1. Leviticus 19:14 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How should one treat the deaf and the blind?

Leviticus 19:14 (ESV)

14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.

The Israelite is not to be cruel to those who are physically disadvantaged. One is not to curse (qIl) a deaf person. The verb comes from a root meaning to be light or to be without weight. This means to mistreat, dishonour, or disrespect the physically maimed, such as those who cannot see or hear. The Hebrew is rather to fear God, because he sees and hears everything!