads to death and utter degradation. It highlights the sanctity of the covenant and the seriousness with which God views His relationship with His people, emphasizing that His warnings are not empty threats but solemn declarations of truth.

**Does this passage have any relevance for Christians today, given that we are under a New Covenant?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the literal curses of the Mosaic Covenant, the underlying principles of [Deuteronomy 28:57](/deuteronomy/28-57 "Deuteronomy 28:57 - The Ultimate Curse") remain profoundly relevant. It serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin and the destructive consequences that arise when humanity rejects God's wisdom and provision. Spiritually, it can highlight the "famine" that occurs when individuals or societies neglect God's Word and spiritual nourishment, leading to desperate and unholy acts in their pursuit of fulfillment. It also underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision and remaining faithful to Him, recognizing that true flourishing comes from walking in His ways. Furthermore, it deepens our appreciation for the redemption found in Christ, who delivers us from the curse of sin and offers abundant spiritual life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:57, with its chilling depiction of ultimate human degradation and suffering due to covenant unfaithfulness, powerfully underscores the profound need for a Savior. The "want of all things" described in the verse—the utter deprivation and the resulting horrific acts—is a stark physical manifestation of humanity's spiritual condition apart from God. Sin has left humanity in a state of spiritual "straitness" and "distress," alienated from the life-giving presence of God and prone to self-destructive behaviors, a condition from which we cannot rescue ourselves. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment and reversal of such curses. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") declares that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us," bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment that humanity deserved. He became "want of all things" on the cross, stripped of everything, even crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), so that we might have "all things" in Him, including spiritual life and abundant provision ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was "eaten" (consumed in sacrifice, metaphorically speaking, for our spiritual nourishment through the Eucharist and faith in His atoning work) so that we would never experience the ultimate spiritual famine of separation from God. He provides the true bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), satisfying our deepest hunger and restoring the broken bonds of humanity through His love and grace, breaking the cycle of sin's most horrific consequences and offering eternal life and true communion with God.

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

Isaiah 49:15

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].