Deuteronomy 11:10

KJV

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:

KJV (with Strong's)

For the land {H776}, whither thou goest in {H935} to possess {H3423} it, is not as the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, from whence ye came out {H3318}, where thou sowedst {H2232} thy seed {H2233}, and wateredst {H8248} it with thy foot {H7272}, as a garden {H1588} of herbs {H3419}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"For the land you are entering in order to take possession of it isn't like the land of Egypt. There you would sow your seed and had to use your feet to operate its irrigation system, as in a vegetable garden.

Berean Standard Bible

For the land that you are entering to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated on foot, like a vegetable garden.

American Standard Version

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:10 serves as a profound declaration to the Israelites on the threshold of the Promised Land, contrasting the laborious, human-dependent agricultural practices of Egypt with the divinely sustained fertility of Canaan. Moses highlights Egypt's need for arduous, foot-powered irrigation to cultivate even small plots, setting up a pivotal theological distinction: Canaan's prosperity would not stem from human ingenuity or toil but from Yahweh's sovereign provision of rain, fostering a radical shift from self-reliance to absolute dependence on God's covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 11:10 is strategically positioned within Moses' second major address to Israel, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to cross into Canaan. This discourse (chapters 5-26) meticulously expounds the Mosaic covenant, emphasizing the profound implications of obedience and disobedience. Following the foundational commands and the declaration of the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Love for God"), Moses transitions to detailing the blessings contingent upon faithfulness and the curses resulting from apostasy. Verses 10-12 of chapter 11 form a distinct rhetorical unit, establishing a vivid contrast between the agricultural realities of Egypt and those of the Promised Land. This contrast is not merely descriptive but serves as a theological linchpin, preparing the people for a new mode of existence where divine provision, not human effort, would be the bedrock of their sustenance. The subsequent verses, particularly [Deuteronomy 11:11-12](/deuteronomy/11-11 "Deuteronomy 11:11-12 - The Land of Rain"), explicitly elaborate on Canaan's unique reliance on "rain from heaven," thereby directly linking the land's fruitfulness to God's watchful care and the people's covenant fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had spent centuries enslaved in Egypt, a civilization whose agricultural prowess was entirely predicated on the predictable annual inundation of the Nile River and an intricate system of irrigation. Egyptian farming demanded immense human labor to divert, lift, and channel water to fields, often utilizing devices such as the _shaduf_ (a counterbalanced lever for lifting water) or various foot-operated water wheels and pumps. The evocative phrase "wateredst it with thy foot" vividly portrays this laborious process. It could refer to operating such foot-powered mechanisms or, more commonly, to the precise and constant manipulation of small earthen dikes or channels with one's foot to direct water flow from larger irrigation ditches to individual garden plots, ensuring every "garden of herbs" received its precise water supply. This stands in stark opposition to Canaan's geography, characterized by diverse hills and valleys, whose agricultural bounty was inherently reliant not on a single river but on the seasonal "early and latter rains" ([Deuteronomy 11:14](/deuteronomy/11-14 "Deuteronomy 11:14 - Early and Latter Rains")) from the heavens. This distinction highlights a fundamental divergence in agricultural methodology and, more profoundly, in the perceived source of life-sustaining provision.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored in [Deuteronomy 11:10](/deuteronomy/11-10 "Deuteronomy 11:10 - Contrast with Egypt") is the stark **contrast between human effort and divine provision**. In Egypt, prosperity was a direct outcome of arduous human labor, sophisticated engineering, and the predictable flow of the Nile; in Canaan, it would be a direct testament to God's faithfulness in sending the life-giving rain. This foundational difference undergirds the overarching theme of **absolute dependence on God** rather than self-reliance or human ingenuity. The very land of Canaan would serve as a tangible, daily reminder of their **covenant relationship** with Yahweh, where blessings and sustenance were entirely contingent upon their obedience and trust. This also introduces the theme of a **new way of life** for the Israelites, demanding a paradigm shift from the mindset of self-sufficiency and control cultivated during their bondage in Egypt, towards a life of faith and responsive obedience in the Promised Land. The fertility of Canaan was not a given of nature or human design but a miraculous display of **divine superintendence**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sowedst (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** From H2232, this primitive root means "to sow," figuratively "to disseminate, plant, fructify." In the context of Egyptian agriculture, it highlights the initial human effort of planting the seed. However, the subsequent description of "watering with thy foot" immediately emphasizes that this initial act was merely the beginning of a continuous, labor-intensive cycle required to bring the seed to fruition in a land dependent on irrigation.
