Deuteronomy 27:24

24 `Cursed [is] he who is smiting his neighbour in secret, -- and all the people have said, 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] he who is lying with his sister, daughter of his father, or daughter of his mother, -- and all the people have said, Amen.

23 `Cursed [is] he who is lying with his mother-in-law, -- and all the people have said, Amen.

24 `Cursed [is] he who is smiting his neighbour in secret, -- and all the people have said, Amen.

25 `Cursed [is] he who is taking a bribe to smite a person, innocent blood, -- and all the people have said, Amen.

26 `Cursed [is] he who doth not establish the words of this law, to do them, -- and all the people have said, Amen.