Deuteronomy 28:56
The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
Deuteronomy 28:56 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible paints a vivid picture of the consequences of abandoning the laws and principles set forth by God. It describes a scenario where a woman, once delicate and tender, has turned away from her family in bitterness and resentment. The imagery used in this verse symbolizes the drastic shift in attitude that can occur when one strays from righteousness. The woman's inability to even set her foot on the ground highlights her fragility and vulnerability, which ultimately leads to her being hostile towards her loved ones. This verse serves as a warning against allowing our hearts to grow cold and distant, emphasizing the importance of practicing love, forgiveness, and fidelity within our families. It reminds us of the damaging effects that disobedience and moral decay can have on our closest relationships, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the term "delicate woman" is used to describe a woman who is refined, pampered, and accustomed to a life of luxury. She is so delicate that she is unwilling to step out into the world and face its hardships. This word study sheds light on the idea that this woman's delicate nature leads her to become discontent and resentful towards her family. The Hebrew word used for "evil" in this context can be understood as "hostility" or "malice." This indicates that the woman's behavior towards her husband and children will be marked by anger and bitterness. The juxtaposition of her physical delicateness with her emotional cruelty paints a vivid picture of the consequences of living a life of luxury and excess. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too soft and pampered, as it can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion towards others.
Deuteronomy 28:56 in other translations
American Standard Version
The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,
World English Bible
The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye will be evil toward the husband that she loves, toward her son, toward her daughter,
Douay-Rheims
The tender and delicate woman, that could not go upon the ground, nor set down her foot for over much niceness and tenderness, will envy her husband who lieth in her bosom, the flesh of her son, and of her daughter,
Geneva Bible (1599)
The tender and deintie woman among you, which neuer woulde venture to set the sole of her foote vpon the grounde (for her softnesse and tendernesse) shalbe grieued at her husband that lieth in her bosome, and at her sonne, and at her daughter,