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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 28:13 The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/28-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/05_Deu_28_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 28:13 - The Blessings of Obedience" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/28-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/28-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Chapter 28</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-12.htm" title="Deuteronomy 28:12">◄</a> Deuteronomy 28:13 <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm" title="Deuteronomy 28:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/28.htm">New International Version</a> The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/28.htm">New Living Translation</a> If you listen to these commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/28.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/28.htm">King James Bible</a> And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/28.htm">New King James Version</a> And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will only be above, and not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God which I am commanding you today, to follow them carefully, <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/28.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully, <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail, and you only shall be above, and you shall not be underneath, if you will listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully, <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Yahweh will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I am commanding you today, to keep and to do, <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head (leader) and not the tail (follower); and you will be above only, and you will not be beneath, if you listen and pay attention to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today, to observe them carefully. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward if you listen to the LORD your God’s commands I am giving you today and are careful to follow them. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward if you listen to the LORD your God&#8217s commands I am giving you today and are careful to follow them. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/28.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah will make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if thou shalt hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them, <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Obey the laws and teachings that I'm giving you today, and the LORD your God will make Israel a leader among the nations, and not a follower. Israel will be wealthy and powerful, not poor and weak. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/28.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if thou shalt hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them; <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. You will always be at the top, never at the bottom, if you faithfully obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/28.htm">Good News Translation</a> The LORD your God will make you the leader among the nations and not a follower; you will always prosper and never fail if you obey faithfully all his commands that I am giving you today. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/28.htm">International Standard Version</a> "The LORD your God will make you the head and not the tail—placing you above and not beneath—if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I'm giving you today to keep and observe. <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward, if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am giving you today. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/28.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always end up at the top and not at the bottom, if you obey his commandments which I am urging you today to be careful to do. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do, <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if thou shalt hearken to the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: <a href="/web/deuteronomy/28.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh will make you the head, and not the tail. You will be above only, and you will not be beneath, if you listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you today, to observe and to do, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH has set you for head and not for tail; and you have been only above, and are not beneath, for you listen to the commands of your God YHWH, which I am commanding you today, to keep and to do, <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And Jehovah hath given thee for head, and not for tail; and thou hast been only above, and art not beneath, for thou dost hearken unto the commands of Jehovah thy God, which I am commanding thee to-day, to keep and to do, <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah gave thee for head, and not for tail: and thou wert only for ascending, and thou shalt not be for beneath; when thou shalt hear to the commands of Jehovah thy God that I command thee this day, to watch and to do.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord shall make thee the head and not the tail: and thou shalt be always above, and not beneath: yet so if thou wilt hear the commandments of the Lord thy God which I command thee this day, and keep and do them, <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Lord will appoint you as the head, and not as the tail. And you shall be always above, and not beneath. But only if you will listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I entrust to you this day, and will keep and do them, <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/28.htm">New American Bible</a> The LORD will make you the head not the tail, the top not the bottom, if you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I am giving you today, observing them carefully, <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The LORD will make you the head, and not the tail; you shall be only at the top, and not at the bottom—if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today, by diligently observing them,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be on top only, and you shall not be beneath; if you will hearken to the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you this day, to observe and to do them. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> LORD JEHOVAH shall make you the head and not the tail, and you shall be above and you shall not be beneath, when you will listen to the commandments of LORD JEHOVAH your God that I command you today, and you keep and do them:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD will make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if thou shalt hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them; <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> The Lord thy God make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt then be above and thou shalt not be below, if thou wilt hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, in all things that I charge thee this day to observe. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=7439" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/28.htm">The Blessings of Obedience</a> …12The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. 13<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ū·nə·ṯā·nə·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">will make</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: lə·rōš (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">you the head</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2180.htm" title="2180: lə·zā·nāḇ (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Tail, end, stump. From zanab; the tail.">the tail;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7535.htm" title="7535: raq (Adv) -- The same as raq as a noun; properly, leanness, i.e. limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although.">you will only</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: lə·ma‘·lāh (Prep-l:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.">move upward</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and never</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: ṯih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4295.htm" title="4295: lə·māṭ·ṭāh (Prep-l:: Adv) -- From avar with directive enclitic appended; downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes.">downward,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ṯiš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">you hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">and carefully</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">follow</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: miṣ·wōṯ (N-fpc) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">the commandments</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">which</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: mə·ṣaw·wə·ḵā (V-Piel-Prtcpl-msc:: 2ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">am giving</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">you today.</a> 14Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from any of the words I command you today, and do not go after other gods to serve them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Leviticus 26:13</a> I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk in uprightness. <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Isaiah 9:14-15</a> So the LORD will cut off Israel’s head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day. / The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. <a href="/isaiah/28-13.htm">Isaiah 28:13</a> Then the word of the LORD to them will become: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there,” so that they will go stumbling backward and will be injured, ensnared, and captured. