Deuteronomy 28:62
New International Version
You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left but few in number, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

New Living Translation
Though you become as numerous as the stars in the sky, few of you will be left because you would not listen to the LORD your God.

English Standard Version
Whereas you were as numerous as the stars of heaven, you shall be left few in number, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Berean Standard Bible
You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left few in number, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Berean Literal Bible
And you⁺ shall be left few men, instead of which you⁺ were as stars of the heavens in multitude, because you would not listen to the voice of YHWH your God.

King James Bible
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.

New King James Version
You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven in multitude, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

New American Standard Bible
Then you will be left few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of heaven, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

NASB 1995
“Then you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of heaven, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

NASB 1977
“Then you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven for multitude, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then you shall remain few in number, whereas you were as numerous as the stars of heaven, because you did not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

Amplified Bible
Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, you who were as numerous as the stars of heaven shall be left few in number.

Berean Annotated Bible
You⁺ who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left few in number, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka}.

Christian Standard Bible
Though you were as numerous as the stars of the sky, you will be left with only a few people, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Though you were as numerous as the stars of the sky, you will be left with only a few people, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

American Standard Version
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou didst not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah thy God.

Contemporary English Version
There are as many of you now as the stars in the sky, but if you disobey the LORD your God, only a few of you will be left.

English Revised Version
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou didst not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At one time you were as numerous as the stars in the sky. But only a few of you will be left, because you didn't obey the LORD your God.

Good News Translation
Although you become as numerous as the stars in the sky, only a few of you will survive, because you did not obey the LORD your God.

International Standard Version
Because you will not have obeyed the LORD your God, very few of you will be left—instead of you being as numerous as the stars in the heavens.

NET Bible
There will be very few of you left, though at one time you were as numerous as the stars in the sky, because you will have disobeyed the LORD your God.

New Heart English Bible
You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of the sky for multitude; because you did not listen to the voice of the LORD your God.

Webster's Bible Translation
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldst not obey the voice of the LORD thy God.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left few in number, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

World English Bible
You will be left few in number, even though you were as the stars of the sky for multitude, because you didn’t listen to Yahweh your God’s voice.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and you have been left with few men, whereas that you would have been as stars of the heavens for multitude, for you have not listened to the voice of your God YHWH.

Berean Literal Bible
And you⁺ shall be left few men, instead of which you⁺ were as stars of the heavens in multitude, because you would not listen to the voice of YHWH your God.

Young's Literal Translation
and ye have been left with few men, instead of which ye have been as stars of the heavens for multitude, because thou hast not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah thy God.

Smith's Literal Translation
And ye were left few in extension, instead of which ye were as the stars of the heavens for multitude, because thou heardst not to the voice of Jehovah thy God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And you shall remain few in number, who before were as the stars of heaven for multitude, because thou heardst not the voice of the Lord thy God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you will remain few in number, though you were before like the stars of heaven in multitude, because you would not listen to the voice of the Lord your God.

New American Bible
You who were numerous as the stars of the heavens will be left few in number, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD, your God.

New Revised Standard Version
Although once you were as numerous as the stars in heaven, you shall be left few in number, because you did not obey the LORD your God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of the heaven for multitude; because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you shall be left few in number, you who were multiplied as the stars in Heaven, because you have not listened to the voice of LORD JEHOVAH your God.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou didst not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of the sky in multitude; because thou didst not hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Curses of Disobedience
61The LORD will also bring upon you every sickness and plague not recorded in this Book of the Law, until you are destroyed. 62 You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left few in number, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God. 63Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.…

Cross References
You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky

Deuteronomy 1:10
The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Deuteronomy 10:22
Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Genesis 15:5
And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.”
will be left few in number,

Deuteronomy 4:27
Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.

Leviticus 26:22
I will send wild animals against you to rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and reduce your numbers, until your roads lie desolate.

