Deuteronomy 28:58

KJV

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou wilt not observe {H8104} to do {H6213} all the words {H1697} of this law {H8451} that are written {H3789} in this book {H5612}, that thou mayest fear {H3372} this glorious {H3513} and fearful {H3372} name {H8034}, THE LORD {H3068} THY GOD {H430};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you will not observe and obey all the words of this Torah that are written in this book, so that you will fear this glorious and awesome name, ADONAI your God;

Berean Standard Bible

If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name—the LORD your God—

American Standard Version

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, JEHOVAH THY GOD;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:58 stands as a profound warning within the extensive catalog of curses for disobedience, serving as a theological anchor for the severe consequences Israel would face if they failed to uphold their covenant with God. This pivotal verse underscores that the ultimate reason for their potential downfall was not merely a breach of rules, but a fundamental failure to cultivate a deep, worshipful reverence for the majestic, awe-inspiring, and uniquely personal name of "THE LORD THY GOD."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:58 is situated within the climactic discourse of Moses on the plains of Moab, just prior to Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This chapter, a cornerstone of the book of Deuteronomy, meticulously details the blessings (verses 1-14) promised for covenant faithfulness and the dire curses (verses 15-68) for disobedience. Verse 58 functions as a theological summary and a profound explanation for the impending judgments: the failure to "observe to do all the words of this law" is directly linked to a failure to properly "fear this glorious and fearful name," indicating that the root of disobedience is a lack of reverence for God Himself. The verse acts as a bridge, connecting the specific commands of the law to the very character and identity of the Lawgiver.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses' address to the second generation of Israelites at the threshold of Canaan carried immense historical weight. They were about to inherit the land promised to their ancestors, but this inheritance was conditional upon their fidelity to the covenant established at Mount Sinai. In the ancient Near East, covenants often followed a suzerain-vassal treaty format, where a powerful king (suzerain) imposed obligations on a lesser king or people (vassal), promising protection for obedience and threatening severe penalties for rebellion. Yahweh, as the divine Suzerain, was establishing His terms with Israel, His chosen vassal. Furthermore, a "name" in ancient thought was not just an identifier but represented the very character, authority, and presence of the person. To "fear the name" of God was to acknowledge His supreme sovereignty, unique identity, and awesome power, demanding absolute loyalty and obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Conditional Covenant** nature of the Mosaic Law; Israel's well-being, prosperity, and continued enjoyment of the land were directly contingent upon their faithful obedience to God's statutes. This is a recurring motif, as seen in the foundational covenant at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Mount Sinai"), where God declared, "If you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples" ([Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - The Covenant at Sinai")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the profound importance of **Reverence for God's Name**. The "fear" commanded here is not mere terror, but a deep, worshipful awe, respect, and submission to God's majestic authority and holiness. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as the very beginning of true wisdom and knowledge, as articulated in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Weight of Disobedience**, implying that a failure to obey the law is not merely a breaking of rules, but a direct affront to the character and identity of the One who gave them, whose name is "glorious and fearful."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, extending far beyond simple fright or terror. In this context, it denotes a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect that naturally leads to worship, submission, and obedient living. It is the recognition of God's immense power, holiness, and majesty, which evokes a humble and worshipful response from His creatures. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented in Scripture as the foundation of wisdom and the proper posture for relating to the divine.
* **Glorious (Hebrew, _kavod'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heavy" or "weighty," _kavod_ refers to God's inherent honor, splendor, majesty, and manifest presence. When applied to God's name, it speaks to the intrinsic worth and overwhelming radiance of His character, demanding profound respect and adoration. It highlights the weighty significance and inherent dignity of Yahweh's being.
* **Fearful (Hebrew, _nora'_):** This adjective means "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," or "terrible" in a majestic and holy sense. It describes that which is so utterly transcendent and powerful that it evokes a sense of profound reverence, even trepidation, in the presence of its overwhelming magnitude. It is the quality of God that commands ultimate respect and reminds humanity of His absolute sovereignty and unique otherness.
* **THE LORD THY GOD (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohim'_):** This composite divine title is profoundly significant. "Yahweh" (often rendered LORD in English Bibles) is God's personal, covenantal name, revealing His relational faithfulness and self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM"). "Elohim" is the generic term for God, emphasizing His supreme deity, creative power, and universal sovereignty. The combination "Yahweh Elohim" underscores that the sovereign Creator of the universe is also the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose character and authority are inextricably linked to His "glorious and fearful name."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book":** This opening clause establishes the condition for the ensuing curses. It emphasizes the comprehensive and non-negotiable nature of God's commands ("all the words") and their authoritative, revealed form ("written in this book"). The failure to "observe to do" implies not just a lack of knowledge, but a deliberate refusal or negligence in putting the law into practice, indicating a heart problem.
* **"that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name":** This phrase articulates the ultimate purpose of the law and, by extension, the underlying reason for the curses. The law was given not merely as a set of rules, but as a means by which Israel might cultivate and demonstrate a proper, worshipful reverence for God's majestic and awe-inspiring character. The failure to obey the law is therefore presented as a direct consequence or manifestation of a failure to genuinely "fear" His name.
* **"THE LORD THY GOD":** This concluding phrase identifies the specific divine being whose name is to be feared. It reinforces God's unique identity as Israel's covenant partner and supreme ruler. The possessive "thy" underscores the intimate, yet authoritative, relationship God had established with His people, making their disobedience all the more egregious as a betrayal of a personal covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:58 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its solemn message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause**, signaled by the opening "If thou wilt not," which sets up a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's actions and their consequences. Although the "then" clause is implied from the broader context of the chapter's curses, its absence in the verse itself places greater emphasis on the *reason* for the curses—the lack of fear. **Metonymy** is powerfully used with the phrase "this glorious and fearful name," where "name" stands in for the entire character, reputation, authority, and very being of God. This highlights that the issue is not merely about a label, but about the intrinsic nature of the divine. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Emphasis** through the repetition of key concepts: "all the words of this law," "written in this book," and the double descriptor "glorious and fearful" applied to God's name, all underscoring the gravity of the covenant and the seriousness of its violation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:58 offers profound theological insight into the nature of God, the essence of true worship, and the gravity of human disobedience. It reveals that God's commands are not arbitrary but flow from His very character, and that obedience is intrinsically linked to a proper reverence for who He is. To disregard His law is to disregard His "glorious and fearful name," which represents His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and unique identity as the covenant-keeping God. This verse reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a profound awe that translates into a life of humble submission and faithful adherence to His revealed will. The consequences of failing to fear God's name are severe because such a failure strikes at the heart of the relationship He desires with His people, demonstrating a fundamental disrespect for His authority and worthiness of worship.