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/isaiah/58-14.htm">Isaiah 58:14</a> then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. <a href="/psalms/18-43.htm">Psalm 18:43</a> You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. <a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-2</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. <a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Psalm 37:34</a> Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. <a href="/psalms/91-13.htm">Psalm 91:13</a> You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent. <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a> Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. <a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Proverbs 10:22</a> The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a> But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if that you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do them:the head<a href="/numbers/24-18.htm">Numbers 24:18,19</a> And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly… <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Isaiah 9:14,15</a> Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day… if that thou<a href="/deuteronomy/28-1.htm">Deuteronomy 28:1</a> And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:<a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6-9</a> Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people… <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a> Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-9.htm">Always</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-4.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-8.htm">Beneath</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-9.htm">Bottom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-1.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-1.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-8.htm">Command</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-10.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-9.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-9.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/ezekiel/8-2.htm">Downward</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-10.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-12.htm">Head</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-2.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-14.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-2.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-1.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-15.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-19.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-3.htm">Tend</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-10.htm">Today</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-10.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-3.htm">Top</a> <a href="/exodus/39-20.htm">Underneath</a> <a href="/numbers/32-11.htm">Upward</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-29.htm">Always</a> <a href="/joshua/1-17.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-23.htm">Beneath</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-35.htm">Bottom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">Command</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-3.htm">Downward</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-45.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-23.htm">Head</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/judges/9-37.htm">Highest</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/joshua/2-14.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-44.htm">Tail</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-15.htm">Tend</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">Today</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm">To-Day</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-35.htm">Top</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-27.htm">Underneath</a> <a href="/judges/1-36.htm">Upward</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 28</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-1.htm">The blessings for obedience</a> 15. <a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">The curses for disobedience</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The LORD will make you the head and not the tail; This phrase signifies a position of leadership and prominence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being the "head" implies authority and influence, while the "tail" suggests subordination and insignificance. This promise reflects God's covenantal blessings for Israel, contingent upon their obedience. It echoes the blessings outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, contrasting with the curses for disobedience. The imagery of head and tail is also seen in <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Isaiah 9:14-15</a>, where leaders are described as the head, and false prophets as the tail, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership.you will only move upward and never downward, This promise of continual progress and elevation is tied to Israel's faithfulness. It suggests prosperity, success, and divine favor in all endeavors. Historically, Israel experienced periods of ascendancy, such as under King David and Solomon, when they adhered to God's commandments. This upward movement is symbolic of spiritual growth and blessing, contrasting with the downward spiral associated with disobedience and idolatry, as seen in the later history of Israel and Judah.if you hear and carefully follow the commandments of the LORD your God, The condition for receiving these blessings is obedience to God's commandments. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings are contingent upon adherence to the law. The emphasis on hearing and careful following underscores the importance of not just knowing the law but living it out. This principle is reiterated throughout Deuteronomy and is foundational to the Mosaic Covenant. It is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes obedience to God's word (<a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>).which I am giving you today. This phrase highlights the immediacy and relevance of God's commandments. The use of "today" underscores the urgency and present application of the law to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the fresh commitment required from each generation. The giving of the law is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking their identity as God's chosen people and setting the standard for their conduct and relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and promises to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, receiving the covenant and laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a> The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. <a href="/topical/m/mount_ebal_and_mount_gerizim.htm">Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim</a> Locations where blessings and curses were pronounced over Israel, symbolizing the choice between obedience and disobedience. 5. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> The agreement between God and Israel, involving blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_brings_elevation.htm">Obedience Brings Elevation</a> The promise of being the "head and not the tail" is contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. This principle remains true for believers today; obedience to God's Word leads to spiritual and sometimes material elevation. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_blessing.htm">God's Sovereignty in Blessing</a> The passage emphasizes that it is the LORD who makes one the head. Recognizing God's sovereignty in our successes keeps us humble and dependent on Him. <a href="/topical/c/conditional_promises.htm">Conditional Promises</a> The blessings are conditional upon hearing and carefully following God's commandments. This teaches us the importance of not just knowing God's Word but actively living it out. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership.htm">Spiritual Leadership</a> Being the "head" implies leadership and influence. Christians are called to lead by example, reflecting Christ in their actions and decisions. <a href="/topical/c/continuous_growth.htm">Continuous Growth</a> The promise of moving "upward and never downward" suggests a life of continuous growth and improvement in our walk with God, as we remain faithful to His commandments.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 28</a> <a href="/q/is_it_the_head,_not_the_tail.htm">Is it the head, not the tail?</a> <a href="/q/do_they_appear_godly_but_deny_power.htm">Is it the head, not the tail?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_deut._28_curses_fit_with_science.htm">In Deuteronomy 28, how can modern readers reconcile the promise of curses (verses 15-68) with our scientific understanding of disease, famine, and natural disasters?</a> <a href="/q/does_deut._13_clash_with_free_will.htm">Does the harsh response prescribed in Deuteronomy 13 conflict with the concept of free will versus strict divine command?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - They should be manifestly superior to other nations, heading them and being above them, their leader and not their subject or follower (cf. <a href="/isaiah/9-13.htm">Isaiah 9:13</a>). Note the contrast in vers. 43, 44. <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel will make וּנְתָֽנְךָ֨ (ū·nə·ṯā·nə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set you the head לְרֹאשׁ֙ (lə·rōš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head and not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the tail; לְזָנָ֔ב (lə·zā·nāḇ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2180.htm">Strong's 2180: </a> Tail, end, stump you will only רַ֣ק (raq) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7535.htm">Strong's 7535: </a> But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless move upward לְמַ֔עְלָה (lə·ma‘·lāh) Preposition-l | Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4605.htm">Strong's 4605: </a> The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top and never וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no downward, לְמָ֑טָּה (lə·māṭ·ṭāh) Preposition-l | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4295.htm">Strong's 4295: </a> Downward, below, beneath if כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you hear תִשְׁמַ֞ע (ṯiš·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently and carefully לִשְׁמֹ֥ר (liš·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to follow וְלַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃ (wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make the commandments מִצְוֺ֣ת ׀ (miṣ·wōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> Commandment of the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God, אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative which אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I אָנֹכִ֧י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I am giving מְצַוְּךָ֛ (mə·ṣaw·wə·ḵā) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order you today. הַיּ֖וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">Deuteronomy 28:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-13.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 28:13 Yahweh will make you the head (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 28:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 28:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 28:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 28:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>