Deuteronomy 7:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God repays those who hate Him with destruction, without delay.
The Context of Deuteronomy 7:10
God's justice toward those who hate Him is as certain as His mercy toward the faithful.
What Does Deuteronomy 7:10 Mean?
The flip side of God's covenant mercy is His justice toward those who reject Him. Those who hate the LORD face direct repayment—not delayed, not abstract, but concrete and confrontational (to their face). The repetition of 'repay to his face' and 'not be slack' emphasizes that God does not overlook or indefinitely postpone judgment against His enemies.
This teaching balances the preceding verse's promise of mercy. God's faithfulness operates in two directions: steadfast love for the covenant-keeping, swift justice for the rebellious. The pattern is consistent throughout Deuteronomy: blessings for obedience, curses for defection. This creates a framework in which consequences are not random but proportionate and immediate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 7:10
What does Deuteronomy 7:10 mean?
God repays those who hate Him with destruction, without delay.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 7:10?
God's justice toward those who hate Him is as certain as His mercy toward the faithful.