* **Wateredst (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** From H8248, this primitive root means "to quaff," or causatively "to irrigate or furnish a potion to." Its use here underscores the direct, active, and continuous human intervention required to provide water for crops. Coupled with "with thy foot," it vividly portrays the demanding and essential nature of this task in Egypt, where the farmer was constantly engaged in ensuring the survival and growth of his plants.
* **Foot (Hebrew, _regel'_):** From H7272, this word refers to "a foot (as used in walking)" or "a step." Its specific inclusion in this verse is crucial for understanding the method of irrigation. It points to the physical, manual labor involved, whether through operating foot-powered water-lifting devices or, more commonly, by using one's foot to open and close small earthen dikes or channels to direct water flow from larger irrigation ditches to individual plots. This imagery powerfully conveys the intimate, laborious, and direct involvement of the farmer in the watering process, contrasting sharply with the passive reception of rain in Canaan.
* **Herbs (Hebrew, _yârâq'_):** From H3419, this word properly means "green" and concretely "a vegetable." When used in the phrase "garden of herbs" (KJV), it specifies the type of agriculture being described—small, intensively cultivated plots, likely for vegetables, spices, or medicinal plants. Such gardens require precise and constant watering, further emphasizing the meticulous and continuous labor involved in Egyptian agriculture, where every plant's water supply was manually managed to ensure its growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the central rhetorical and theological contrast of the verse. Moses declares that the Promised Land (Canaan) is fundamentally distinct from Egypt, the land of their bondage and former experience. This difference is not merely geographical or climatic but profoundly theological, setting the stage for a new mode of existence and a radically different relationship with God. The phrase "to possess it" highlights the land as a divine gift and the purpose of their entry, emphasizing that their future inheritance is unlike their past.
* **"where thou sowedst thy seed,"**: This segment describes a universal agricultural act—planting. However, in the context of Egypt, it serves as a precursor to the unique and laborious irrigation method. It implies that while sowing is common, the subsequent care for the seed in Egypt was exceptionally demanding, emphasizing that the labor did not cease with planting but continued intensely throughout the growing cycle.
* **"and wateredst [it] with thy foot,"**: This is the most vivid and pivotal phrase, detailing the arduous irrigation method characteristic of Egypt. It signifies constant, direct, and physically demanding human effort to ensure crops received water. This was not a passive activity but an active, ongoing struggle against the arid climate, requiring ingenuity, precision, and immense physical exertion to sustain life and agriculture. It encapsulates the human-centered effort required for sustenance in Egypt.
* **"as a garden of herbs:"**: This simile concludes the description of Egyptian agriculture, likening the cultivated land to a "garden of herbs." This reinforces the idea of small, intensively managed, and meticulously watered plots. It emphasizes the level of human control and continuous effort required to cultivate even modest yields in Egypt, thereby setting up the stark contrast with the natural, God-given irrigation of Canaan, which would rely on divine rain rather than human sweat.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:10 masterfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, juxtaposing the agricultural realities of Egypt with those anticipated in Canaan. This contrast is not merely descriptive but serves a profound theological purpose, highlighting the fundamental difference between human-dependent and divinely-dependent provision. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, particularly with the phrase "wateredst it with thy foot," which evokes a clear mental picture of arduous, manual labor and the intimate, constant involvement of the farmer. This specific image functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the "foot" stands for the entire laborious, human-engineered irrigation system, symbolizing the self-reliant agricultural economy of Egypt. The concluding **Simile**, "as a garden of herbs," further reinforces the meticulous, demanding, and small-scale nature of Egyptian farming, emphasizing the extensive human effort required to sustain even modest plots in that environment, thereby sharpening the distinction with the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:10 transcends a mere agricultural observation; it is a profound theological declaration concerning the nature of God's provision and the required posture of His covenant people. It teaches that God's blessings are not earned through human ingenuity, exhaustive labor, or self-sufficient systems, but flow from His sovereign grace and faithfulness in response to covenant obedience. Unlike Egypt, where prosperity was a testament to human engineering and relentless toil, Canaan's fertility would be a direct sign of God's active involvement and watchful care. This demanded a fundamental reorientation of the Israelites' trust—from their own hands and efforts to God's. It underscores that true security, abundance, and flourishing come from absolute dependence on Yahweh, who controls the very heavens and sends the life-giving rain. This principle extends far beyond agriculture, teaching that in all areas of life, our ultimate reliance must be on God's methods and timing, which often differ radically from human expectations or worldly systems of control and self-sufficiency.

