New International VersionAll the nations will ask: “Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?”
New Living Translation“And all the surrounding nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why was he so angry?’
English Standard Versionall the nations will say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land? What caused the heat of this great anger?’
Berean Standard BibleSo all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
King James BibleEven all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger?
New King James VersionAll nations would say, ‘Why has the LORD done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’
New American Standard BibleAll the nations will say, ‘Why has the LORD done all this to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
NASB 1995“All the nations will say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
NASB 1977“And all the nations shall say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
Legacy Standard BibleAnd all the nations will say, ‘Why has Yahweh done thus to this land? Why this great burning anger?’
Amplified BibleAll the nations will say, ‘Why has the LORD done this thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
Christian Standard BibleAll the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this intense outburst of anger? ’
Holman Christian Standard BibleAll the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done this to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
American Standard Versioneven all the nations shall say, Wherefore hath Jehovah done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger?
Contemporary English VersionPeople from other nations will ask, "Why did the LORD destroy this country? Why was he so furious?"
English Revised Versioneven all the nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen all the other nations in the world will ask, "Why has the LORD done this to their land? Why is he so angry?"
Good News TranslationThen the whole world will ask, 'Why did the LORD do this to their land? What was the reason for his fierce anger?'
International Standard VersionAll the nations will ask, 'Why did the LORD do this to this land? What is the meaning of this fierce and great anger?'
NET BibleThen all the nations will ask, "Why has the LORD done all this to this land? What is this fierce, heated display of anger all about?"
New Heart English Bibleeven all the nations shall say, "Why has the LORD done thus to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?"
Webster's Bible TranslationEven all the nations shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus to this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo all the nations will ask, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’
World English BibleEven all the nations will say, “Why has Yahweh done this to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIndeed, all the nations have said, Why has YHWH done thus to this land? Why the heat of this great anger?
Young's Literal Translation yea, all the nations have said, Wherefore hath Jehovah done thus to this land? what the heat of this great anger?
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd all the nations said, For what did Jehovah thus to this land? what the heat of this great anger? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd all the nations shall say: Why hath the Lord done thus to this land? what meaneth this exceeding great heat of his wrath?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, all the nations would say: ‘Why has the Lord acted this way toward this land? What is this immense wrath of his fury?’
New American Biblethey and all the nations will ask, “Why has the LORD dealt thus with this land? Why this great outburst of wrath?”
New Revised Standard Versionthey and indeed all the nations will wonder, “Why has the LORD done thus to this land? What caused this great display of anger?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the nations shall say, Why has the LORD done thus to this land? And why has his anger kindled so much?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd all of the nations will say: ‘Why has LORD JEHOVAH done so to this land and why was this his great wrath enraged?.’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917even all the nations shall say 'Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger?'
Brenton Septuagint Translationand all the nations shall say, Why has the Lord done thus to this land? what is this great fierceness of anger?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Covenant in Moab… 23All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger. 24So allthe nationswill ask,‘Whyhas the LORDdonesuch a thingto thisland?Whythisgreatoutburstof anger?’25And the people will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.…
Cross References 1 Kings 9:8-9And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and will hiss and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ / And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, the LORD has brought all this disaster upon them.’”
Jeremiah 22:8-9And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’ / Then people will reply, ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’”
2 Chronicles 7:21-22And when this temple has become a heap of rubble, all who pass by it will be appalled and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ / And others will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—because of this, He has brought all this disaster upon them.’”
Jeremiah 16:10-11When you tell these people all these things, they will ask you, ‘Why has the LORD pronounced all this great disaster against us? What is our iniquity? What is the sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?’ / Then you are to answer them: ‘It is because your fathers have forsaken Me, declares the LORD, and followed other gods, and served and worshiped them. They abandoned Me and did not keep My instruction.
Jeremiah 5:19And when the people ask, ‘For what offense has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ You are to tell them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so will you serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.’”
Hosea 9:17My God will reject them because they have not obeyed Him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations.
Isaiah 1:7Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire. Foreigners devour your fields before you—a desolation demolished by strangers.
