Deuteronomy 28:61

KJV

Also every sickness, and every plague, which [is] not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also every sickness {H2483}, and every plague {H4347}, which is not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of this law {H8451}, them will the LORD {H3068} bring {H5927} upon thee, until thou be destroyed {H8045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Not only that, but ADONAI will bring upon you all the sicknesses and plagues that are not written in this book of the Torah - until you are destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will also bring upon you every sickness and plague not recorded in this Book of the Law, until you are destroyed.

American Standard Version

Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will Jehovah bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:61 stands as a stark warning within the extensive list of curses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience to the Mosaic covenant. This verse emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine judgment, asserting that the Lord's punitive measures would extend beyond explicitly enumerated afflictions to include "every sickness, and every plague" not specifically detailed in the Law, ultimately leading to the nation's utter destruction if they persisted in rebellion. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all forms of suffering and His unwavering commitment to upholding the terms of His covenant, serving as a profound reminder of the gravity of sin and the dire consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 forms the climactic conclusion to Moses' second major discourse in the book, delivered on the plains of Moab as Israel stood poised to enter the Promised Land. The chapter is structured as a covenant renewal ceremony, echoing the suzerain-vassal treaties common in the ancient Near East. It meticulously details the blessings for obedience to God's covenant commands, outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"), followed by a much longer and more severe catalog of curses for disobedience, spanning [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Verse 61 falls deep within this latter section, intensifying the warnings by conveying the boundless scope of God's judgment. The preceding verses detail specific afflictions like consumption, fever, inflammation, and drought, while the subsequent verses speak of exile, oppression, and ultimate desolation, all serving to impress upon the Israelites the solemnity and binding nature of their covenant with the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' final addresses to the generation of Israelites who were about to inherit Canaan, forty years after the Exodus. This discourse functions as a re-statement and re-application of the Law given at Mount Sinai, tailored for a people on the cusp of nationhood in their own land. The covenant language used throughout Deuteronomy, particularly in chapter 28, mirrors the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, where a powerful king (the suzerain, here Yahweh) establishes terms with a lesser vassal (Israel). Such treaties typically included stipulations, witnesses, and a comprehensive list of blessings for loyalty and curses for rebellion. The curses, often vivid and terrifying, were designed to deter disobedience and ensure the vassal's fidelity. The concept of a "book of the law" reflects the practice of formally recording such treaties, making them legally binding and accessible for future reference. For Israel, the "book of this law" was not merely a legal document but the very word of God, establishing the foundation of their national identity and their relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:61 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**. God is depicted as having absolute control over all aspects of life, including health, disease, and national destiny, capable of inflicting any form of suffering as a consequence of unfaithfulness. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Comprehensive Nature of Curses**, emphasizing that God's judgment is not limited to a finite, enumerated list but extends to any conceivable affliction or plague He chooses to bring. The phrase "not written in the book of this law" signifies that divine justice is not confined to human expectation or enumeration, demonstrating the boundless scope of God's capacity to respond to persistent rebellion. This theme is echoed in other covenant passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the verse clearly articulates the **Existential Consequences of Disobedience**. The ultimate outcome – "until thou be destroyed" – speaks to a complete downfall, whether national, physical, or spiritual, as a direct result of turning away from God's commands. This serves as a dire warning, reinforcing the principle that "the wages of sin is death," as later articulated in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sickness (Hebrew, חֳלִי, _choli_):** This term broadly refers to any physical ailment, disease, or illness. It encompasses a wide range of bodily afflictions, from minor maladies to severe, debilitating diseases. In the context of divine judgment, _choli_ signifies God's power to disrupt physical well-being as a consequence of sin, affecting individuals and the community at large.
* **Plague (Hebrew, מַכָּה, _makkah_):** More intense than "sickness," _makkah_ denotes a "strike," "blow," or "wound," often implying a severe, widespread affliction or epidemic. It can refer to a divinely inflicted calamity that devastates a population, such as the plagues in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "Exodus 9:14 - The Plagues on Egypt")). The use of both "sickness" and "plague" together emphasizes the exhaustive range of physical suffering God can bring.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, שָׁמַד, _shamad_):** This powerful verb means "to be annihilated," "utterly cut off," "exterminated," or "laid waste." It signifies a complete and decisive end, often implying national ruin, depopulation, or the loss of identity and land. In this context, it points to the ultimate, devastating consequence of persistent covenant breaking, far beyond mere discomfort or temporary hardship, leading to the dissolution of the nation as God's people in their land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also every sickness, and every plague,"**: This opening phrase establishes the comprehensive scope of the physical afflictions that will befall the disobedient. The use of "every" (כָּל, _kol_) emphasizes the totality and universality of these judgments, leaving no room for exceptions or specific immunity. It covers all forms of physical suffering, from individual ailments to widespread epidemics.
* **"which [is] not written in the book of this law,"**: This is the most striking and terrifying clause. It does not imply that God would act arbitrarily or outside His character, but rather that His judgment is not confined to human expectation or enumeration. The curses explicitly listed in Deuteronomy 28 are severe, but this clause warns that God's capacity to inflict judgment extends beyond those specific examples. It speaks to a divine creativity and boundlessness in bringing about judgment, ensuring that no form of suffering or destruction is beyond His capacity to inflict if His people persist in rebellion. It highlights the inadequacy of human foresight to comprehend the full extent of divine wrath.
* **"them will the LORD bring upon thee,"**: This clause unequivocally declares the divine agency behind these calamities. It is not random misfortune, natural disaster, or enemy action alone, but the direct, sovereign act of Yahweh Himself. This reinforces God's active involvement in the covenant relationship, not only in blessing but also in judgment, demonstrating His holiness and justice.
* **"until thou be destroyed."**: This final phrase states the ultimate, devastating outcome of persistent disobedience. The judgment is not temporary or corrective in a light sense; it is designed to lead to utter ruin and annihilation. This "destruction" could manifest as national defeat, exile, loss of identity, or even physical decimation, signifying the complete breakdown of the covenant relationship and the loss of the promised blessings of life in the land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:61 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law." This exaggerates the scope of potential curses beyond any conceivable enumeration, powerfully conveying the limitless and overwhelming nature of God's judgment against persistent rebellion. It creates a sense of dread and inevitability, implying that no corner of life or form of suffering would be untouched by divine wrath. There is also an element of **Legal Language**, as the "book of this law" refers to the written covenant, underscoring the formal, binding, and legally enforceable nature of the curses. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the comprehensive and ultimate destruction hinted at here would indeed manifest in Israel's history through exile and dispersion, fulfilling these dire warnings. Finally, the verse demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty**, attributing the bringing of these plagues directly to "the LORD," emphasizing His absolute control and active role in both blessing and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:61 serves as a profound theological statement about the character of God, the nature of sin, and the gravity of covenant. It reveals God as utterly holy and just, one who takes His covenant promises and warnings with utmost seriousness. The comprehensive nature of the curses, extending beyond what is "written," underscores that God's justice is not limited by human expectation or categories; His response to sin is exhaustive and inescapable. This verse highlights that sin is not merely a transgression of rules but a breach of a sacred relationship, incurring consequences that touch every facet of existence, ultimately leading to destruction. It underscores the principle that rebellion against a holy God carries existential ramifications, driving home the severity of unfaithfulness and the absolute necessity of obedience for life and blessing within the covenant.

