Deuteronomy 29:20 Meaning and Explanation
“The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The rebel faces God's full anger; all covenant curses fall upon him and his name is erased.
The Context of Deuteronomy 29:20
Moses proclaims the consequence for covenant-breaking.
What Does Deuteronomy 29:20 Mean?
'Spare' means pardon or overlook. God will not overlook the rebel's covenant-breaking. Instead, His anger and jealousy—His protective zeal for His covenant—ignite against the person. The anger is not slight but 'smokes,' consuming and overwhelming.
The curse is total: 'all the curses that are written in this book.' No part of the covenant promise remains; all judgment falls. Worse, the person's name is blotted out from heaven—erased from the record of God's people. This is social and spiritual death.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 29:20
What does Deuteronomy 29:20 mean?
The rebel faces God's full anger; all covenant curses fall upon him and his name is erased.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 29:20?
Moses proclaims the consequence for covenant-breaking.