Ezekiel 14:23They will bring you consolation when you see their conduct and actions, and you will know that it was not without cause that I have done all these things within it,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
Lamentations 2:15-16All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?” / All your enemies open their mouths against you. They hiss and gnash their teeth, saying, “We have swallowed her up. This is the day for which we have waited. We have lived to see it!”
Jeremiah 18:16They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads.
Matthew 24:2“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Luke 21:6“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Mark 13:2“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Romans 11:22Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
1 Corinthians 10:11Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.
Treasury of Scripture Even all nations shall say, Why has the LORD done thus to this land? what means the heat of this great anger? 1 Kings 9:8,9 And at this house,which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? … 2 Chronicles 7:21,22 And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? … Jeremiah 22:8,9 And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city? … Jump to Previous AngerHeatMeanethMeansNationsOutburstReasonWhenceWhereforeWrathJump to Next AngerHeatMeanethMeansNationsOutburstReasonWhenceWhereforeWrathDeuteronomy 29 1.Moses exhorts them to obedience, reminding of the works they had seen10.All are presented before the Lord to enter into his covenant18.The great wrath on him who flatters himself in his wickedness29.Secret things belong unto GodSo all the nations will ask,This phrase indicates a future scenario where surrounding nations observe the consequences faced by Israel. Historically, Israel was situated at a crossroads of major ancient civilizations, making it a focal point for international attention. The nations' inquiry suggests a public and noticeable event, emphasizing the severity of God's actions. This reflects the broader biblical theme of Israel as a witness to the nations, as seen in Isaiah 43:10. ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land?
The question posed by the nations highlights the recognition of the LORD's sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of Israel. The land, promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, holds significant covenantal importance. The inquiry implies a breach of covenant, as outlined inDeuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are contingent upon Israel's obedience. This serves as a warning and a call to repentance, echoing the prophetic messages found in books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Why this great outburst of anger?’
The "great outburst of anger" refers to the divine judgment resulting from Israel's disobedience and idolatry. This anger is not arbitrary but is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The severity of God's response underscores His holiness and justice, as well as the seriousness of sin. This concept is mirrored in the New Testament, where God's wrath against sin is ultimately satisfied through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as seen inRomans 3:25-26. The phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the need for faithfulness to His commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is just and righteous, and whose actions are being questioned by the nations. 2. The NationsRefers to the surrounding peoples who observe the consequences of Israel's disobedience and question the reasons behind God's actions. 3. The LandThe Promised Land given to the Israelites, which is subject to God's blessings or curses based on the people's obedience or disobedience. 4. IsraelThe chosen people of God, who are in a covenant relationship with Him and are experiencing the consequences of breaking that covenant. 5. MosesThe leader and prophet who delivers God's message to the Israelites, warning them of the consequences of disobedience. Teaching Points The Seriousness of Covenant FaithfulnessGod's covenant with Israel was conditional, requiring obedience. This passage reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in our relationship with God. The Witness of God's ActionsThe nations' questioning highlights that God's dealings with His people serve as a testimony to the world. Our lives should reflect God's character and lead others to inquire about Him. The Consequences of DisobedienceDisobedience to God leads to serious consequences, not only for individuals but for communities and nations. We must heed God's warnings and live according to His Word. God's Righteous AngerGod's anger is not arbitrary but is a response to sin and unfaithfulness. Understanding this helps us appreciate His holiness and justice. The Opportunity for Repentance and RestorationWhile this verse speaks of judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope for repentance and restoration. We should always seek God's mercy and return to Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 29:24?
2.How does Deuteronomy 29:24 emphasize God's response to Israel's disobedience?
3.What can we learn about God's justice from Deuteronomy 29:24?
4.How does Deuteronomy 29:24 connect with God's covenant promises in the Bible?
5.How should Deuteronomy 29:24 influence our understanding of consequences for sin today?
6.What steps can we take to avoid the fate described in Deuteronomy 29:24?
7.Why did God allow such severe punishment as described in Deuteronomy 29:24?
8.How does Deuteronomy 29:24 reflect God's justice and mercy?
9.What historical events might Deuteronomy 29:24 be referencing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 29?
11.Who is the Wandering Jew mentioned in the Bible?
12.What is the order of the Bible's books?
13.In Jeremiah 29:4-7, how can God instruct his people to settle peacefully in a pagan land while other passages command separation from foreign nations?
