Leviticus 19:14
New International Version
“’Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD.

New Living Translation
“Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the LORD.

English Standard Version
You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

King James Bible
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

New King James Version
You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
You shall not curse a person who is deaf, nor put a stumbling block before a person who is blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.

NASB 1995
‘You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.

NASB 1977
‘You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
You shall not curse a deaf man nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God; I am Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
You shall not curse a deaf man nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God [with profound reverence]; I am the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you are to fear your God; I am the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You must not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you are to fear your God; I am Yahweh.”

American Standard Version
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind; but thou shalt fear thy God: I am Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
I am the LORD your God, and I command you not to make fun of the deaf or to cause a blind person to stumble.

English Revised Version
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Never curse deaf people or put anything in the way of blind people to make them stumble. Instead, fear your God. I am the LORD.

Good News Translation
Do not curse the deaf or put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it. Obey me; I am the LORD your God.

International Standard Version
"You are not to curse a deaf person or put a stumbling block before the blind. "You are to fear God. I am the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

NET Bible
You must not curse a deaf person or put a stumbling block in front of a blind person. You must fear your God; I am the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
"'You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

World English Bible
“‘You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You do not revile the deaf; and you do not put a stumbling block before the blind; and you have been afraid of your God; I [am] YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
Thou dost not revile the deaf; and before the blind thou dost not put a stumbling block; and thou hast been afraid of thy God; I am Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, and before the blind thou shalt not give a stumbling block, and thou shalt fear thy God: I Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou shalt not speak evil of the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind: but thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, because I am the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
You shall not speak evil of the deaf, nor shall you place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear the Lord your God, for I am the Lord.

New American Bible
You shall not insult the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Do not insult the deaf and you shall not put a stumbling stone before the blind, but be reverent of your God; I AM LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thou shalt not revile the deaf, neither shalt thou put a stumbling-block in the way of the blind; and thou shalt fear the Lord thy God: I am the Lord your God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Love Your Neighbor
13You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. 14You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD. 15You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 27:18
‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

Isaiah 29:18-19
On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. / The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Job 29:15
I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame.

Exodus 22:21-23
You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. / You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.

Deuteronomy 24:14-15
Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. / You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Proverbs 22:22-23
Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, / for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.

Isaiah 35:5-6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Matthew 11:5
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Luke 14:13-14
But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 10:32
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—

James 2:1-4
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...

James 3:9-10
With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!


Treasury of Scripture

You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.

not curse

Deuteronomy 27:18
Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Romans 12:14
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

fear

Leviticus 19:32
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 25:17
Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God.

Genesis 42:18
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:

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Leviticus 19
1. A repetition of various laws














You must not curse the deaf
The Hebrew word for "curse" is "qalal," which means to make light of or to treat with contempt. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cursing was not merely about uttering negative words but involved invoking harm or misfortune upon someone. The "deaf" are those who cannot hear, representing individuals who are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves against verbal abuse. This command underscores the importance of protecting the dignity of all individuals, especially those who are disadvantaged. It reflects God's justice and compassion, emphasizing that His people are to emulate His character by showing respect and kindness to all, regardless of their abilities.

or place a stumbling block before the blind
The phrase "stumbling block" comes from the Hebrew "mikhshol," which refers to any obstacle that causes someone to fall or fail. The "blind" are those who cannot see, symbolizing those who are physically or metaphorically unable to perceive dangers. This command extends beyond the literal act of placing a physical obstacle; it encompasses any action that would lead another into error or harm. Historically, this reflects a broader principle of ethical behavior, where God's people are called to act with integrity and care, ensuring that their actions do not lead others into sin or difficulty. It is a call to be mindful of how one's actions affect others, promoting a community of support and love.

but you are to fear your God
The Hebrew word for "fear" is "yare," which can mean to be afraid, but more often in the biblical context, it denotes reverence and awe. This phrase connects the ethical treatment of others with the worship and reverence of God. It implies that the motivation for righteous behavior is rooted in a deep respect for God's authority and holiness. The fear of God is a foundational principle in the Old Testament, serving as the basis for moral and ethical living. It reminds believers that their actions towards others are ultimately a reflection of their relationship with God.

