Deuteronomy 28:31
New International Version
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will eat none of it. Your donkey will be forcibly taken from you and will not be returned. Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and no one will rescue them.

New Living Translation
Your ox will be butchered before your eyes, but you will not eat a single bite of the meat. Your donkey will be taken from you, never to be returned. Your sheep and goats will be given to your enemies, and no one will be there to help you.

English Standard Version
Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, but you shall not eat any of it. Your donkey shall be seized before your face, but shall not be restored to you. Your sheep shall be given to your enemies, but there shall be no one to help you.

Berean Standard Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will save you.

King James Bible
Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.

New King James Version
Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, but you shall not eat of it; your donkey shall be violently taken away from before you, and shall not be restored to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have no one to rescue them.

New American Standard Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat of it; your donkey will be snatched away from you, and will not be restored to you; your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to save you.

NASB 1995
“Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat of it; your donkey shall be torn away from you, and will not be restored to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you will have none to save you.

NASB 1977
“Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, but you shall not eat of it; your donkey shall be torn away from you, and shall not be restored to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have none to save you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat of it; your donkey shall be torn away from you and will not be returned to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you will have none to save you.

Amplified Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it; your donkey will be torn away from you, and it will not be returned to you; your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to save you.

Christian Standard Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away from you and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will help you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away from you and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will help you.

American Standard Version
Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to save thee.

Contemporary English Version
Your cattle will be killed while you watch, but you won't get to eat any of the meat. Your donkeys and sheep will be stolen from you, and no one will be around to force your enemies to give them back.

English Revised Version
Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof: thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and thou shalt have none to save thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your ox will be butchered as you watch, but you won't eat any of its meat. You will watch as your donkey is stolen from you, but you'll never get it back. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will rescue it.

Good News Translation
Your cattle will be butchered before your very eyes, but you will not eat any of the meat. Your donkeys will be dragged away while you look on, and they will not be given back to you. Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and there will be no one to help you.

International Standard Version
Your ox will be slaughtered in front of you, and you won't be able to eat it. Your donkey will be stolen from you while you watch and won't be returned to you. Your flock of sheep will be handed to your enemies and there will be no deliverer.

Majority Standard Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will save you.

NET Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your very eyes but you will not eat of it. Your donkey will be stolen from you as you watch and will not be returned to you. Your flock of sheep will be given to your enemies and there will be no one to save you.

New Heart English Bible
Your ox shall be slain before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it: your donkey shall be violently taken away from before your face, and shall not be restored to you: your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have none to save you.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thy ox shall be slain before thy eyes, and thou shalt not eat of it: thy ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given to thy enemies, and thou shalt have none to rescue them.

World English Bible
Your ox will be slain before your eyes, and you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be violently taken away from before your face, and will not be restored to you. Your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to save you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
your ox [is] slaughtered before your eyes, and you do not eat of it; your donkey [is] violently taken away from before you, and it is not given back to you; your sheep [are] given to your enemies, and there is no savior for you.

Young's Literal Translation
thine ox is slaughtered before thine eyes, and thou dost not eat of it; thine ass is taken violently away from before thee, and it is not given back to thee; thy sheep are given to thine enemies, and there is no saviour for thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thine ox slaughtered before thine eyes and thou shalt not eat from it: thine ass stripped from before thee and shall not turn back to thee; thy sheep, given to thine enemies, and none to thee saving.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
May thy ox be slain before thee, and thou not eat thereof. May thy ass be taken away in thy sight, and not restored to thee. May thy sheep be given to thy enemies, and may there be none to help thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
May your ox be immolated before you, though you do not eat from it. May your donkey be seized in your sight, and not restored to you. May your sheep be given to your enemies, and may there be no one who may help you.

New American Bible
Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat its flesh. Your donkey will be stolen in your presence, but you will never get it back. Your flocks will be given to your enemies, with no one to come to your aid.

New Revised Standard Version
Your ox shall be butchered before your eyes, but you shall not eat of it. Your donkey shall be stolen in front of you, and shall not be restored to you. Your sheep shall be given to your enemies, without anyone to help you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Your ox shall be slaughtered before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it; your ass shall be violently taken away from you, and shall not be restored to you; your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have none to rescue them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Your ox will be slaughtered before you and you will not eat of it, and your donkey will be taken captive from you by force and will not return to you; your sheep will be handed over to your enemies and there is none who will save it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof; thine ass shall be violently taken away from before thy face, and shall not be restored to thee; thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies; and thou shalt have none to save thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thy calf shall be slain before thee, and thou shalt not eat of it; thine ass shall be violently taken away from thee, and shall not be restored to thee: thy sheep shall be given to thine enemies, and thou shalt have no helper.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Curses of Disobedience
30You will be pledged in marriage to a woman, but another man will violate her. You will build a house but will not live in it. You will plant a vineyard but will not enjoy its fruit. 31Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat any of it. Your donkey will be taken away and not returned to you. Your flock will be given to your enemies, and no one will save you. 32Your sons and daughters will be given to another nation, while your eyes grow weary looking for them day after day, with no power in your hand.…

Cross References
Job 1:14-15
a messenger came and reported to Job: “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, / the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Jeremiah 5:17
They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.”

Hosea 4:10
They will eat but not be satisfied; they will be promiscuous but not multiply. For they have abandoned the LORD to give themselves

Joel 1:6-7
For a nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and its fangs are the fangs of a lioness. / It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white.

Amos 4:9
“I struck you with blight and mildew in your growing gardens and vineyards; the locust devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.