14.In Deuteronomy 12:2-4, how does the command to destroy all pagan worship sites fit with archaeological findings that some Canaanite altars appear to have remained in use?What Does Deuteronomy 29:24 Mean So all the nations will ask“ ‘So all the nations will ask…’ ” (Deuteronomy 29:24) pictures Israel’s future neighbors scanning the ruined landscape and talking among themselves. God had warned inDeuteronomy 28:37 that if Israel broke covenant, they would become “an object of horror, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples.” Here that prediction unfolds: foreign observers become puzzled commentators on Israel’s downfall.1 Kings 9:8–9 andJeremiah 22:8 show the same scene centuries later at Solomon’s devastated temple—outsiders shaking their heads and asking identical questions. The point is that God’s dealings with His people are meant to be seen; His covenant blessings and curses speak to the watching world. Key takeaways • Israel’s story is never private; it is a billboard for God’s faithfulness. • The nations’ curiosity sets the stage for explaining both sin’s consequences and God’s righteousness (Psalm 98:2).
Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land?The strangers’ first question targets cause: “Why has the LORD done such a thing…?” They instinctively connect Israel’s God with Israel’s condition.Deuteronomy 29:25 immediately answers: “Because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD.” Scripture presents covenant obedience and land blessing as inseparable (Deuteronomy 11:13-17). When the land lies scorched, the logical conclusion is covenant breach.2 Chronicles 7:21-22 echoes this logic after the Babylonian exile: people passing by ask, “Why has the LORD done such a thing?” and are told it was because Israel “forsook the LORD.” Insights • The land’s devastation is not random tragedy; it is purposeful discipline (Leviticus 26:32-35). • God’s actions are consistent: blessings follow obedience, curses follow rebellion (Galatians 6:7-8 applies the same principle to believers today).
Why this great outburst of anger?The second question probes intensity: “Why this great outburst of anger?” God’s wrath is depicted as a sudden flood—a “burning” that “flared up” (Deuteronomy 29:27). Such language reminds us that divine anger is neither petty nor unpredictable; it is the settled, holy response to covenant violation.Deuteronomy 32:19-22 explains that idolatry “provoked” the LORD to jealousy, igniting a “fire” that would consume the land. Josiah sensed that same fury centuries later: “Great is the wrath of the LORD that has been kindled against us” (2 Kings 22:13). Consider • God’s anger is real and righteous; He cannot overlook sin without denying His own holiness (Romans 1:18). • Yet His wrath always has redemptive purpose, pressing His people toward repentance (Hebrews 12:5-11).
summaryDeuteronomy 29:24 pictures the watching nations asking two linked questions when Israel’s land lies ruined: what happened, and why is God so angry? Their queries underline covenant reality: God publicly blesses obedience and publicly judges rebellion. The devastation is a visible sermon proclaiming His holiness, justice, and unwavering truthfulness to His word. For every generation, the passage warns against casual sin and invites trust in the God who keeps His promises—both of discipline and restoration. (24) All nations shall say, Wherefore . . .?--The people of Israel are represented as asking a similar question in Jeremiah 5:19, "And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Whereforedoeth the Lord our God all these things unto us? Then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land; so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours." Compare also the warning given to Solomon after the completion of the Temple (marginal reference). Verse 24. - What meaneth the heat of this great anger? The reply to this question comes in what follows (vers. 25-28).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe nationsהַגּוֹיִ֔ם(hag·gō·w·yim)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locustswill ask,וְאָֽמְרוּ֙(wə·’ā·mə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Whyעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthas the LORDיְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeldoneעָשָׂ֧ה(‘ā·śāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethisכָּ֖כָה(kā·ḵāh)Adverb
Strong's 3602:Just soto thisהַזֹּ֑את(haz·zōṯ)Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,land?לָאָ֣רֶץ(lā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landWhyמֶ֥ה(meh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatthisהַזֶּֽה׃(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatgreatהַגָּד֖וֹל(hag·gā·ḏō·wl)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentoutburstחֳרִ֛י(ḥo·rî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2750:A burning, angerof anger?’הָאַ֥ף(hā·’ap̄)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 639:The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 29:24 Even all the nations shall say Why (Deut. De Du) |
