Deuteronomy 29:21

KJV

And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall separate {H914} him unto evil {H7451} out of all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, according to all the curses {H423} of the covenant {H1285} that are written {H3789} in this book {H5612} of the law {H8451}:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will single him out from all the tribes of Isra'el to experience what is bad in all the curses of the covenant written in this book of the Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

and single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah will set him apart unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that is written in this book of the law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:21 pronounces a severe divine judgment upon any individual within Israel who secretly turns away from the covenant and embraces idolatry, despite outward conformity. The Lord Himself declares that He will "separate him unto evil," marking this individual for specific calamity and judgment, distinct from the community. This pronouncement emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, ensuring that the predetermined curses outlined in the "book of the law" will be faithfully executed upon such unrepentant rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Moses's final, impassioned address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 29 serves as a solemn renewal of the covenant made at Mount Sinai, often referred to as the "Moabite Covenant." Following a review of God's mighty acts and a call to obedience, Moses delivers a series of warnings against apostasy. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - The Root of Bitterness") warns against a "root that beareth gall and wormwood"—an individual who, despite participating in the covenant ceremony, secretly harbors idolatry in their heart, presuming they can escape divine retribution. Verse 21 directly addresses the consequence for such a person, underscoring that God sees and will act upon this hidden rebellion, bringing forth the predetermined penalties. It stands as a stark contrast to the blessings promised for obedience earlier in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), which details the full scope of covenant blessings and curses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is crucial: the Israelites stand on the threshold of Canaan, a land teeming with idolatrous practices. Moses is addressing a new generation, born after the Exodus, who are about to inherit the covenant promises and face the temptations of pagan cultures. Covenant renewal ceremonies were common in the ancient Near East, serving to reaffirm allegiance between a suzerain (God) and his vassals (Israel). The warnings against idolatry were not merely theological but profoundly practical, as syncretism with Canaanite religions posed an existential threat to Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people. The concept of individual accountability within a corporate covenant is highlighted here; while the nation as a whole was bound by the covenant, individual secret rebellion could still invoke specific, severe divine judgment, often with communal repercussions, as seen in later narratives like [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin").
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Justice and Consequence:** The verse vividly portrays God's unwavering commitment to upholding His covenant. It demonstrates that deliberate, unrepentant disobedience, especially idolatry, will inevitably lead to divine judgment, ensuring that God's holiness and the integrity of His covenant are vindicated. This is a consistent theme throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing that God is not mocked and His word is true, both in blessing and in curse, as articulated in passages like [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out").
* **Covenant Fidelity:** It highlights the binding nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings were promised for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. This verse specifically points to the activation of these [curses of the covenant](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience") as a direct result of breaking its terms, particularly through hidden idolatry. It reinforces the idea that the covenant was a two-sided agreement, requiring Israel's faithful adherence, a principle echoed in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Separation for Judgment:** The phrase "separate him unto evil" implies a distinct isolation or expulsion. This individual would be singled out from the community of Israel for divine punishment, highlighting the seriousness of their offense and the communal implications of individual sin. This "separation" is a divine act, not necessarily a human one, indicating that God Himself will ensure the consequences are meted out, distinguishing them from the blessed community, as seen in [Exodus 33:16](/exodus/33-16 "Exodus 33:16 - God's Presence Separates Israel").
* **Authority of God's Law:** The explicit mention of "this book of the law" underscores the written, authoritative, and divinely ordained nature of the covenant's stipulations. It emphasizes that these consequences were clearly declared beforehand, leaving no room for ignorance or excuse, reinforcing the principle that God's justice is always based on His revealed word, a concept central to [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Separate (Hebrew, _bâdal'_):** The Hebrew verb בָּדַל (_bâdal_) means "to divide," "to distinguish," or "to set apart." While frequently used in a positive sense to denote sacred separation (e.g., separating the clean from the unclean, or Israel as a holy nation for God's purposes), here its usage is profoundly negative. It signifies a divine act of setting apart for judgment, marking the individual for a distinct and dire fate. This deliberate divine "separation" underscores the severity of the offense and God's active involvement in executing justice.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** The Hebrew word רַע (_raʻ_) refers to something bad, calamitous, or morally evil. In the phrase "unto evil" (לְרָעָה, _lera'ah_), it primarily denotes the calamitous consequences or divine judgment that will befall the individual. It specifies the purpose of the divine separation: not for blessing or holiness, but for affliction, destruction, and the full weight of the covenant curses. This contrasts sharply with the positive separation of Israel for God's holy purposes.
* **Curses (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** The Hebrew term אָלָה (_ʼâlâh_) refers to an imprecation, a curse, or a solemn oath. These "curses" are not arbitrary but are the stipulated penalties for disobedience, particularly those related to idolatry and disloyalty to Yahweh, as detailed within the covenant. Their mention here emphasizes that the divine judgment is not a spontaneous act of wrath but the faithful execution of pre-declared, legally binding stipulations found within the "book of the law."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall separate him":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency. It is Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) Himself who will perform this act of separation (H914, _bâdal_), indicating His sovereignty and active involvement in upholding His covenant. The verb "separate" highlights a deliberate, decisive act, singling out the individual from the community.
* **"unto evil":** This specifies the purpose and nature of the separation. It is not for a holy or blessed purpose, but for calamity, judgment, and the dire consequences of unrepentant sin. This clarifies that the individual is marked for divine retribution rather than for God's favor, using the term for "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_).
* **"out of all the tribes of Israel":** This phrase emphasizes the distinctness and isolation of the judgment. The individual will be singled out from the entire community of Israel (H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_), indicating that their hidden sin, though perhaps unknown to others, is fully known to God and will result in a unique and personal divine reckoning, even if the community itself is spared a wider judgment. The term "tribes" (H7626, _shêbeṭ_) underscores the corporate structure from which this individual is extracted.
* **"according to all the curses of the covenant":** This clause provides the legal and theological basis for the judgment. The punishment is not arbitrary but precisely aligned with the pre-established penalties (H423, _ʼâlâh_) detailed within the covenant (H1285, _bᵉrîyth_). This underscores God's justice and faithfulness to His word, demonstrating that He acts consistently with His declared will.
* **"that are written in this book of the law":** This final phrase points to the authoritative, tangible source of these curses. "This book" (H5612, _çêpher_) of "the law" (H8451, _tôwrâh_) refers to the Mosaic Law, particularly the stipulations and consequences outlined in Deuteronomy itself (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The verb "written" (H3789, _kâthab_) reinforces the idea that the terms of the covenant were clearly communicated and recorded, leaving no room for ignorance or excuse regarding the consequences of disloyalty.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:21 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Anthropomorphism/Agency**, where the Lord is depicted as actively performing the act of "separating" the individual. This portrays God not as a distant deity but as an engaged, sovereign ruler who personally executes justice. There is also a strong element of **Legal Language** and **Covenantal Framework**, as the verse explicitly references "the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law," grounding the divine action firmly within the established legal and theological structure of the Mosaic covenant. This reinforces the binding and non-negotiable nature of God's agreement with Israel. Furthermore, an implicit **Contrast** is present; while Israel as a whole was separated *unto God* for holiness (e.g., [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")), this individual is separated *unto evil*, highlighting the tragic reversal of their destiny due to apostasy. The verse also functions as a **Foreshadowing** of inevitable judgment for unrepentant sin, serving as a solemn warning to the entire community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:21 powerfully articulates core theological principles: God's unwavering justice, His covenant faithfulness, and the severe consequences of unrepentant rebellion, particularly idolatry. It underscores that God sees the hidden heart and that outward conformity without inward devotion is a grave offense. This verse reminds us that God's word, both in its promises and its warnings, is utterly reliable. The principle that deliberate turning away from God's revealed will incurs divine judgment is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating that while God is merciful, He is also righteous and holy, upholding the integrity of His character and His covenant. This passage serves as a sober reminder that true faith demands wholehearted allegiance and that God's justice is not merely a reaction but a faithful execution of His declared word.

* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Extensive Curses for Disobedience")
* [Joshua 7:1-26](/joshua/7-1-26 "Joshua 7:1-26 - Achan's Sin and Its Consequences")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment Against Impenitence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:21, though rooted in the specific context of the Mosaic Covenant, carries profound and timeless spiritual implications for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God is omniscient, seeing not only our outward actions but also the hidden intentions and allegiances of our hearts. The danger of hypocrisy, of outwardly professing faith while secretly harboring idols or rebellion, is a serious spiritual peril. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to ask if our devotion is genuine and undivided. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the principle that deliberate, unrepentant sin has serious spiritual consequences remains. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of sincere repentance and wholehearted commitment to God, knowing that true freedom and blessing come from walking in integrity before Him. This passage urges us to examine our inner lives, ensuring our private devotion matches our public profession, for God sees all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be outwardly conforming to Christian practices while secretly harboring desires or allegiances that compete with God?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees even "hidden sins" (as in [Psalm 90:8](/psalms/90-8 "Psalm 90:8 - God's Knowledge of Secret Sins")) impact my pursuit of holiness and integrity?**
* **What "curses" or negative consequences might I be experiencing in my life that could be linked to unaddressed or unrepentant sin, even if not directly covenantal curses?**
* **How can I cultivate a more genuine and wholehearted devotion to God, ensuring that my inner life aligns with my outward profession of faith?**

### FAQ
**Does Deuteronomy 29:21 apply directly to Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific legal framework of the Mosaic Covenant, with its blessings and curses, was given to ancient Israel, the underlying theological principles in Deuteronomy 29:21 remain profoundly relevant for Christians. The verse highlights God's omniscience (He sees hidden sin), His justice (sin has consequences), and His covenant faithfulness (He upholds His word). For believers today, we are under the New Covenant in Christ, which offers forgiveness and grace, but it does not negate the reality that unrepentant, deliberate turning away from God has serious spiritual repercussions. The principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")) still applies, and a heart stubbornly set against God will experience His righteous judgment, though the nature of that judgment differs from the temporal, national curses of the Old Covenant. Ultimately, the warning speaks to the eternal consequences of rejecting God's ultimate provision in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:21, with its stark warning of divine separation "unto evil" for those who secretly turn from God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reversal in Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the individual who broke faith faced the full weight of the curses written in the law. However, [Christ became a curse for us](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse"), bearing the very judgment and separation from God that Deuteronomy 29:21 describes. On the cross, Jesus experienced the ultimate "separation unto evil" – the wrath of God against sin – so that those who believe in Him would never have to. He was "made to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the curses of the law are removed for the believer ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), and we are instead separated *unto God* for holiness and eternal life ([1_peter/2-9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation")). While the warning of ultimate separation from God still stands for those who reject Christ and remain in their unrepentant sin ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Punishment")), for the believer, the "book of the law" that pronounced curses now points to the "book of life" where their names are written through the grace of the New Covenant established in Christ's blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant and Its Superiority")).

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

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 25:46

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Matthew 25:32

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats:

Ezekiel 13:9

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Joshua 7:1

¶ But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.