Verse (Click for Chapter) 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your 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 VersionYou 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 BibleThou 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 BibleYou 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 1917Thou 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: Jump to Previous Afraid Blind Block Cause Deaf Falling Fear Front Hearing Revere Revile Stumbling Stumblingblock Stumbling-Block WayJump to Next Afraid Blind Block Cause Deaf Falling Fear Front Hearing Revere Revile Stumbling Stumblingblock Stumbling-Block WayLeviticus 19 1. A repetition of various lawsYou must not curse the deaf This command emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their physical abilities. In ancient Israel, as in many ancient cultures, those with disabilities were often marginalized. This directive serves as a reminder that God values every person and that His people are to reflect His character by showing compassion and justice. The act of cursing the deaf, who cannot hear the curse, highlights the cowardice and cruelty of taking advantage of someone's vulnerability. This principle aligns with the broader biblical theme of protecting the weak and vulnerable, as seen in passages like Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. or place a stumbling block before the blind but you shall fear your God I am the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe original audience of the Levitical laws, including this commandment, were the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were called to live in holiness and obedience to God's laws. 2. Moses The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites. Moses served as the mediator between God and His people. 3. The Deaf and the Blind These individuals represent vulnerable members of society who require protection and fair treatment, as emphasized in this commandment. 4. Mount Sinai The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the commandments found in Leviticus. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and the reason for obedience to His commands. Teaching Points Respect for the VulnerableThe command not to curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind underscores the importance of respecting and protecting those who are vulnerable in society. This respect is rooted in the fear of God, acknowledging His authority and compassion. Fear of the LORD The phrase "but you are to fear your God" serves as a reminder that our actions towards others are ultimately accountable to God. The fear of the LORD is a foundational principle that guides ethical behavior and reverence for His commandments. Holiness in Community This commandment is part of a broader call to holiness in Leviticus 19. It emphasizes that holiness is not just about personal piety but also about how we treat others, especially those who are disadvantaged. Practical Compassion The practical application of this verse involves actively seeking ways to support and uplift those who are marginalized or have disabilities, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19What does the Bible say about Down Syndrome? What is the Bible's view on taking offense? What did Jesus mean by blessing those who curse? What does the Bible say about henna tattoos?(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 notלֹא־ (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 Links Leviticus 19:14 NIVLeviticus 19:14 NLT Leviticus 19:14 ESV Leviticus 19:14 NASB Leviticus 19:14 KJV Leviticus 19:14 BibleApps.com Leviticus 19:14 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 19:14 Chinese Bible Leviticus 19:14 French Bible Leviticus 19:14 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf (Le Lv Lev.) |
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