* [Deuteronomy 11:11-12](/deuteronomy/11-11 "The Land of Rain")
* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "God's Word Like Rain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:10 offers a timeless and vital lesson for believers today: God's ways of providing for us often differ significantly from what we are accustomed to, what the world dictates, or what our own instincts might suggest. We are perpetually tempted to rely on our own strength, ingenuity, and control, much like the Egyptians relied on their elaborate irrigation systems. However, God calls us to a radically different kind of trust—one that profoundly acknowledges His sovereignty over all provision, whether it comes through conventional means or through unexpected, "rain-from-heaven" blessings. This verse challenges us to deeply examine where our true reliance lies. Are we constantly striving to "water with our foot," meticulously controlling every aspect of our lives, careers, and provision through sheer effort and self-sufficiency, or are we learning to depend on God's faithfulness to send the "rain" when and how He sees fit? It encourages a profound shift from a mindset of self-sufficiency to one of divine sufficiency, reminding us that true abundance, peace, and spiritual fruitfulness are found in aligning our efforts with God's purposes and wholeheartedly trusting in His unfailing care and miraculous provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you still trying to "water with your foot," relying primarily on your own strenuous efforts and control rather than God's sovereign provision?**
* **How does the concept of "rain from heaven" (as opposed to human-engineered irrigation) challenge your current understanding of God's provision and your role in receiving it?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God in your finances, career decisions, relationships, or spiritual growth, releasing more control to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "wateredst with thy foot" literally mean?**

Answer: The phrase "wateredst with thy foot" refers to the laborious and common irrigation methods employed in ancient Egypt, particularly in the Nile Valley. It could literally mean using one's foot to operate a water-lifting device, such as a foot-powered water wheel or pump. More commonly, it refers to the precise and constant use of one's foot to open and close small earthen dams or channels within an irrigation system, thereby directing water from a main ditch to specific garden plots or rows of crops. This method required continuous, direct, and physically demanding human effort to ensure every plant received water, highlighting the stark contrast with the rain-fed agriculture of Canaan, as further described in [Deuteronomy 11:11-12](/deuteronomy/11-11 "Deuteronomy 11:11-12 - The Land of Rain").

**Why was this contrast important for the Israelites?**

Answer: This contrast was vitally important for the Israelites because it underscored a fundamental shift in their relationship with God and their understanding of divine provision. In Egypt, their sustenance was intrinsically tied to human labor and the predictable (though arduous) flow of the Nile. In Canaan, however, their prosperity and agricultural bounty would be directly dependent on God's faithfulness to send the seasonal rains. This meant that their well-being was inextricably linked to their obedience and trust in Yahweh. It taught them that the Promised Land was not merely a geographical location but a covenant space where God's direct involvement was paramount, fostering a deep and abiding reliance on Him rather than on human ingenuity or self-sufficiency. It was a profound lesson in spiritual dependence, preparing them for a life lived by faith in God's promises, not by the sweat of their brow alone.

**Does this verse imply that human effort or hard work is bad?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that human effort or hard work is inherently bad or discouraged. The Bible consistently values diligence, industry, and labor (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant")). Instead, Deuteronomy 11:10 highlights the **source and ultimate object of reliance**. In Egypt, human effort was the primary means of provision, fostering a mindset of self-sufficiency and control. In Canaan, while effort was still required for planting, tilling, and harvesting, the foundational element of water—the very lifeblood of agriculture—came directly from God. The verse teaches that our ultimate trust should be in God's provision and blessing, not in our own ability to control circumstances or generate blessings through sheer effort. It's about recognizing that even our labor is blessed and made fruitful by God's grace, shifting the focus from human capability to divine sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:10, with its striking contrast between the laborious, human-dependent irrigation of Egypt and the divinely-watered land of Canaan, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual provision found in Christ. Just as the Israelites were called to transition from a system of arduous toil to one of dependence on God's direct blessing, so too does the New Covenant call us from a life of striving under the law to a life of grace and rest in Christ. The "wateredst with thy foot" imagery vividly reflects the futility of human effort to achieve righteousness or spiritual life through works, much like attempting to irrigate a vast desert with one's own limited strength. In profound contrast, Jesus declares, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). He is the ultimate source of "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")) that eternally quenches spiritual thirst, a provision not earned by human labor or merit but freely given by divine grace. Our spiritual sustenance, transformation, and fruitfulness come not from our own strenuous efforts to obey the law or earn favor, but from the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is poured out upon us as a divine "rain from heaven" ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Pouring Out of the Spirit")). In Christ, we enter a spiritual "Promised Land" of grace, where our spiritual vitality is sustained by His finished work and continuous, unmerited provision, rather than by our own weary "foot-watering" attempts at self-salvation or self-righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 14:18

And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that [have] no [rain]; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.