Isaiah 24:6
Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.
because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

2 Kings 18:12
This happened because they did not listen to the voice of the LORD their God, but violated His covenant—all that Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded—and would neither listen nor obey.

Jeremiah 7:28
Therefore you must say to them, ‘This is the nation that would not listen to the voice of the LORD their God and would not receive correction. Truth has perished; it has disappeared from their lips.

Jeremiah 3:25
Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.”
Leviticus 26:38
You will perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies will consume you.

Isaiah 1:9
Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 42:18
For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Just as My anger and wrath were poured out on the residents of Jerusalem, so will My wrath be poured out on you if you go to Egypt. You will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and disgrace, and you will never see this place again.’

Jeremiah 44:12
And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have resolved to go to the land of Egypt to reside there; they will meet their end. They will all fall by the sword or be consumed by famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine; and they will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and reproach.

Ezekiel 5:12
A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them.

Ezekiel 12:16
But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

Amos 5:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will have but a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel.”


Treasury of Scripture

And you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 4:27
And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

Leviticus 26:22
I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.

2 Kings 13:7
Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.

as the stars

Deuteronomy 10:22
Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

Nehemiah 9:23
Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.

Romans 9:27
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

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Deuteronomy 28
1. The blessings for obedience
15. The curses for disobedience












You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky
This phrase recalls the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, where God assured him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. It signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant with the patriarchs, highlighting the vast growth of the Israelite nation. This imagery of countless stars symbolizes not only the physical multiplication of the people but also the spiritual and covenantal blessings intended for them. The promise of numerous descendants was a sign of divine favor and blessing, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises.

will be left few in number
This part of the verse serves as a stark warning of the consequences of disobedience. The reduction in numbers is a direct result of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28, which contrast the blessings of obedience with the curses of disobedience. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled during events such as the Babylonian exile, where the population of Israel was significantly diminished. Theologically, it underscores the principle of divine retribution and the seriousness of covenantal faithfulness. The reduction from a multitude to a remnant is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, emphasizing the need for repentance and return to God.

because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God
This phrase highlights the central issue of obedience to God's commandments. The "voice of the LORD" refers to the divine instructions and laws given to Israel, primarily through Moses. The emphasis on obedience is a key theme throughout Deuteronomy, where the covenant relationship between God and Israel is contingent upon their adherence to His laws. The failure to obey is not merely a legal infraction but a breach of the relational covenant with God. This disobedience leads to the curses described in the chapter, serving as a warning to future generations. The call to obedience is echoed throughout Scripture, including in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of hearing and doing the will of God (Matthew 7:24-27).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were numerous and blessed but faced consequences for disobedience.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, delivering God's message and covenant terms, including blessings and curses.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, contingent on their obedience.

4. Covenant
The agreement between God and Israel, involving blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

5. God (Yahweh)
The sovereign Lord who established the covenant with Israel and demanded their obedience.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Disobedience
Disobedience to God has severe consequences. The Israelites' reduction in number serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following God's commands.

The Faithfulness of God
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant. His warnings are not empty threats but are meant to guide His people back to Him.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God is not just about following rules but about maintaining a relationship with Him. It is a response to His love and faithfulness.

The Role of Remnants
Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant. This shows His mercy and the hope of restoration for those who remain faithful.

Application to Modern Believers
Believers today are called to obey God, understanding that while we are under grace, obedience is a reflection of our faith and love for God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 28:62?

2. How does Deuteronomy 28:62 illustrate consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

3. What lessons can modern Christians learn from Israel's decrease in Deuteronomy 28:62?

4. How does Deuteronomy 28:62 connect with God's covenant promises in Genesis?

5. How can we ensure obedience to avoid outcomes like in Deuteronomy 28:62?

6. What role does faithfulness play in experiencing God's blessings, according to Deuteronomy 28:62?

7. How does Deuteronomy 28:62 relate to the concept of divine punishment for disobedience?

8. What historical events might Deuteronomy 28:62 be referencing with the reduction in numbers?

9. How does Deuteronomy 28:62 fit into the broader context of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 28?

11. What is the Bible's stance on astrology?

12. If these curses were historically fulfilled, why is there limited archaeological evidence supporting widespread devastation on the scale described in Deuteronomy 28?

