Deuteronomy 27:24 Meaning and Explanation
“Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Secretly striking a neighbor is cursed as a hidden crime that violates community safety.
The Context of Deuteronomy 27:24
The tenth curse condemns secretly striking a neighbor.
What Does Deuteronomy 27:24 Mean?
Striking a neighbor in secret—where there are no witnesses—is particularly cowardly. It combines violence with deception, attacking someone without allowing them to defend themselves or for witnesses to know what happened. The curse targets not only violence but the secrecy that enables injustice and evades accountability.
The prohibition of secret violence protects the community's ability to administer justice fairly. If violence is hidden, the victim has no recourse and no one can hold the perpetrator accountable. Each 'Amen' obligates Israel to maintain transparency and protect community members from hidden harm. The covenant depends on trust and accountability, both threatened by secret violence.
Deuteronomy 27:24 in the Original Language
smiteth (יַכֶּה, yakeh) — to strike or hit, here referring to assault or attack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 27:24
What does Deuteronomy 27:24 mean?
Secretly striking a neighbor is cursed as a hidden crime that violates community safety.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 27:24?
The tenth curse condemns secretly striking a neighbor.