Old Testament
Deuteronomy 28:62
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Though you once were as numerous as the stars in the heavens, only a handful of you will survive — because you refused to obey the LORD your God.
Compare translations
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.
What Deuteronomy 28:62 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights a stark contrast between abundance and scarcity. At one time, the people were as numerous as the stars, symbolizing great potential and blessing. However, their refusal to listen to and follow God's guidance led to a drastic decline in their numbers. This serves as a powerful reminder that our choices have consequences. When we ignore wisdom and guidance, we risk losing what we hold dear. The imagery of stars emphasizes how far they fell from their original state. It’s a call to reflect on our own lives and the importance of obedience. Just as the people faced dire consequences, we too must consider how our actions align with our values and beliefs. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to seek understanding and to act in ways that honor our commitments and responsibilities. It’s about recognizing the impact of our decisions on our future and the importance of staying true to our principles, even when faced with challenges or temptations that lead us astray.
How to apply Deuteronomy 28:62 to your life
Consider the areas in your life where you may be ignoring wise advice or guidance. Reflect on the potential consequences of your choices. Strive to align your actions with your values, ensuring that you remain true to what matters most to you. Remember, every decision shapes your future and well-being. Choose wisely and stay committed to your principles.
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 28:62
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 28:62
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 28:62 mean?
Deuteronomy 28:62 means that although the people were once very numerous, their disobedience to God led to a significant reduction in their numbers. It emphasizes the consequences of ignoring divine guidance.
What is the significance of being as numerous as the stars in Deuteronomy 28:62?
Being as numerous as the stars symbolizes great potential and blessings that the people once had. It highlights the contrast between their former abundance and their current scarcity due to disobedience.
How does Deuteronomy 28:62 relate to obedience?
Deuteronomy 28:62 relates to obedience by showing that the refusal to obey God's commands results in negative outcomes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of following divine guidance.
What lessons can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:62?
From Deuteronomy 28:62, we learn that our choices have consequences and that ignoring wise guidance can lead to loss. It encourages reflection on our actions and their alignment with our values.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.