Deuteronomy 28:30You shall betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: you shall build a house, and you shall not dwell therein: you shall plant a vineyard, and shall not use its fruit.
The setting
Plains of Moab, ~1406 BC. Moses lists the devastating personal losses that await covenant breakers. Modern-day Jordan...
The emotion here: heartbroken at describing such personal devastation
The original word
ʾāraś (אָרַשׂ) — to betroth formally, a binding engagement that was legally marriage
Why it matters
In ancient Israel, betrothal was so binding that breaking it required a divorce, making this violation devastating
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 28:30
This isn't just about adultery — it's about watching others enjoy what you worked and sacrificed for
Common misconceptionPeople focus on the sexual betrayal, but the real horror is the pattern: everything you invest in being taken by others — your marriage, home, livelihood, livestock.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 28:30
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 28:30 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 28:30 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to Moses. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is lamenting. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include covenant consequences, betrayal. Notable phrases: betroth a wife; another man shall lie with her. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 28:30 mean to you, today?
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