Deuteronomy 28:67

KJV

In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the morning {H1242} thou shalt say {H559}, Would God it were {H5414} even {H6153}! and at even {H6153} thou shalt say {H559}, Would God it were {H5414} morning {H1242}! for the fear {H6343} of thine heart {H3824} wherewith thou shalt fear {H6342}, and for the sight {H4758} of thine eyes {H5869} which thou shalt see {H7200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the morning you will say, 'Oh, how I wish it were evening!' and in the evening you will say, 'Oh, how I wish it were morning!'-because of the fear overwhelming your heart and the sights your eyes will see.

Berean Standard Bible

In the morning you will say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and in the evening you will say, ‘If only it were morning!’—because of the dread in your hearts of the terrifying sights you will see.

American Standard Version

In the morning thou shalt say, Would it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would it were morning! for the fear of thy heart which thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:67 delivers a chilling prophecy of the profound psychological and existential torment that would consume Israel should they persistently abandon God's covenant. This verse, a climactic expression within the chapter's curses, depicts a state of such overwhelming fear and horror that the natural rhythms of day and night offer no solace, only a desperate, unfulfilled longing for the opposite time. It portrays an existence saturated with relentless, internal suffering, illustrating the comprehensive and debilitating consequences of rebellion against divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28 occupies a pivotal position within Moses' final address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. It functions as a solemn covenant renewal, presenting a stark and comprehensive outline of blessings for obedience to God's commands ([Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")) and severe curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). Verse 67 serves as the psychological apex of these curses, following detailed descriptions of physical afflictions, famine, siege, exile, and national humiliation. It vividly portrays the ultimate breakdown of internal peace and hope, emphasizing that even the most basic human rhythms of day and night would offer no respite from the pervasive dread. This verse underscores the holistic nature of God's covenant, impacting not just the physical and material realms but also the deepest recesses of the human psyche.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses addressed a generation poised to inherit the land, reminding them of the solemn covenant established at Mount Sinai. In the Ancient Near East, treaties and covenants commonly featured detailed stipulations, along with explicit blessings for fidelity and severe curses for violation. These served as potent deterrents and foundational legal frameworks. The warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") thus resonated with a familiar cultural understanding of divine judgment and consequence, often manifested through natural disasters, warfare, and foreign subjugation. The Israelites, transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural life, would have found the warnings about famine, disease, and siege particularly impactful. The "fear of thine heart" and "sight of thine eyes" reflect the real horrors of warfare, enslavement, and societal collapse prevalent in the region, emphasizing that God's judgment would manifest through these terrifying, tangible experiences. The intensity of the curses aimed to impress upon Israel the absolute necessity of unwavering loyalty to Yahweh, their covenant God, contrasting sharply with the security promised in [Deuteronomy 28:7-8](/deuteronomy/28-7-8 "Deuteronomy 28:7-8 - Victory and Blessing").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Gravity of Covenant Disobedience**, demonstrating that turning away from God's commands leads to comprehensive and devastating consequences that transcend mere physical hardship, extending into profound psychological torment. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, showing that God, as the righteous covenant keeper, will uphold His word, both in blessing and in judgment, as seen in the warnings of [Deuteronomy 30:17-18](/deuteronomy/30-17-18 "Deuteronomy 30:17-18 - Consequences of Turning Away"). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **Unrelenting Despair and Hopelessness**, illustrating a state where all natural rhythms of life are inverted, and there is no escape from suffering, whether by day or by night. This stands in stark contrast to the peace and security promised for obedience, such as the blessing of going out and coming in safely in [Deuteronomy 28:6](/deuteronomy/28-6 "Deuteronomy 28:6 - Blessings in Coming and Going"). Finally, it serves as a stark reminder of the **Sanctity of the Covenant**, emphasizing that the relationship between God and Israel was not to be taken lightly, but was a matter of life and death, blessing or curse, peace or unending terror.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** From פָּחַד (H6342); a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling); dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. This term denotes a deep, sudden, and overwhelming dread or terror. Unlike _yirah_ (יראה), which can signify reverential awe, _pachad_ consistently refers to a consuming, debilitating fear, often associated with panic, trembling, and existential dread. In this context, it describes an internal, visceral terror that grips the heart, not merely an external threat, but a profound psychological anguish that distorts reality and removes all sense of security.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From לָבַב (H3823); used also like לֵב (H3820); the heart (as the most interior organ); [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. The "heart" in Hebrew thought represents the totality of the inner person—their will, intellect, emotions, and conscience. Thus, "fear of thine heart" signifies a deep-seated, pervasive dread that originates from within and affects every aspect of one's being, making escape impossible.
* **Sight (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** From רָאָה (H7200); a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a vision; [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. This word emphasizes the visual horror that would plague the disobedient. It is not just an abstract fear, but one rooted in the tangible, ghastly realities they would witness—the destruction, the suffering, the desolation. The "sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see" conveys a direct, inescapable confrontation with horrific realities that permanently scar the psyche, leaving no room for peace or mental escape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even!":** This clause vividly portrays a desperate yearning for the day to end. The morning, typically a symbol of new beginnings, hope, and light, brings only a continuation of unbearable suffering. The individual longs for the darkness of evening, not for rest or peace, but simply for a change from the current torment, hoping perhaps that the night might conceal the horrors or bring a momentary cessation of the visible suffering.
* **"and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning!":** This clause completes the cycle of torment, demonstrating that the night offers no relief. The darkness, which might be expected to bring sleep and respite, instead intensifies the fear, perhaps by amplifying unseen dangers or allowing the mind to dwell on the day's horrors without distraction. The individual then yearns for the morning, not for its light or hope, but again, merely for a different form of suffering, trapped in a perpetual cycle of dread where neither light nor darkness offers solace.
* **"for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.":** This concluding phrase provides the rationale for the unending despair. The "fear of thine heart" speaks to an internal, pervasive, and soul-crushing terror that originates from within, a deep-seated anxiety that cannot be escaped. This internal dread is inextricably linked to "the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see," indicating that the horrors witnessed are so profound and traumatic that they permanently imprint themselves on the mind, fueling the relentless fear and robbing the individual of any peace or hope.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:67 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of utter despair. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the contrasting wishes for "morning" and "even." This creates a cyclical structure that emphasizes the ceaseless nature of the torment, where neither day nor night offers relief. The phrase "Would God it were even!" followed by "Would God it were morning!" is a form of **Repetition** (specifically, a **Parallelism of Opposites**), reinforcing the inescapable cycle of agony. The description of the "fear of thine heart" and "the sight of thine eyes" utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of profound internal dread coupled with external, visible horrors. This imagery is heightened by **Hyperbole**, as the verse exaggerates the desire for the opposite time of day to underscore the extreme, unbearable nature of the suffering, suggesting a complete inversion of natural human desire for comfort and peace. The overall effect is a chilling portrayal of a life utterly devoid of hope and relentlessly consumed by terror.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:67 serves as a stark theological warning, illustrating the profound and holistic consequences of severing one's relationship with God through persistent disobedience. It reveals that sin's impact is not merely external or physical, but penetrates to the deepest levels of human existence, affecting the mind, emotions, and spirit, leading to an existential dread that eclipses all hope and peace. This verse underscores God's absolute commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that His warnings are as real and certain as His promises of blessing. It highlights the preciousness of true peace, which can only be found in right relationship with God, and the terrifying alternative when that relationship is broken. The severity of this curse is a testament to the gravity of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot countenance rebellion without consequence.

