Deuteronomy 29:19

When such a person ¹  hears the words of this oath he secretly ²  blesses himself ³  and says, “I will have peace though I continue to walk with a stubborn spirit.” ⁴  This will destroy ⁵  the watered ground with the parched. ⁶ 

Ge 2:17; Nu 15:30,39; Nu 15:30; De 17:2; De 29:12; Ps 10:4-6,11; Ps 49:18; Ps 94:6,7; Pr 29:1; Ec 11:9; Jer 3:17; Jer 5:12,13; Jer 7:3-11; Jer 7:24; Jer 28:15-17; Jer 44:16,17,27; Eze 13:16,22; Ro 1:21; 2Co 10:5; Eph 4:17; Eph 5:6

¹ tn Heb “he”; the referent (the subject of the warning in v. 18) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

² tn Heb “in his heart.”

³ tn Or “invokes a blessing on himself.” A formalized word of blessing is in view, the content of which appears later in the verse.

⁴ tn Heb “heart.”

⁵ tn Heb “thus destroying.” For stylistic reasons the translation begins a new sentence here.

⁶ tn Heb “the watered with the parched.” The word “ground” is implied. The exact meaning of the phrase is uncertain although it appears to be figurative. This appears to be a proverbial observation employing a figure of speech (a merism) suggesting totality. That is, the Israelite who violates the letter and even spirit of the covenant will harm not only himself but everything he touches – “the watered and the parched.” Cf. CEV “you will cause the rest of Israel to be punished along with you.”