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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>Leviticus 19:14 You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/19-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/03_Lev_19_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 19:14 - Love Your Neighbor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. 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I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I <i>am</i> the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I <i>am</i> the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not curse a person who is deaf, nor put a stumbling block before a person who is blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8216You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You shall not curse a deaf man nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God; I am Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall not curse a deaf man nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God [with profound reverence]; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you are to fear your God; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you are to fear your God; I am Yahweh.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind; but thou shalt fear thy God: I am Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am the LORD your God, and I command you not to make fun of the deaf or to cause a blind person to stumble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Never curse deaf people or put anything in the way of blind people to make them stumble. Instead, fear your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not curse the deaf or put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it. Obey me; I am the LORD your God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"You are not to curse a deaf person or put a stumbling block before the blind. "You are to fear God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must not curse a deaf person or put a stumbling block in front of a blind person. You must fear your God; I am the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"'You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“‘You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not revile the deaf; and you do not put a stumbling block before the blind; and you have been afraid of your God; I [am] YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou dost not revile the deaf; and before the blind thou dost not put a stumbling block; and thou hast been afraid of thy God; I am Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not curse the deaf, and before the blind thou shalt not give a stumbling block, and thou shalt fear thy God: I Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou shalt not speak evil of the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind: but thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, because I am the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not speak evil of the deaf, nor shall you place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear the Lord your God, for I am the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You shall not insult the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not insult the deaf and you shall not put a stumbling stone before the blind, but be reverent of your God; I AM LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling-block before the blind, but thou shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not revile the deaf, neither shalt thou put a stumbling-block in the way of the blind; and thou shalt fear the Lord thy God: I am the Lord your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/19-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=5058" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm">Love Your Neighbor</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: ṯə·qal·lêl (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/2795.htm" title="2795: ḥê·rêš (Adj-ms) -- Deaf. From charash; deaf.">the deaf</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ṯit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">or place</a> <a href="/hebrew/4383.htm" title="4383: miḵ·šōl (N-ms) -- Or mikshol; masculine from kashal; a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (specifically an idol), scruple).">a stumbling block</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: wə·lip̄·nê (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/5787.htm" title="5787: ‘iw·wêr (Adj-ms) -- Blind. Intensive from avar; blind.">the blind,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: wə·yā·rê·ṯā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">but you shall fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: mê·’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</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.">am the LORD.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/27-18.htm">Deuteronomy 27:18</a></span><br />‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a></span><br />Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. / Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Isaiah 29:18-19</a></span><br />On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. / The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-15.htm">Job 29:15</a></span><br />I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Exodus 22:21-23</a></span><br />You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. / You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/24-14.htm">Deuteronomy 24:14-15</a></span><br />Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. / You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-22.htm">Proverbs 22:22-23</a></span><br />Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, / for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a></span><br />Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Matthew 11:5</a></span><br />The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-13.htm">Luke 14:13-14</a></span><br />But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, / and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a></span><br />Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9</a></span><br />Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32</a></span><br />Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1-4</a></span><br />My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9-10</a></span><br />With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">not curse</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/27-18.htm">Deuteronomy 27:18</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></b></br> Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a></b></br> Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in <i>his</i> brother's way.</p><p class="hdg">fear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Leviticus 19:32</a></b></br> Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/25-17.htm">Leviticus 25:17</a></b></br> Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I <i>am</i> the LORD your God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18</a></b></br> And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; <i>for</i> I fear God:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/34-30.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/exodus/4-11.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Block</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-41.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/exodus/4-11.htm">Deaf</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-35.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-15.htm">Front</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-20.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-3.htm">Revere</a> <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Revile</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-5.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/psalms/35-3.htm">Block</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-29.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-45.htm">Deaf</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-37.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-29.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">Front</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-30.htm">Revere</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Revile</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-4.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-20.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/19-1.htm">A repetition of various laws</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/leviticus/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You must not curse the deaf</b><br>This command emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their physical abilities. In ancient Israel, as in many ancient cultures, those with disabilities were often marginalized. This directive serves as a reminder that God values every person and that His people are to reflect His character by showing compassion and justice. The act of cursing the deaf, who cannot hear the curse, highlights the cowardice and cruelty of taking advantage of someone's vulnerability. This principle aligns with the broader biblical theme of protecting the weak and vulnerable, as seen in passages like <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Proverbs 31:8-9</a>, which calls for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.