Deuteronomy 27:24

24 “Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbor secretly.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

Deuteronomy 27:24 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
24 "'Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'
New Living Translation (NLT)
24 ‘Cursed is anyone who attacks a neighbor in secret.’ And all the people will reply, ‘Amen.’
The Message Bible (MSG)
24 God's curse on anyone who kills his neighbor in secret. All respond: Yes. Absolutely.
American Standard Version (ASV)
24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say, Amen.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
24 "Whoever kills another person secretly will be cursed." Then all the people will say amen.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
24 'Cursed is the one who kills his neighbor in secret.' And all the people will say, 'Amen!'
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
24 "May anyone who kills his neighbor secretly be under the LORD's curse." Then all of the people will say, "Amen!"

Deuteronomy 27:24 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:24

Cursed [be] he that smiteth his neighbour secretly
And kills him, and the murder is not known; the curse of God follows such, and overtakes them sooner or later. Some interpret this of smiting with the tongue, of secret backbiting and slander; so the Targum of Jonathan,

``that smiteth with the third tongue;''
or false accusation: and all the people shall say Amen;
as disapproving of and condemning such a practice, even slander, and especially murder.

Deuteronomy 27:24 In-Context

22 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
23 “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
24 “Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbor secretly.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
25 “Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
26 “Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Genesis 4:23; Leviticus 24:17; Numbers 35:31
  • 2. Exodus 21:12
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.