“‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 27:18
What does Deuteronomy 27:18 mean?
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Deuteronomy 27:18
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This curse goes beyond a literal interpretation of blinding someone; it powerfully warns against intentionally leading anyone astray, especially those who are already vulnerable or confused, whether in their daily lives or their spiritual journey. It’s a stark reminder that misleading others is a profound violation that deserves God's judgment.
“‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a dramatic ceremony Moses commands on the plains of Moab, shortly before entering the Promised Land. Following instructions given in Deuteronomy 27:1-10 to set up stones and inscribe the Law, the people are now to hear curses proclaimed against specific transgressions. This verse, and others like it, serve as a public affirmation and acceptance of God's judgment upon disobedience, with the entire nation responding "Amen" to each curse.
What does it mean to 'mislead a blind man'?
This curse isn't just about physical blindness. It speaks to anyone who is vulnerable or lacking understanding and is deliberately led astray.
Deliberate Deception
The Gravity of the Act
The repeated refrain of "And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" emphasizes the seriousness with which God viewed these transgressions. It signifies a collective agreement with God's judgment.
Why did all the people have to say 'Amen' to each curse?
The repeated 'Amen' from the entire assembly is a powerful declaration of collective responsibility and agreement with God's justice.
Shared Accountability
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The Heart of the Matter
Understand the original words
shogeh · Hebrew Verb
To lead astray, cause to wander, or deceive, particularly exploiting the vulnerability or ignorance of another person.
This verse isn't just about physical sight, but about spiritual guidance. In the context of ancient Israel, deliberately misleading someone, especially a vulnerable person like a blind person, was a grave offense because it violated the covenant's call to justice and care for the weak. The communal 'Amen' signifies their solemn agreement that such actions incur God's righteous judgment.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Receives the Law at Sinai
God gives Moses the Ten Commandments and the Law, establishing the covenant relationship with Israel.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years of wandering, Joshua leads the Israelites into Canaan, preparing to divide the land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Curses and Blessings Ceremony
As commanded, the people gather at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to hear and affirm the covenant curses and blessings.
c. 1400-1050 BC
The Period of the Judges
Israel experiences cycles of faithfulness, apostasy, and deliverance under various judges.
976 BC
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's reign, the united monarchy splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and many Israelites are exiled.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Southern Kingdom of Judah falls to the Babylonians, Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed, and the people are exiled.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of Deuteronomy 27:18 by stating, 'You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God.'
Proverbs 12:26This proverb speaks to the dangers of misleading others, stating, 'The righteous is more cautious than his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.'
Romans 14:13The Apostle Paul urges believers not to cause a brother to stumble, resonating with the curse against misleading the vulnerable. He writes, 'Let us then no longer pass judgment on that day! Rather let us set this, then, as a determination: not to put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in the way of a brother.'
1 Corinthians 8:9This passage highlights the responsibility Christians have to protect weaker believers from spiritual harm, much like protecting the physically vulnerable in Deuteronomy. It warns, 'But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.'
Jeremiah 23:1This verse pronounces a curse on leaders who mislead God's people, drawing a parallel to the specific curse in Deuteronomy against causing someone to wander. God declares, 'Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!'
gillDeuteronomy 27:18: "Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way,.... By directing him wrong knowingly, or laying a stumbling block in his way, Leviticus 19:14 . The Targum of Jonathan is,"that maketh a traveller wander out of the way, who like a blind man;''who knows his way no more than a blind man does. Jarchi interprets it,"that blinds in anything, and gives evil counsel;''which…
clarkeDeuteronomy 27:18: "Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen."
The blind to wander out of the way - A sin against the sixth commandment. See on Exodus 20:13 (note).
This curse goes beyond a literal interpretation of blinding someone; it powerfully warns against intentionally leading anyone astray, especially those who are already vulnerable or confused, whether in their daily lives or their spiritual journey. It’s a stark reminder that misleading others is a profound violation that deserves God's judgment.
This passage is part of a dramatic ceremony Moses commands on the plains of Moab, shortly before entering the Promised Land. Following instructions given in Deuteronomy 27:1-10 to set up stones and inscribe the Law, the people are now to hear curses proclaimed against specific transgressions. This verse, and others like it, serve as a public affirmation and acceptance of God's judgment upon disobedience, with the entire nation responding "Amen" to each curse.
This passage is part of a dramatic ceremony Moses commands on the plains of Moab, shortly before entering the Promised Land. Following instructions given in Deuteronomy 27:1-10 to set up stones and inscribe the Law, the people are now to hear curses proclaimed against specific transgressions. This verse, and others like it, serve as a public affirmation and acceptance of God's judgment upon disobedience, with the entire nation responding "Amen" to each curse.
"“‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’" — This curse goes beyond a literal interpretation of blinding someone; it powerfully warns against intentionally leading anyone astray, especially those who are already vulnerable or confused, whether…
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Last reviewed October 2026