Old Testament
Deuteronomy 28:68
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD will send you back to Egypt in ships, by a route I told you that you would never see again. There you'll try to sell yourselves to your enemies as slaves — both men and women — but no one will even want to buy you.
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And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.
What Deuteronomy 28:68 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the people of Israel about the consequences of their disobedience. He tells them that they will be taken back to Egypt, a place of bondage, but this time by ships. They will not return to their homeland and will find themselves in a desperate situation. They will try to sell themselves as slaves to their enemies, but no one will want to buy them. This reflects the severity of their choices and the ultimate rejection they will face. The imagery of ships emphasizes the distance and hopelessness of their situation. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the dire outcomes that can follow. This warning is not just about physical captivity but also about spiritual separation from God, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience in their relationship with Him. The message is clear: straying from God's path leads to dire consequences that can leave one feeling unwanted and abandoned, both by others and by God.
How to apply Deuteronomy 28:68 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our choices and their potential consequences. It reminds us that turning away from what is right can lead to situations where we feel trapped and unwanted. Staying true to our values and beliefs is essential for a fulfilling life. We should seek guidance and remain faithful to avoid such outcomes in our lives. Our decisions matter greatly in shaping our future and relationships with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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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 28:68 mean?
Deuteronomy 28:68 warns the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience to God. It foretells their return to Egypt as slaves, emphasizing the severity of their choices and the hopelessness they will face.
What is the significance of Egypt in Deuteronomy 28:68?
In Deuteronomy 28:68, Egypt symbolizes a place of bondage and oppression. The verse highlights that returning to Egypt represents a regression into slavery due to disobedience to God.
What does the phrase 'no man shall buy you' mean in Deuteronomy 28:68?
The phrase 'no man shall buy you' in Deuteronomy 28:68 indicates that the Israelites will be in such a desperate state that even their attempts to sell themselves as slaves will be rejected, reflecting their utter abandonment.
What are the consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:68?
The consequences mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:68 include being taken back to Egypt in ships and facing rejection as slaves. This serves as a warning about the dire outcomes of turning away from God.
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