Deuteronomy 7 10

Deuteronomy 7:10 kjv

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

Deuteronomy 7:10 nkjv

and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face.

Deuteronomy 7:10 niv

But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him.

Deuteronomy 7:10 esv

and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face.

Deuteronomy 7:10 nlt

But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him.

Deuteronomy 7 verses

Deuteronomy 7 10 Meaning

Deuteronomy 7:10 conveys God's unwavering and direct judgment upon those who actively oppose and reject Him. While He demonstrates boundless mercy to those who love and obey Him (v.9), this verse sternly declares that His repayment for hatred is destruction, administered swiftly and overtly, with no delay or possibility of escape. It signifies that active rebellion against God results in a sure and personal recompense leading to their undoing.

Deuteronomy 7 10 Context

Deuteronomy 7 falls within Moses' second discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter focuses on the imperative for Israel to remain distinct and separated from the surrounding Canaanite nations and their idolatrous practices. God reiterates His choice of Israel not because of their merit, but out of His steadfast love (v. 7-8). He commands them to utterly destroy the inhabitants of Canaan, their altars, and idols, warning against intermarriage and coveting their silver and gold, lest they fall into spiritual snare (v. 1-5). Verse 10 stands in stark contrast to verse 9, which declares God's faithfulness and covenantal love for a "thousand generations" for those who love Him. This sets up a crucial theological balance: immense blessing for obedience and adherence to God, but equally certain, swift, and destructive judgment for direct hatred and rebellion against Him, particularly through idolatry and disloyalty to His covenant. Historically, this served as a stark warning to a nation on the brink of significant temptation.

Deuteronomy 7 10 Word analysis

• But He repays (וּמְשַׁלֵּ֨ם – u-meshalem): Derived from the root שָׁלַם (shalam), which primarily means "to be whole, complete, sound," or "to make peace." In the Hiphil conjugation (as used here for the verb 'repay'), it signifies making something complete or full, implying a complete and total rendering of justice or consequence. It suggests not a partial or arbitrary recompense, but a full and deserved retribution for actions taken, confirming God's righteousness as judge.

• those who hate Him (לְשֹׂנְאָוֹ֮ – l'sone'av): From the root שָׂנֵא (sane'), meaning "to hate." In the biblical context, "hating God" is more than an emotional dislike; it signifies active rebellion, persistent disobedience, and the rejection of His commands, authority, and covenant. This includes engaging in idolatry (as outlined in Deut 5:9) or preferring the ways of the world over God's path. It is a posture of hostility rather than mere indifference.

• to their face (אֶל־פָּנָיו֙ – el-panav): From פָּנִים (panim), meaning "face" or "presence." This phrase signifies directness, openness, and immediacy. It implies that the judgment will be public, inescapable, and personally experienced. It's not a hidden, delayed, or subtle punishment, but a direct confrontation by God with the object of His wrath. The guilty party will be fully aware and witness their own undoing without evasion.

• to destroy them (לְהַאֲבִיד֖וֹ – l'ha'avido): From the root אָבַד (avad), meaning "to perish, be lost, be destroyed, waste away." The Hiphil form here means "to cause to perish" or "to utterly destroy." This indicates the severe and complete nature of God's judgment against those who hate Him; it's not merely punishment but eradication or ruination. It points to a final and devastating end.

• He will not delay (לֹ֣א יְאַחֵ֑ר – lo ye'aḥer): From the root אֵחַר (aḥar), meaning "to be behind, linger, delay." This emphatic negation means there will be no procrastination, postponement, or lingering on God's part in delivering the judgment. It underscores the certainty, immediacy, and punctuality of divine retribution once the full measure of wickedness is reached.

• with him who hates Him (לְשֹׂנְאֹו֙ – l'sone'o): This is a direct repetition of the object "him who hates Him," reinforcing that the precise target of God's unyielding judgment is the one in active rebellion. The repetition adds rhetorical force and specificity.

• He will repay him to his face (לְשַׁלְּמֹ֖ו אֶל־פָּנָיו֙ – l'shallemo el-panav): This repetition of the core message ("repay him to his face") serves as a powerful rhetorical device. It emphasizes the absolute certainty, the non-negotiable nature, and the direct, personal delivery of God's recompense. There is no question that the full consequences will be rendered openly and personally.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "But He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them": This clause highlights the severe consequence of active hostility towards God. God's recompense for such "hatred" (rebellion, idolatry) is complete (He "repays" fully) and directly delivered ("to their face"), resulting in total destruction. This contrasts sharply with His grace for those who love Him.
  • "He will not delay with him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face": This reiterates and strengthens the initial statement. The emphasis is on the inevitability and immediacy of God's judgment. His patience is not an absence of judgment; once the time is due, judgment is swift and undeniable, leaving no room for escape or deferral for those who persist in hostility.

Deuteronomy 7 10 Bonus section

The direct, open nature of "to their face" judgment implies not only the certainty of destruction but also an element of shame and public witnessing. This kind of judgment, visible to all, would underscore the truth of God's character and the folly of resisting Him. It points to God as the ultimate arbiter who leaves no wrong unaddressed, making manifest both His profound love and His unwavering justice. The emphasis on "no delay" is a potent theological point: God's time is perfect, and though judgment may appear slow by human reckoning, it arrives precisely when it should, without hindrance. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, reminding believers to fear God and trust His perfect timing, whether for blessing or judgment.

Deuteronomy 7 10 Commentary

Deuteronomy 7:10 serves as a profound theological balance to the preceding verse, which speaks of God's boundless love and mercy. While God's nature is revealed as faithful and merciful to "a thousand generations" for those who love Him, His justice is equally unwavering towards those who "hate Him." This "hatred" is not mere emotional antipathy, but a demonstrated active rebellion against His will, primarily manifested through idolatry and disloyalty to His covenant, which was the core temptation for Israel entering Canaan.

The phrase "repay... to their face" is critical, indicating that God's judgment is not covert, deferred, or administered impersonally. Instead, it is direct, undeniable, and experienced firsthand by the transgressor. It's a visible, public, and inescapable confrontation with divine wrath. There is no escape, no hidden penalty; the full, complete (rooted in shalam) recompense of their rebellion will be meted out swiftly ("will not delay") and result in total destruction (avad). This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty and righteousness, affirming that while His patience is vast, His justice is precise and decisive for those who persist in open defiance. It warns against presuming upon God's patience and emphasizes the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy and persistent rebellion against the Holy God.