Micah 6:15
You will sow but not reap; you will press olives but not anoint yourselves with oil; you will tread grapes but not drink the wine.

Zephaniah 1:13
Their wealth will be plundered and their houses laid waste. They will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but never drink their wine.

Isaiah 62:8-9
The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain to your enemies for food, nor will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled. / For those who harvest grain will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather grapes will drink the wine in My holy courts.”

Jeremiah 12:13
They have sown wheat but harvested thorns. They have exhausted themselves to no avail. Bear the shame of your harvest because of the fierce anger of the LORD.”

Ezekiel 25:4
therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.

1 Samuel 15:3
Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”

2 Kings 24:14
He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained.

Nehemiah 5:3
Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.”

Lamentations 5:2
Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners.

Matthew 21:33-41
Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. / But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Your ox shall be slain before your eyes, and you shall not eat thereof: your ass shall be violently taken away from before your face, and shall not be restored to you: your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have none to rescue them.

ox

Judges 6:1
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

Job 1:14,15
And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: …

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Ass Death Donkey Eat Enemies Eyes Help Ox Rescue Restored Save Sheep Slain Slaughtered Thereof Torn Violently
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Ass Death Donkey Eat Enemies Eyes Help Ox Rescue Restored Save Sheep Slain Slaughtered Thereof Torn Violently
Deuteronomy 28
1. The blessings for obedience
15. The curses for disobedience














Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes
The ox, in ancient Israelite society, was a symbol of strength and productivity, essential for plowing fields and providing food. The Hebrew word for ox, "שׁוֹר" (shor), signifies not just a beast of burden but a vital part of agrarian life. The slaughtering of the ox "before your eyes" indicates a profound sense of helplessness and loss. This phrase underscores the severity of the curses for disobedience, as the Israelites would witness the destruction of their livelihood and be powerless to prevent it. Historically, this reflects the invasions and oppressions that Israel faced when they turned away from God, emphasizing the tangible consequences of spiritual rebellion.

but you will not eat any of it
This phrase highlights the futility and frustration that comes with disobedience. The ox, once a source of sustenance, becomes a symbol of deprivation. The Hebrew context suggests a reversal of fortune, where what was once a blessing becomes a curse. This serves as a stark reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings are contingent upon obedience. The inability to partake in the fruits of one's labor is a recurring theme in the curses of Deuteronomy, illustrating the spiritual principle that true prosperity is found in alignment with God's will.

Your donkey will be forcibly taken from you
The donkey, or "חֲמוֹר" (chamor) in Hebrew, was another essential animal in ancient times, used for transportation and carrying burdens. The forcible taking of the donkey signifies a loss of freedom and mobility. This phrase reflects the historical reality of enemy invasions, where personal property was seized, leaving the Israelites vulnerable and dependent. Theologically, it represents the consequences of straying from God's protection, where the security and stability provided by God are removed, leading to a life of hardship and uncertainty.

and will not be returned
The permanence of loss is emphasized here. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the return of stolen property was often a possibility through negotiation or divine intervention. However, the phrase "will not be returned" indicates a complete and irreversible loss. This serves as a warning of the enduring consequences of disobedience, where the blessings once enjoyed are not easily regained. It underscores the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God to ensure His continued provision and protection.

Your sheep will be given to your enemies
Sheep, or "צֹאן" (tson) in Hebrew, were vital for their wool, milk, and meat, representing wealth and prosperity. The giving of sheep to enemies signifies a transfer of wealth and blessing to those who are outside the covenant community. This phrase illustrates the principle that disobedience leads to a loss of divine favor, resulting in the enrichment of those who do not know God. Historically, this reflects the periods of Israel's subjugation by foreign powers, where their resources were plundered. Spiritually, it serves as a call to remain faithful to God to retain His blessings.

with no one to help you
The absence of help highlights the isolation and vulnerability that come with turning away from God. In the Hebrew context, community and divine intervention were sources of strength and support. The phrase "with no one to help you" underscores the dire consequences of breaking the covenant, where the Israelites would find themselves abandoned and without recourse. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God, who is the ultimate source of help and deliverance. Historically, it reflects the times when Israel faced oppression without allies, emphasizing the need for divine reliance.

(31) Thou shalt have none to rescue.--Here and in Deuteronomy 28:29 the Hebrew literally is, "Thou shalt have no Saviour." The times of oppression before the several judges were raised up, who are called saviours, must often have temporarily fulfilled these anticipations.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Your ox
שׁוֹרְךָ֞ (šō·wr·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

will be slaughtered
טָב֣וּחַ (ṭā·ḇū·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 2873: To slaughter, butcher, slay

before your eyes,
לְעֵינֶ֗יךָ (lə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

but you will not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

eat
תֹאכַל֮ (ṯō·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

any of it.
מִמֶּנּוּ֒ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Your donkey
חֲמֹֽרְךָ֙ (ḥă·mō·rə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2543: A male ass

will be taken away
גָּז֣וּל (gā·zūl)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1497: To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob

and not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

returned to you.
יָשׁ֖וּב (yā·šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

Your flock
צֹֽאנְךָ֙ (ṣō·nə·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

will be given
נְתֻנ֣וֹת (nə·ṯu·nō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to your enemies,
לְאֹיְבֶ֔יךָ (lə·’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

and no
וְאֵ֥ין (wə·’ên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one will help you.
מוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃ (mō·wō·šî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 28:31 Your ox shall be slain before your (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 28:30
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