Deuteronomy 28:61
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The verse emphasizes that the curses aren't limited to what's explicitly listed; God will bring "every sickness and every plague" not written in the law, meaning that the full scope of divine retribution is beyond human cataloging. This highlights the terrifying completeness of God's judgment when His covenant is broken, extending even to afflictions unforeseen or unwritten.
Every sickness also and every affliction that is not recorded in the book of this law, the LORD will bring upon you, until you are destroyed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy section detailing the consequences of disobedience. Moses has been laying out blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, and the list of curses here is particularly severe, covering national calamity, personal suffering, and eventual destruction. The verses immediately before this mention the diseases and plagues associated with Egypt, and the verse directly following describes Israel being scattered among the nations.
Think about the sheer number of diseases and afflictions that exist. Could God's judgment encompass even those not specifically named in a list?
Deuteronomy 28 outlines severe consequences for disobedience, detailing many specific curses. However, verse 61 broadens the scope dramatically.
Beyond Enumeration
This verse declares that every sickness and every plague not specifically written in the 'book of this law' would also be brought upon Israel. This implies that God's judgment isn't limited to a finite list of known afflictions. It extends to all forms of suffering, known or unknown, expected or unexpected.
This highlights the terrifying comprehensiveness of God's justice when His covenant people turn away from Him. It suggests that His ability to bring suffering is not constrained by human knowledge or categorization of diseases.
What is the ultimate end of these escalating curses? Is there any escape for those who persistently disobey?
The final phrase of Deuteronomy 28:61, 'until you are destroyed,' is crucial. It reveals the ultimate aim of these comprehensive curses.
No Partiality in Judgment
This isn't about temporary setbacks or minor inconveniences. The repeated emphasis on destruction throughout the chapter (seen in verses 20, 24, 45, 51, 61, 63) underscores a finality in God's judgment against persistent disobedience.
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It's a stark warning that turning away from God's covenant has profound consequences, leading to a complete and final undoing. This speaks to the seriousness with which God regards His covenant and the integrity of His law.
Understand the original words
choli · Hebrew Noun
General term for physical or spiritual malady, weakness, or disease often viewed as a consequence of sin or a limitation of humanity.
makkah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to suffering, plague, or a devastating blow; in a covenant context, it often denotes divine judgment for disobedience.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping I AM, who reveals Himself to His people through His actions in history.
shamad · Hebrew Verb
To be brought to an end, wiped out, or perish; in legal contexts, it implies the total cessation of a nation or state.
This verse speaks of consequences that extend beyond what is explicitly listed in the Law, highlighting God's comprehensive judgment. The historical context of the Babylonian exile and the later destruction by Rome vividly illustrates the fulfillment of these curses, showing God bringing about devastating calamities, including widespread sickness and afflictions, upon His disobedient people until their destruction and scattering.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
Moses delivers the Law, including Deuteronomy, to the Israelites shortly before they enter the Promised Land. This establishes the covenant of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer and settle in the land of Canaan, which God had promised to their ancestors.
c. 1050 BC
Establishment of the Monarchy
The Israelites demand a king, leading to the anointing of Saul. This marks a shift in their political and religious landscape.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and ending its existence as a distinct entity.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiles much of the population.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Under Cyrus the Great, the Jews are permitted to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple
The Roman Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Second Temple in response to a Jewish revolt, leading to a widespread diaspora.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy's warning, stating that the city will be torn down and ravaged by enemies, reflecting the theme of widespread destruction and suffering due to disobedience.
Leviticus 26:21This verse directly parallels the idea of God sending increasing 'plagues' or 'smitings' upon those who walk contrary to Him, emphasizing the escalating consequences of sin.
Luke 21:24Jesus speaks of Jerusalem being trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, which is a later historical fulfillment of the curses in Deuteronomy, especially concerning destruction and exile.
Revelation 18:5-8This passage describes Babylon's impending judgment and destruction, listing plagues, pestilence, and fire, which resonates with the comprehensive and devastating punishments detailed in Deuteronomy for severe disobedience.
calvinDeuteronomy 28:15-68: "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:"
- But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day, that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake th…
gillDeuteronomy 28:61: "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."
Also every sickness and every plague which is not written in the book of this law,.... Which is not here mentioned or threatened; and it suggests, that whatsoever sickness or disease that could be thought of or named, or were at any time in any place among men, might be expected to come upon them for their disobedience: them will…
The verse emphasizes that the curses aren't limited to what's explicitly listed; God will bring "every sickness and every plague" not written in the law, meaning that the full scope of divine retribution is beyond human cataloging. This highlights the terrifying completeness of God's judgment when His covenant is broken, extending even to afflictions unforeseen or unwritten.
This passage is part of a lengthy section detailing the consequences of disobedience. Moses has been laying out blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, and the list of curses here is particularly severe, covering national calamity, personal suffering, and eventual destruction. The verses immediately before this mention the diseases and plagues associated with Egypt, and the verse directly following describes Israel being scattered among the nations.
This passage is part of a lengthy section detailing the consequences of disobedience. Moses has been laying out blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, and the list of curses here is particularly severe, covering national calamity, personal suffering, and eventual destruction. The verses immediately before this mention the diseases and plagues associated with Egypt, and the verse directly following describes Israel being scattered among the nations.
"Every sickness also and every affliction that is not recorded in the book of this law, the LORD will bring upon you, until you are destroyed." — The verse emphasizes that the curses aren't limited to what's explicitly listed; God will bring "every sickness and every plague" not written in the law, meaning that the full scope of divine retribu…
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Last reviewed October 2026