<p><b>or place a stumbling block before the blind</b><br>This phrase extends the principle of not exploiting the vulnerable by prohibiting actions that would cause harm to those who cannot see. The imagery of a stumbling block is used throughout Scripture to represent an obstacle or cause of sin (e.g., <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a>). Here, it is a literal command not to endanger the blind, but it also carries a metaphorical weight, urging believers to avoid causing others to fall into sin or difficulty. This command reflects God's justice and care for all individuals, ensuring that His people act with integrity and kindness.<p><b>but you shall fear your God</b><br>The fear of God is a central theme in Scripture, often associated with obedience and reverence. In this context, fearing God is the motivation for treating others with respect and kindness. It implies a recognition of God's authority and a commitment to living according to His standards. The fear of God is not about terror but about awe and respect, leading to a life that honors Him. This concept is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, suggesting that true understanding and righteous living stem from a proper relationship with God.<p><b>I am the LORD</b><br>This declaration serves as a divine seal on the command, reminding the Israelites of God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with them. It underscores that the instructions given are not merely human ethical guidelines but divine mandates. The phrase "I am the LORD" appears frequently in Leviticus, reinforcing God's authority and the holiness He requires from His people. It also connects to the covenant name of God, Yahweh, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. This assurance of God's identity and presence provides the foundation for the ethical and moral instructions given to His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The original audience of the Levitical laws, including this commandment, were the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were called to live in holiness and obedience to God's laws.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws to the Israelites. Moses served as the mediator between God and His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_deaf_and_the_blind.htm">The Deaf and the Blind</a></b><br>These individuals represent vulnerable members of society who require protection and fair treatment, as emphasized in this commandment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including the commandments found in Leviticus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and the reason for obedience to His commands.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Respect for the Vulnerable</a></b><br>The command not to curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind underscores the importance of respecting and protecting those who are vulnerable in society. This respect is rooted in the fear of God, acknowledging His authority and compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the LORD</a></b><br>The phrase "but you are to fear your God" serves as a reminder that our actions towards others are ultimately accountable to God. The fear of the LORD is a foundational principle that guides ethical behavior and reverence for His commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_community.htm">Holiness in Community</a></b><br>This commandment is part of a broader call to holiness in <a href="/bsb/leviticus/19.htm">Leviticus 19</a>. It emphasizes that holiness is not just about personal piety but also about how we treat others, especially those who are disadvantaged.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_compassion.htm">Practical Compassion</a></b><br>The practical application of this verse involves actively seeking ways to support and uplift those who are marginalized or have disabilities, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_down_syndrome.htm">What does the Bible say about Down Syndrome?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_taking_offense.htm">What is the Bible's view on taking offense?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_blessing_foes.htm">What did Jesus mean by blessing those who curse?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_henna.htm">What does the Bible say about henna tattoos?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Thou shalt not curse the deaf.</span>--To revile one who cannot hear, and is therefore unable to vindicate himself, is both inexpressibly mean and wicked. The term deaf also includes the absent, and hence out of hearing (<a href="/context/psalms/38-14.htm" title="Thus I was as a man that hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.">Psalm 38:14-15</a>). According to the administrators of the law during the second Temple, this prohibition was directed against all cursing whatsoever. For, said they, if to curse one who cannot hear, and whom, therefore, it cannot grieve, is prohibited, how much more is it forbidden to curse one who hears it, and who is both enraged and grieved by it.<p><span class= "bld">Nor put a stumblingblock before the blind.</span>--In <a href="/deuteronomy/27-18.htm" title="Cursed be he that makes the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.">Deuteronomy 27:18</a> a curse is pronounced upon those who lead the blind astray. To help those who were thus afflicted was always regarded as a meritorious act. Hence among the benevolent services which Job rendered to his neighbours, he says "I was eyes to the blind" (<a href="/job/29-15.htm" title="I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.">Job 29:15</a>). According to the interpretation which obtained in the time of Christ, this is to be understood figuratively. It forbids imposition upon the ignorant, and misdirecting those who seek advice, thus causing them to fall. Similar tenderness to the weak is enjoined by the Apostle: "That no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way" (<a href="/romans/14-13.htm" title="Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.">Romans 14:13</a>).<p><span class= "bld">But shalt fear thy God.</span>--Deafness and blindness may prevent the sufferers from detecting the offender, and bringing him to justice before an earthly tribunal, but God on high hears it when the human ear is stopped up, and sees it when the human eye is extinct. Hence the prohibition against injustice to the infirm and the poor is enforced by an appeal to fear the Lord. (See <a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm" title="You shall rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD.">Leviticus 19:32</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt not curse the deaf.</span> The sin of cursing another is in itself complete, whether the curse be heard by that other or not, because it is the outcome of sin in the speaker's heart. The suffering caused to one who hears the curse creates a further sin by adding an injury to the person addressed. Strangely in contrast with this is not only the practice of irreligious men, who care little how they curse a man in his absence, but the teaching which is regarded by a large body of Christians as incontrovertible. "No harm is done to reverence but by an open manifestation of insult. How, then, can a son sin gravely when he curses his father without the latter's knowing it, or mocks at him behind his back, inasmuch as in that case there is neither insult nor irreverence? And I think that the same is to be said, even though he does this before others. It must be altogether understood that he does not sin gravely if he curses his parents, whether they are alive or dead, unless the curses are uttered with malevolent meaning." This is the decision of one that is called not only a saint, but a "doctor of the Church" (Liguori, 'Theol. Moral.,' 4:334). "Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put ant in obscure darkness," says the Word of God (<a href="/proverbs/20-20.htm">Proverbs 20:20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God.</span> By the last clause the eye is directed to God, who can see and punish, however little the blind man is able to help himself. (Cf. <a href="/job/29-15.htm">Job 29:15</a>, "I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.") <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/19-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">curse</span><br /><span class="heb">תְקַלֵּ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·qal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be slight, swift or trifling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the deaf</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵרֵ֔שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê·rêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2795.htm">Strong's 2795: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deaf</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or place</span><br /><span class="heb">תִתֵּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(ṯit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a stumbling block</span><br /><span class="heb">מִכְשֹׁ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(miḵ·šōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4383.htm">Strong's 4383: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִפְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the blind,</span><br /><span class="heb">עִוֵּ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘iw·wêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5787.htm">Strong's 5787: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but you are to fear</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָרֵ֥אתָ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·rê·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵּאֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/19-14.htm">Leviticus 19:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 19:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 19:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 19:15" /></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>