Old Testament
Deuteronomy 28:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Your children will be cursed, your crops will be cursed, and your livestock — both your herds and your flocks — will be cursed.
Compare translations
Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.
What Deuteronomy 28:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the consequences of disobedience are laid out clearly. It emphasizes that if people turn away from following the right path, their families and livelihoods will suffer. The mention of children, crops, and livestock highlights the far-reaching impact of their choices. This isn't just about personal failure; it affects the next generation and the community. The curse symbolizes a breakdown in relationships and prosperity. It serves as a warning that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for those we love. The imagery of children and livestock makes it relatable, showing that our daily lives and future are intertwined with our decisions. This verse invites reflection on how our choices shape our lives and the lives of those around us. It encourages us to consider the importance of living in alignment with values that promote well-being and harmony in our families and communities. Ultimately, it’s a call to be mindful of the paths we choose.
How to apply Deuteronomy 28:18 to your life
Reflect on your daily choices and their impact on your loved ones. Consider how your actions can either build or break relationships. Strive to make decisions that promote harmony and well-being in your family and community. Remember, your choices matter more than you think. Choose wisely for a better future for all involved.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 28:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 28:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 28:18 mean?
Deuteronomy 28:18 outlines the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, indicating that if people stray from the right path, their families, crops, and livestock will suffer. It serves as a warning about the far-reaching effects of one's choices.
What is the significance of 'cursed' in Deuteronomy 28:18?
The term 'cursed' in Deuteronomy 28:18 signifies a breakdown in relationships and prosperity, highlighting the negative impact of disobedience on personal and communal well-being.
How does Deuteronomy 28:18 relate to family and livelihood?
Deuteronomy 28:18 emphasizes that disobedience affects not just the individual but also their family and livelihood, illustrating that choices can lead to suffering for loved ones and the community.
What are the consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:18?
The consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:18 include curses on children, crops, and livestock, symbolizing the broader impact of one's actions on future generations and overall prosperity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.