13. Deuteronomy 1:10-11 suggests a huge population in the desert; where is the archaeological evidence for such a large group?

14. Deuteronomy 4:19 forbids worship of celestial bodies--how does this align with modern astronomy's discoveries and our scientific understanding of the cosmos?
What Does Deuteronomy 28:62 Mean
You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky

• God had promised Abraham, “Look to the heavens and count the stars… so shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5).

• By the time of Moses, that promise was visibly fulfilled: “The LORD your God has multiplied you, and here you are today, as numerous as the stars in the sky” (Deuteronomy 1:10).

• The phrase reminds Israel that fruitfulness was never self-made; it flowed directly from covenant blessing (Exodus 1:7; Deuteronomy 10:22).

• Remembering those origins should have stirred gratitude and loyalty—but memory alone does not guarantee faithfulness.


will be left few in number

• The verse pivots from blessing to curse, echoing the warning, “If you do not obey… all these curses will come upon you” (Deuteronomy 28:15).

• Reduction of population would come through war, famine, plague, and exile (Leviticus 26:22, 33; Deuteronomy 4:27). History bears this out:

– Assyrian deportations of the northern tribes (2 Kings 17:6).

– Babylonian exile that left “only the poorest of the land” (2 Kings 25:12).

• What God multiplied, He can just as surely diminish when covenant terms are broken.


because you would not obey

• Disobedience is the singular reason given; no political or military failure can mask spiritual rebellion (1 Samuel 12:15).

• The curses that follow disobedience are not arbitrary; they are the flip side of the blessings attached to obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1–2 vs. 28:15).

• Throughout Scripture, obedience is portrayed as love in action: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

• Persistent refusal to heed God’s word hardens the heart, making repentance increasingly unlikely (Jeremiah 7:23–24).


the voice of the LORD your God

• “Voice” stresses personal relationship; Israel was meant to be a people who listened to their Shepherd (Exodus 19:5; John 10:27).

• Rejecting that voice is more than breaking rules; it is breaking fellowship.

• The covenant name “LORD your God” underscores both His authority and His ownership—He speaks not as a distant deity but as their Redeemer (Deuteronomy 5:6; Isaiah 43:1).

• Blessing or curse hinges on the same point: whether the voice that brought them out of Egypt continues to govern them in the land (Deuteronomy 8:20).


summary

Deuteronomy 28:62 warns that the same God who graciously multiplied Israel can justly reduce them when they shut their ears to His voice. Covenant blessing (“as numerous as the stars”) is inseparable from covenant loyalty; disobedience reverses the blessing and leaves the nation “few in number.” The verse calls every generation to recall God’s past faithfulness, recognize the serious consequences of unbelief, and respond with wholehearted obedience to the Lord who speaks.

Verse 62. - (Cf. Deuteronomy 4:27; Deuteronomy 10:22; Nehemiah 9:23.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You who were
הֱיִיתֶ֔ם (hĕ·yî·ṯem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

as numerous
לָרֹ֑ב (lā·rōḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness

as the stars
כְּכוֹכְבֵ֥י (kə·ḵō·wḵ·ḇê)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3556: A star, a prince

in the sky
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

will be left
וְנִשְׁאַרְתֶּם֙ (wə·niš·’ar·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7604: To swell up, be, redundant

few
מְעָ֔ט (mə·‘āṭ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few

in number,
בִּמְתֵ֣י (bim·ṯê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4962: An adult, a man

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you would not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

obey
שָׁמַ֔עְתָּ (šā·ma‘·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the voice of
בְּק֖וֹל (bə·qō·wl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God.
אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 28:62 You shall be left few in number (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 28:61
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