* [Leviticus 26:27-28](/leviticus/26-27 "Leviticus 26:27-28 - Continued Disobedience and Increased Punishment") - Echoes the escalating nature of curses for persistent disobedience.
* [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law") - States that "all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse," directly referencing the condemnatory power of the Old Covenant.
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God") - Declares that "the wages of sin is death," a theological truth powerfully illustrated by the "destruction" promised in Deuteronomy 28:61.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:61, while part of the Old Covenant's legal framework, remains profoundly relevant for believers today, not as a direct threat under a new covenant of grace, but as a vivid illustration of God's unchanging holiness, justice, and the serious consequences of sin. It compels us to reflect on the gravity of rebellion against a holy God and the comprehensive nature of His righteous judgment. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not to be trifled with; His warnings are genuine, and His character demands a response of reverence and obedience. For those in Christ, it highlights the immense grace and redemption we have received, as Christ bore the full weight of the law's curse on our behalf. Our obedience now flows not from a fear of specific enumerated curses, but from a heart transformed by gratitude and love for the One who delivered us from such condemnation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the freedom and life found in the New Covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Deuteronomy 28:61 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways does this verse highlight the seriousness and comprehensive nature of sin's consequences?**
* **How does the New Covenant in Christ transform our relationship to the warnings and curses found in the Old Testament, such as this one?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of living in faithful obedience, motivated by love rather than fear?**

### FAQ
**Does God still send "sickness and plague" as punishment today, especially for believers?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 28:61 clearly states that the LORD would bring "every sickness, and every plague" upon disobedient Israel under the Old Covenant, the relationship between sin and suffering is more nuanced under the New Covenant. The New Testament teaches that Christ has redeemed believers from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")), and our salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the law ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Therefore, believers are not under the specific covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28. However, this does not mean that sin has no consequences. Sin can still lead to natural consequences (e.g., poor health from destructive habits, relational breakdown from selfishness), and God may use various forms of discipline to correct His children ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")). Moreover, we live in a fallen world where sickness and suffering are part of the general human condition, not always directly attributable to individual sin ([John 9:1-3](/john/9-1 "John 9:1-3 - Healing the Man Born Blind")). The primary focus for believers is Christ's finished work on the cross, which provides forgiveness and freedom from condemnation, even as we acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:61, with its terrifying pronouncement of boundless curses leading to utter destruction, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Law, as Moses presented it, held out a stark choice: blessing for perfect obedience or comprehensive curse for any deviation ([Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law")). Humanity, by its very nature, proved incapable of fulfilling the Law's demands, thus standing condemned under its curses. Jesus Christ, however, entered this broken covenant relationship not to add to the curses, but to fully absorb them. He became the ultimate "curse" for us, taking upon Himself the "sickness and plague" of sin and its destructive consequences that were "not written" but were nonetheless due to humanity's rebellion ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). On the cross, He endured the divine wrath and the ultimate destruction that Deuteronomy 28:61 foreshadowed, allowing those who believe in Him to be redeemed from the Law's condemnation and brought into a new covenant of grace ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). Through His sacrifice, the curse of death and destruction is overcome, and believers are offered not condemnation but eternal life and spiritual blessing, fulfilling the true intent of God's desire for His people to live in blessing, not under the shadow of unending judgment ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 4:25

When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt [yourselves], and make a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger:

Deuteronomy 4:26

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong [your] days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.