Deuteronomy 11:29
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just assign blessings and curses to mountains; it highlights the very nature of these mountains. Mount Gerizim, associated with blessing, is noted for its fertility, suggesting prosperity, while Mount Ebal, the mountain of the curse, is described as barren. This stark geographical contrast visually reinforces that obedience brings life-giving fruitfulness, and disobedience leads to desolate emptiness.
And when the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage sets the stage for a profound ceremony to take place once the Israelites enter and possess the Promised Land. Moses is instructing them on how to publicly acknowledge God's covenant, with specific blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to be proclaimed from two opposing mountains, Gerizim and Ebal, after they cross the Jordan River. This solemn ritual, detailed further in Deuteronomy 27, serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences tied to their relationship with God.
Imagine standing between two mountains, one lush and green, the other stark and barren. This wasn't just a scenic choice; it was a powerful, visible lesson about obedience.
The placement of the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal was deeply symbolic. Travelers and ancient commentators alike noted the stark contrast: Gerizim was known for its fertility, watered by springs, while Ebal was rocky and barren.
God didn't just lay out the rules; He orchestrated a dramatic, unforgettable ceremony that put the choice squarely in Israel's hands.
This command was more than just a geographical instruction; it was a profound act of covenant ratification. By standing on opposite mountains, with the people divided, Israel was forced to confront the reality of their commitment.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
erets · Hebrew Noun
The historical, geographical, and spiritual inheritance promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, symbolizing the place where God dwells among His people.
This passage directly follows and details the practical implementation of the command given in Deuteronomy 11:29, specifying which tribes stood on each mountain and how the blessing and curse were proclaimed.
Joshua 8:30-35This passage describes the actual carrying out of the command in Joshua's time after the conquest, showing how the people fulfilled the instructions given by Moses regarding Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Jeremiah 11:3-5This prophetic passage echoes the covenant established in Deuteronomy, reminding the people that obedience to God's commands (like those associated with the blessing) brings favor, while disobedience (the curse) brings disaster.
Luke 10:30-37While not a direct parallel, the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the concept of blessing and curse by showing how one act of mercy ('blessing') counters a path of neglect and harm ('curse'), highlighting the choice between compassion and indifference.
Romans 8:1-4This passage speaks to the spiritual reality of the blessing and curse, explaining that those in Christ Jesus are no longer under the condemnation (curse) of the law but live according to the Spirit, receiving God's righteousness (blessing).
clarkeDeuteronomy 11:29: "And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal."
Thou shalt put the blessing upon Mount Gerizim, and the curse upon Mount Ebal - The etymology of these names may be supposed to cast some light on this institution. גרזים gerizzim, from גרז garaz, to cut, cut off, cut down; hence גרזים gerizzim, the cutters down, fellers,…
calvinDeuteronomy 11:26-32: "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;"
And it shall come to pass, when the Lord thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
Quumque introduxerit te Jehova Deus tuus in terram quam tu ingrederis ut possideas eam, tunc dabis benedictionem super montem Garizim, et maledictionem super montem Ebal.
Are they not on the other side…
The verse doesn't just assign blessings and curses to mountains; it highlights the very nature of these mountains. Mount Gerizim, associated with blessing, is noted for its fertility, suggesting prosperity, while Mount Ebal, the mountain of the curse, is described as barren. This stark geographical contrast visually reinforces that obedience brings life-giving fruitfulness, and disobedience leads to desolate emptiness.
This passage sets the stage for a profound ceremony to take place once the Israelites enter and possess the Promised Land. Moses is instructing them on how to publicly acknowledge God's covenant, with specific blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to be proclaimed from two opposing mountains, Gerizim and Ebal, after they cross the Jordan River. This solemn ritual, detailed further in Deuteronomy 27, serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences tied to their relationship with God.
This passage sets the stage for a profound ceremony to take place once the Israelites enter and possess the Promised Land. Moses is instructing them on how to publicly acknowledge God's covenant, with specific blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to be proclaimed from two opposing mountains, Gerizim and Ebal, after they cross the Jordan River. This solemn ritual, detailed further in Deuteronomy 27, serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences tied to their relationship with God.
"And when the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal." — The verse doesn't just assign blessings and curses to mountains; it highlights the very nature of these mountains. Mount Gerizim, associated with blessing, is noted for its fertility, suggesting pros…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
