Deuteronomy 11:27

KJV

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:

KJV (with Strong's)

A blessing {H1293}, if ye obey {H8085} the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, which I command {H6680} you this day {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the blessing, if you listen to the mitzvot of ADONAI your God that I am giving you today;

Berean Standard Bible

a blessing if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today,

American Standard Version

the blessing, if ye shall hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I command you this day;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:27 articulates a foundational principle of the Mosaic covenant, establishing a direct and conditional relationship between Israel's faithful obedience to God's divine commands and their reception of His promised blessings. Delivered by Moses as part of his final exhortations before Israel's entry into the Promised Land, this verse sets forth a clear framework for their national well-being and spiritual prosperity, emphasizing that divine favor and flourishing are contingent upon diligent adherence to the LORD's instructions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 11:27 stands as a pivotal statement within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, immediately preceding their entry into Canaan. This chapter serves as a theological bridge, connecting the historical review of God's faithfulness (Deuteronomy 1-10) with the detailed exposition of covenant laws (Deuteronomy 12-26). Specifically, verses 26-28 present a stark, binary choice to the new generation: "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse." Verse 27 defines the precise condition for receiving the blessing, while verse 28 explicitly outlines the condition that would incur the curse. This immediate juxtaposition underscores the gravity of the choice and the non-negotiable nature of the covenant relationship. The broader context includes the ceremonial pronouncement of blessings on [Mount Gerizim](/deuteronomy/27-12 "Deuteronomy 27:12 - Mount Gerizim, Mount Ebal Ceremony") and curses on [Mount Ebal](/deuteronomy/27-13 "Deuteronomy 27:13 - Mount Gerizim, Mount Ebal Ceremony") as detailed in [Deuteronomy 27-28](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27-28 - The Covenant Ceremony"), demonstrating the practical outworking of this foundational principle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Moses' address is crucial: the Israelites are poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land, a land of abundance but also inhabited by nations whose idolatrous and immoral practices were anathema to the LORD. Moses' address functions as a final covenant renewal ceremony, echoing the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties. In such treaties, a great king (suzerain) would establish terms with a vassal nation, typically including a historical prologue, detailed stipulations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. The "commandments of the LORD your God" refer to the entire corpus of laws given at Sinai, now being reiterated and applied to their new life in Canaan. The phrase "which I command you this day" highlights the immediacy and solemnity of Moses' role as God's mediator, impressing upon a new generation the enduring relevance and binding nature of these divine decrees for their future success and continued occupation of the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Conditional Covenant**, where God's promises of blessing and sustained presence are directly tied to Israel's faithfulness. This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Obedience (Shema)**, which in Hebrew thought (represented by the word *shamaʻ*) means not just passive hearing but actively listening, understanding, and responding with action. The concept of **Blessing and Curse** is a dominant motif throughout Deuteronomy, presenting the two distinct paths available to Israel: blessing signifying divine favor, fertility, prosperity, and security in the land, and curse signifying divine judgment, barrenness, defeat, and exile. Furthermore, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Authority**, as the commandments originate from "the LORD your God," underscoring His absolute right to dictate terms to His chosen people. It also touches on the theme of **Love for God**, as true obedience is presented throughout Deuteronomy as the ultimate expression of love for the One who delivered them from slavery (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the LORD your God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessing (Hebrew, בְּרָכָה, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to kneel" (in adoration or submission), denotes divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. In the Old Testament context, it encompasses tangible material abundance (fertile land, numerous offspring, successful harvests), peace, protection from enemies, and the manifest presence of God. It is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible experience of God's goodness poured out upon His people, enabling them to flourish in every aspect of life as a direct result of His benevolent action.
* **obey (Hebrew, שָׁמַע, _shâmaʻ'_):** More than just passive hearing, *shâmaʻ* implies attentive listening that leads directly to action. It signifies heeding, understanding, and actively putting into practice what is heard. In the covenant context, it is the active response of faith and submission to God's revealed will, demonstrating a heart aligned with His purposes rather than mere outward conformity. This obedience is a holistic response, engaging the mind, will, and affections.
* **commandments (Hebrew, מִצְוָה, _mitsvâh'_):** This refers to the specific divine instructions, precepts, and laws given by God through Moses. While the KJV uses the plural "commandments," the underlying Hebrew root (H4687) is singular, often used collectively to refer to the entire body of divine law or a specific precept. These are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's holy character and His design for human flourishing, intended to guide Israel in righteous living, maintain their distinct identity, and preserve their covenant relationship with the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A blessing,":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the positive outcome God desires for His people. It is not a suggestion but a clear declaration of divine favor available to them. The blessing is comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of life, from personal well-being to national prosperity and security within the promised land. It originates solely from God, the ultimate source of all good, and is presented as a desirable, tangible reality.
* **"if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God,":** This is the crucial conditional clause, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the covenant. The "if" underscores that the blessing is not automatic or unconditional but contingent upon a specific human response: faithful obedience. The object of this obedience is explicitly "the commandments of the LORD your God," emphasizing that these are not human inventions but divine decrees, emanating from the sovereign, covenant-making God who has a unique, intimate relationship with Israel ("your God"). This phrase underscores both God's authority and Israel's profound responsibility.
* **"which I command you this day:":** This concluding phrase serves multiple purposes. "I command" reinforces Moses' authoritative role as God's chosen mediator, ensuring that the commands are understood as divine mandates delivered through His servant, carrying the weight of God's own voice. "This day" emphasizes the immediacy, urgency, and solemnity of the moment, marking a critical juncture in Israel's history where they must make a definitive choice for their future in the land. It also implies a fresh commitment required from the new generation standing before Moses, binding them personally to the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs a clear **Conditional Statement**, structuring the relationship between human action and divine response with an "if...then" logic, even if the "then" (the reception of blessing) is implied rather than explicitly stated. This form is characteristic of covenant theology throughout the Old Testament, particularly in legal and hortatory texts. There is also evident **Covenant Language**, utilizing terms like "commandments," "LORD your God," and "blessing," which are staples of the covenant framework established at Sinai and renewed on the plains of Moab. The verse functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Device** within Moses' larger address, serving as a direct and urgent appeal to the people to choose life and prosperity through obedience, setting the stage for the contrasting curse in the subsequent verse. The implied **Antithetical Parallelism** with Deuteronomy 11:28 (blessing vs. curse) further enhances its rhetorical force, presenting a stark and unavoidable choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:27 encapsulates the fundamental Old Testament principle of covenantal obedience leading to blessing, a concept deeply woven into the fabric of Israel's relationship with God. This principle is not merely about earning favor but about living in harmony with the divine order established by a loving and just God. It underscores the truth that God's commands are for our good, designed to lead to flourishing and a vibrant relationship with Him. While the New Covenant introduces grace as the basis of salvation, the principle that obedience is a natural outflow of love and faith remains profoundly relevant, demonstrating a life aligned with God's will. The blessings, though often spiritualized in the New Covenant, still signify God's favor, empowering presence, and the flourishing that comes from walking closely with Him.

