Old Testament
Deuteronomy 29:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God warns that if someone turns away from His commands, they will face serious consequences.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, in keeping with every curse of the covenant written in this book of the law.
And the LORD shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns that if someone turns away from His commands, they will face serious consequences. This isn't just a random punishment; it's a direct result of breaking the covenant made with Him. The 'curses' mentioned refer to the serious repercussions outlined in the law. God is making it clear that He takes the relationship with His people seriously. When someone chooses to ignore His guidance, they are setting themselves apart for disaster. This serves as a reminder that our choices matter and can lead to significant outcomes. The covenant is a two-way street; blessings come from obedience, while disobedience leads to curses. Understanding this helps us appreciate the importance of staying aligned with God's will. It’s not just about rules; it’s about a relationship that has real-life implications. God desires our commitment and warns us of the dangers of straying from His path, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in our lives and communities. This verse encourages us to reflect on our choices and their potential impact.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Deuteronomy 29:21 to your life
Consider how your choices align with your values and beliefs. Reflect on the potential consequences of straying from what you know is right. Staying committed to your principles can lead to positive outcomes, while ignoring them may lead to difficulties. Make decisions that honor your commitments and relationships with others and yourself. Seek guidance when faced with tough choices to stay on the right path.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 29:21 mean?
Deuteronomy 29:21 warns that if someone turns away from God's commands, they will face serious consequences. It emphasizes that breaking the covenant with God leads to disaster, highlighting the importance of obedience.
What is the significance of the covenant in Deuteronomy 29:21?
The covenant in Deuteronomy 29:21 represents the agreement between God and His people, where blessings come from obedience and curses from disobedience. This verse underscores the serious repercussions of failing to uphold this covenant.
What are the curses mentioned in Deuteronomy 29:21?
The curses in Deuteronomy 29:21 refer to the serious consequences outlined in the law for those who disobey God's commands. They serve as a warning about the outcomes of turning away from God's guidance.
How does Deuteronomy 29:21 relate to personal choices?
Deuteronomy 29:21 serves as a reminder that our choices have significant consequences. It encourages individuals to reflect on their decisions and how they align with their values and commitments.
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 1: Moses Reviews the Wilderness Journey
Moses speaks to all Israel in the plains of Moab and recalls earlier events. He says the LORD tells Israel to leave Horeb and go toward the land promised to their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses explains how the people become too numerous for him to manage alone, so leaders are appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and judges are instructed to judge fairly without respect of persons.
Unlock the full Deuteronomy summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Deuteronomy — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 34 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Deuteronomy summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.