I am the LORD
This declaration, "Ani Yahweh," is a powerful reminder of God's identity and authority. It serves as a divine signature, affirming that the commands given are not merely human instructions but are decrees from the sovereign Creator. The use of "LORD" in all capitals signifies the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This statement reinforces the seriousness of the command and the expectation that God's people will live in accordance with His will. It is a call to remember who God is and to live in a way that honors Him, reflecting His character in all interactions.

(14) Thou shalt not curse the deaf.--To revile one who cannot hear, and is therefore unable to vindicate himself, is both inexpressibly mean and wicked. The term deaf also includes the absent, and hence out of hearing (Psalm 38:14-15). According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, this prohibition was directed against all cursing whatsoever. For, said they, if to curse one who cannot hear, and whom, therefore, it cannot grieve, is prohibited, how much more is it forbidden to curse one who hears it, and who is both enraged and grieved by it.

Nor put a stumblingblock before the blind.--In Deuteronomy 27:18 a curse is pronounced upon those who lead the blind astray. To help those who were thus afflicted was always regarded as a meritorious act. Hence among the benevolent services which Job rendered to his neighbours, he says "I was eyes to the blind" (Job 29:15). According to the interpretation which obtained in the time of Christ, this is to be understood figuratively. It forbids imposition upon the ignorant, and misdirecting those who seek advice, thus causing them to fall. Similar tenderness to the weak is enjoined by the Apostle: "That no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (Romans 14:13).

But shalt fear thy God.--Deafness and blindness may prevent the sufferers from detecting the offender, and bringing him to justice before an earthly tribunal, but God on high hears it when the human ear is stopped up, and sees it when the human eye is extinct. Hence the prohibition against injustice to the infirm and the poor is enforced by an appeal to fear the Lord. (See Leviticus 19:32.) . . .

Verse 14. - Thou shalt not curse the deaf. The sin of cursing another is in itself complete, whether the curse be heard by that other or not, because it is the outcome of sin in the speaker's heart. The suffering caused to one who hears the curse creates a further sin by adding an injury to the person addressed. Strangely in contrast with this is not only the practice of irreligious men, who care little how they curse a man in his absence, but the teaching which is regarded by a large body of Christians as incontrovertible. "No harm is done to reverence but by an open manifestation of insult. How, then, can a son sin gravely when he curses his father without the latter's knowing it, or mocks at him behind his back, inasmuch as in that case there is neither insult nor irreverence? And I think that the same is to be said, even though he does this before others. It must be altogether understood that he does not sin gravely if he curses his parents, whether they are alive or dead, unless the curses are uttered with malevolent meaning." This is the decision of one that is called not only a saint, but a "doctor of the Church" (Liguori, 'Theol. Moral.,' 4:334). "Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put ant in obscure darkness," says the Word of God (Proverbs 20:20). Nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God. By the last clause the eye is directed to God, who can see and punish, however little the blind man is able to help himself. (Cf. Job 29:15, "I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.")

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You must not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

curse
תְקַלֵּ֣ל (ṯə·qal·lêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

the deaf
חֵרֵ֔שׁ (ḥê·rêš)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2795: Deaf

or place
תִתֵּ֖ן (ṯit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

a stumbling block
מִכְשֹׁ֑ל (miḵ·šōl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4383: A stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block

before
וְלִפְנֵ֣י (wə·lip̄·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the blind,
עִוֵּ֔ר (‘iw·wêr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5787: Blind

but you are to fear
וְיָרֵ֥אתָ (wə·yā·rê·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

your God.
מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ (mê·’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

I
אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Law: Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf (Le Lv Lev.)
Leviticus 19:13
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