Deuteronomy 7:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

Complete Jewish Bible:

You will be blessed more than all other peoples; there will not be a sterile male or female among you, and the same with your livestock.

Berean Standard Bible:

You will be blessed above all peoples; among you there will be no barren man or woman or livestock.

American Standard Version:

Thou shalt be blessed above all peoples: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thou shalt be blessed{H1288} above all people{H5971}: there shall not be male{H6135} or female barren{H6135} among you, or among your cattle{H929}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Deuteronomy 28:4

  • Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Psalms 127:3

  • Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Exodus 23:26

  • There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.

Exodus 23:33

  • They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Leviticus 26:9

  • For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.

Deuteronomy 28:11

  • And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Deuteronomy 33:29

  • Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 7:14

Deuteronomy 7:14 is part of the Old Testament, specifically the fifth book of the Torah, which records Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse is set within a broader context where Moses is reminding the people of the covenant between them and God, emphasizing the conditions of their special relationship with Him.

Themes:
1. **Divine Blessing**: The promise of being blessed above all people underscores God's favor towards Israel, contingent upon their obedience to His laws and statutes.
2. **Fertility**: The assurance that there will be no barrenness among the people or their livestock is a sign of prosperity and abundance, crucial in an agrarian society where fertility was closely linked to economic stability and survival.
3. **Covenantal Relationship**: This verse reflects the conditional nature of the covenant between God and Israel. The blessings are a response to Israel's faithfulness to God's commandments.
4. **Exclusivity and Holiness**: The Israelites are called to be set apart from other nations, living according to God's standards, which will result in their being blessed and fruitful.

Historical Context:
- **Time Period**: Likely around the 13th century BCE, as the Israelites are on the verge of entering Canaan after their exodus from Egypt and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
- **Cultural Context**: The ancient Near East was a place where fertility was highly valued, and barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor.
- **Purpose**: The book of Deuteronomy serves as a renewal of the covenant between God and Israel, providing a framework for the social, religious, and political life of the nation as they prepare to establish themselves in a new land.
- **Leadership Transition**: Moses is preparing the people for his impending death and the leadership of Joshua, ensuring that the covenant and its laws are passed on to the next generation.

In summary, Deuteronomy 7:14 encapsulates the promises of God to the Israelites, highlighting the themes of divine blessing, fertility, and the importance of maintaining a covenantal relationship with God. The verse is set against the backdrop of the Israelites' imminent entry into Canaan and serves to reinforce their unique status as God's chosen people, provided they remain faithful to His commandments.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H1288
    There are 289 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בָרַךְ
    Transliteration: bârak
    Pronunciation: baw-rak'
    Description: a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason); [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank.
  2. Strong's Number: H5971
    There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עַם
    Transliteration: ʻam
    Pronunciation: am
    Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
  3. Strong's Number: H6135
    There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָקָר
    Transliteration: ʻâqâr
    Pronunciation: aw-kawr'
    Description: from עָקַר; sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs); ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman).
  4. Strong's Number: H929
    There are 172 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בְּהֵמָה
    Transliteration: bᵉhêmâh
    Pronunciation: be-hay-maw'
    Description: from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective); beast, cattle.