* [Leviticus 10:3](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness Demands Reverence")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace, the timeless principles embedded in Deuteronomy 28:58 remain powerfully relevant for our spiritual formation and daily walk. The call to "fear this glorious and fearful name" of God transcends dispensations, inviting us to cultivate a profound reverence, awe, and respect for His character that shapes our entire lives. Our obedience to God's revealed will, found in His Word, should flow not from legalistic compulsion, but from a heart deeply awed by His majesty, holiness, and unfailing love. When we treat God's commands lightly, or when our lives are marked by persistent disobedience, it often reveals a foundational lack of genuine awe for who He truly is. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our reverence for God: Does our walk with Him reflect a worshipful fear that inspires faithful living, or do we inadvertently diminish His "glorious and fearful name" through our attitudes and actions? True reverence for God compels us to honor Him in all things, acknowledging His supreme authority and unchanging goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect a "glorious and fearful" reverence for God's name?**
* **In what specific areas might my disobedience indicate a lack of true awe for God's character and authority?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more worshipful fear of the Lord in my heart and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear this glorious and fearful name" mean for Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians, "fearing God" does not mean living in terror or dread of punishment, but rather cultivating a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's infinite holiness, power, and authority. It is a worshipful posture that recognizes His absolute sovereignty and our utter dependence upon Him. This reverence, for the believer, is born out of love and gratitude for His saving grace in Christ, leading to joyful obedience rather than legalistic adherence. It means honoring His character, His Word, and His will in all aspects of life, understanding that He is worthy of all worship and submission.

**Is the Mosaic Law still relevant if we are under grace?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation or for its ceremonial and civil codes, the Law remains profoundly relevant. It serves several crucial purposes: it reveals God's unchanging moral character and holiness, exposes humanity's sinfulness and inability to perfectly obey (thereby pointing to our need for a Savior), and provides timeless principles for righteous living. The moral principles of the Law reflect God's heart and are fulfilled in Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). For believers, the Law now serves as a guide for living a life pleasing to God, motivated by love for Him and empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than as a means of earning salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:58, with its emphasis on the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant and the consequences of failing to fear God's glorious and fearful name, powerfully foreshadows the need for a new and better covenant. Israel's consistent failure to "observe to do all the words of this law" demonstrated humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God and truly fear His name in their own strength. This perpetual cycle of disobedience and judgment pointed to the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled "all the words of this law" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating perfect obedience and reverence for the Father's name. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of the curses for our disobedience, taking upon Himself the fearful consequences of humanity's failure to honor God's name ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse of the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, we are brought into a New Covenant, where God promises to write His law not on tablets of stone, but on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"); [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely "fear" (revere) God, not out of terror of judgment, but out of a transformed heart of love and gratitude, as adopted children ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). He is the ultimate "glorious and fearful name" to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")), and through Him, we can now approach God with both reverence and confidence.

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 42:8

I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Exodus 34:5

¶ And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.

Exodus 34:7

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

Leviticus 26:14

¶ But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;

Leviticus 26:15

And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, [but] that ye break my covenant:

Nehemiah 9:5

Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: