Deuteronomy 7:10 says that the LORD, the God of Israel, is faithful to those who love him and keeps his covenant with them, and that he also deals directly with those who reject him, repaying them so that their opposition does not go unanswered. The verse is part of Moses’ farewell speech to the people of Israel as they stood on the edge of the promised land, so it speaks to a community preparing to live under God’s covenant.
And repays those who hate him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack to him who hates him. He will repay him to his face.
Deuteronomy 7:10 (WEB)
What Deuteronomy 7:10 Means
The verse opens with a contrast. God is faithful to people who love him and keep his commandments, and he responds to people who hate him with a corresponding response. The phrase “to their face” means that God does not act in secret or through intermediaries. Whatever he does in response to opposition is done openly, in a way the person can see and understand.
The strongest word in the verse is “destroy.” It describes the end of those who set themselves against the LORD in defiance. The second half of the verse repeats the idea so that it cannot be missed: God “will not be slack” and “will repay him to his face.” The emphasis is on certainty. God does not delay in dealing with rebellion, and he does not fail to respond.
What the verse does not promise is that every personal enemy of a believer will be defeated in a specific way or on a specific timetable. It speaks about God’s justice toward those who set themselves against him, within the covenant relationship between him and Israel. It is a statement about God’s character and the seriousness of rejecting him, not a formula for settling personal disputes.
The Context of Deuteronomy 7:10
Deuteronomy is presented as the speeches of Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, shortly before they cross the Jordan River. Tradition attributes the book to Moses, though it contains material that reflects later editing. Its audience is the generation about to enter Canaan, who are reminded of what the LORD has done for them and what he requires in return.
Verses 7 through 9 explain that God chose Israel not because they were numerous or impressive, but out of love and in fulfillment of his oath to their ancestors. Verse 10 follows as the counterpart: the same God who keeps covenant faithfully with those who love him also responds to those who hate him. Verses 11 through 13 then call the people to obey and promise blessing for their faithfulness. Read this way, verse 10 is not a threat standing alone but part of a balanced picture of covenant love and covenant justice.
Key Phrases in Deuteronomy 7:10
Romans 12:19
Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
(WEB)
Paul echoes the theme of God’s justice and applies it to the believer’s response to hostility. The verse shows that leaving vengeance to God is itself an act of faith, which deepens the reader’s understanding of what it means to trust the Lord who repays.
Psalm 9:7-8
7 But the LORD reigns forever. He has prepared his throne for judgment. 8 He will judge the world in righteousness. He will administer judgment to the peoples in uprightness.
(WEB)
This psalm celebrates the LORD as a righteous judge who rules the world with justice. It parallels Deuteronomy 7:10 by affirming that God’s throne is established for judgment, offering the reader the same assurance that wickedness does not stand unchecked.
A Short Prayer From Deuteronomy 7:10
Lord, you are faithful to those who love you and keep your ways. When I see injustice around me, help me remember that you see it too and that you will act with perfect justice in your time. Keep me from taking vengeance into my own hands. Give me patience to trust you with the wrongs I cannot fix, and make me faithful to love you in return. Amen.
