Deuteronomy 27:24

24 ¹“‘Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret. ’ And all the people shall 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 be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

23 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his mother-in-law. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

24 “‘Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

25 “‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them. ’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen. ’

Cross References

• 1. 27:24 ch. 19:11; Ex. 21:12, 14