* [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-13 - Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-8 - Success Through Obedience to the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:27 serves as a timeless reminder that our choices have profound consequences, particularly in our relationship with God. While we now live under the New Covenant, where salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the principle that God delights in and blesses obedience remains. For believers today, "obeying the commandments of the LORD your God" means living in accordance with His revealed will in Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit who indwells us. This involves cultivating a life of faith, love, and righteousness, seeking to honor God in all things. The "blessing" we experience may not always be material prosperity as in ancient Israel, but it certainly includes spiritual flourishing, inner peace, joy, a deeper intimacy with God, wisdom, discernment, and the assurance of His presence and favor in our lives. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts: do we truly listen to God's Word, and are we diligently putting it into practice? Our walk with God is not merely intellectual assent but active, loving submission to His good and perfect will, which always leads to life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to obey God's commands, and what might be hindering your obedience?**
* **How do you understand "blessing" in the context of the New Covenant, and what does it mean for you personally to experience God's favor?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently "obey the commandments of the LORD your God" in your daily life, relying on the Holy Spirit's empowerment?**
* **How does the understanding that God's commands are for your ultimate good motivate you towards willing and joyful obedience?**

### FAQ

**Does Deuteronomy 11:27 imply a "works-based" salvation, contradicting the New Testament emphasis on grace?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 11:27, within the context of the Mosaic covenant, describes a conditional relationship between Israel's obedience and their *national and temporal blessings* in the Promised Land, not their eternal salvation. The covenant itself was initiated by God's grace (e.g., [Exodus 19:4-6](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4-6 - God's Covenant with Israel")), and the Law was given as a guide for living in covenant relationship, not as a means to earn salvation. In the New Testament, salvation is unequivocally by grace through faith in [Jesus Christ](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), entirely apart from human works. However, genuine faith is never barren; it produces the fruit of obedience as a natural overflow of a transformed heart (e.g., [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")). So, while obedience does not earn salvation, it is an evidence of a transformed heart and a pathway to experiencing God's blessings within the New Covenant, which are often spiritual, relational, and character-forming rather than purely material.

**What kind of "blessings" are promised for obedience, and are they still relevant today?**

Answer: In the Old Testament context of Deuteronomy, the blessings for obedience were largely tangible and national: agricultural prosperity, victory over enemies, health, numerous offspring, and continued dwelling in the Promised Land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). While these specific national and physical blessings were tied to Israel's unique covenant, the underlying principle of God blessing obedience remains profoundly relevant. For believers today, "blessing" takes on a more spiritual dimension under the New Covenant. This includes spiritual flourishing, peace of mind, joy, a deeper relationship with God, wisdom, discernment, the fruit of the Spirit (e.g., [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")), and God's favor and guidance in our lives. Obedience aligns us with God's will, opening us up to experience the fullness of His presence and purposes, and enabling us to participate in His redemptive work in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:27, with its emphasis on conditional blessing through obedience, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"). He is the perfectly obedient Son who fully kept all the commandments of the LORD, not for His own benefit, but on behalf of humanity. Where Israel repeatedly failed to obey the Mosaic Law and thus forfeited the promised blessings, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law, becoming the righteous one through whom all true blessings now flow. Our access to God's blessing is no longer based on our flawed and insufficient obedience to the Mosaic Law, but on our faith in Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice (cf. [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). Through Him, we receive the ultimate blessing of salvation, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ empowers believers to live lives of obedience, not to earn blessing, but as a grateful response to the immeasurable grace we have received. Our obedience, though imperfect, is now a Spirit-empowered manifestation of our love for Him, leading us into deeper communion with God and enabling us to experience the spiritual blessings of His kingdom (cf. [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience")). Thus, the principle of blessing through obedience is transformed and elevated in Christ, where the greatest blessing is Christ Himself, and our obedience is a reflection of His life and character within us.

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

Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Deuteronomy 28:1

¶ And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe [and] to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

Deuteronomy 28:14

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Leviticus 26:3

If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Leviticus 26:13

I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.