Catholic Public Domain Version
Deuteronomy 28:35
“May the Lord strike you with a very grievous ulcer in the knees and in the legs, and may you be unable to attain health, from the sole of the foot to the top of the head.”
Verse Explanation
A saved explanation for Deuteronomy 28:35.
Plain-language explanation
Deuteronomy 28:35 describes a severe consequence for disobedience: the Lord would afflict the people with an extremely painful and debilitating illness—specifically affecting the knees and legs—so that they wouldn’t be able to recover, from the bottom of the feet all the way to the top of the head.
Catholic context
In Catholic reading, this is part of the “blessings and consequences” section of Deuteronomy (chapters 27–28). Many Catholics understand these warnings as showing the serious nature of choosing sin over God, and as a call to take the covenant seriously. It’s not meant to be used like a curse to assign individual sicknesses to specific people; rather, it speaks about the overall seriousness of fidelity to God.
Historical background
The verse comes from Moses’ farewell teaching as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land. In that covenant setting, Israel’s life in the land was presented as depending on their relationship with God. The imagery of widespread illness—covering the whole body—would communicate total loss of stability and well-being if the covenant was rejected.
Reflection
This verse is meant to sober the heart: sin is not presented as harmless or merely “private,” but as something that can unmake peace and health. It also invites us to notice how God’s covenant love aims at life, not ruin. A faithful response is repentance and returning to God.
Practical takeaway
Pray for fidelity in small daily choices. If you’re aware of habits that pull you away from God, bring them to confession, seek guidance, and ask for healing of both heart and life—starting with repentance and trust.
Prayer
Lord our God, you warn us because you love us and you want life for your people. Turn our hearts back to you, soften what is hardened, and strengthen us to choose obedience. Heal us where we need restoration, and give us the grace to remain faithful. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.