* [Leviticus 26:36-39](/leviticus/26-36-39 "Parallel Curses for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 2:11](/lamentations/2-11 "Despair and Weeping Over Jerusalem's Fall")
* [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Brief, Sorrowful Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:67, while rooted in ancient covenant curses, speaks powerfully to the timeless human condition and the profound consequences of our choices. It reminds us that true peace is not merely the absence of external conflict, but a profound internal state that flows from a right relationship with God. When we choose to live in rebellion against divine truth, whether through active sin or passive neglect, we invite a form of internal disquiet and spiritual restlessness that can mirror the despair described here. This verse serves as a sobering call to examine our hearts and lives, recognizing that our spiritual choices have profound, holistic ramifications, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. It urges us to seek and cling to the peace that God offers, a peace that transcends circumstances and calms the deepest fears, rather than being consumed by anxieties and regrets that can make every moment a torment. It also highlights the mercy embedded even in severe warnings, as they are given not to condemn, but to prompt repentance and guide us back to the path of life and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "fear of thine heart" described in this verse manifest in contemporary forms of anxiety or despair when individuals live apart from God's will?**
* **In what ways do our daily routines (morning and evening) reflect or contrast with the perpetual torment described in Deuteronomy 28:67, and what does this reveal about our spiritual state?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds, especially when faced with challenging circumstances or the consequences of past choices?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse meant to be a literal prophecy or a hyperbolic warning?**

Answer: While the language is undeniably vivid and uses **hyperbole** to convey extreme psychological distress, the curses in Deuteronomy 28 were indeed intended as real, albeit conditional, consequences for Israel's disobedience. History, particularly the periods leading to the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, records many instances where Israel experienced famine, siege, fear, and desolation that echoed these warnings. So, it's both: a hyperbolic expression of very real, literal outcomes. The intensity of the language serves to underscore the profound and comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting not just their physical well-being but their very mental and emotional state. The aim was to deter disobedience by painting a picture of utter misery, a state where life itself becomes a burden, as seen in the lament over Jerusalem's desolation in [Lamentations 1](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - Jerusalem's Desolation").

**Does God still punish disobedience in this way today?**

Answer: God's character as just and holy remains unchanged, and sin still carries consequences. However, the nature of God's covenant with His people has been transformed through Christ. While direct, national covenant curses like those in Deuteronomy 28 are specific to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principle that rebellion against God leads to spiritual and often psychological distress remains true. Living apart from God's design can lead to internal turmoil, anxiety, and a lack of true peace, as described in [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18-32 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"). The ultimate "curse" of sin is separation from God, which Christ bore on the cross. For believers, the focus is now on the grace and forgiveness found in Christ, and the discipline they may experience from God is for their refinement and growth, not condemnation, as taught in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline of His Children").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:67, with its chilling depiction of unending fear and despair under the weight of God's curse, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The curse of the law, which promised such psychological and physical torment for disobedience, was fully borne by Christ on the cross. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He entered into the ultimate "fear of heart" and "sight of eyes" on our behalf, experiencing the full horror of sin's consequences and separation from God, so that we might be delivered from such torment. Where Deuteronomy 28:67 describes a life devoid of peace, longing for an end to suffering that never comes, Christ offers true and lasting peace. He is the one who promises, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid," as recorded in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace"). Through His sacrifice, the cycle of despair is broken, and believers are offered not a perpetual longing for a different time, but the sure hope of eternal life and the present reality of a peace that "surpasses all understanding," as articulated in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God"). He transforms the curse into blessing, replacing the terror of judgment with the comfort of His presence and the promise of ultimate redemption.

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 28:34

So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

Job 7:3

So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.

Job 7:4

When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.

Revelation 9:6

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.