TRV
Translation
King James Version
But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
Complete Jewish Bible
You must let the mother go, but you may take the chicks for yourself; so that things will go well with you, and you will prolong your life.
Berean Standard Bible
You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.
American Standard Version
thou shalt surely let the dam go, but the young thou mayest take unto thyself; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
World English Bible Messianic
You shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take for yourself; that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But shalt in any wise let the damme go, and take the yong to thee, that thou mayest prosper and prolong thy dayes.
Young's Literal Translation
thou dost certainly send away the mother, and the young ones dost take to thyself, so that it is well with thee, and thou hast prolonged days.
Study This Verse
Commentary on Deuteronomy 22 verses 5–12
5 ¶ The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
6 If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:
7 But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.
9 Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.
10 Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.
11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.
12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
Here are several laws in these verses which seem to stoop very low, and to take cognizance of things mean and minute. Men's laws commonly do not so: De minimis non curat lex - The law takes no cognizance of little things; but because God's providence extends itself to the smallest affairs, his precepts do so, that even in them we may be in the fear of the Lord, as we are under his eye and care. And yet the significancy and tendency of these statutes, which seem little, are such that, notwithstanding their minuteness, being fond among the things of God's law, which he has written to us, they are to be accounted great things.
I. The distinction of sexes by the apparel is to be kept up, for the preservation of our own and our neighbour's chastity, Deu 22:5. Nature itself teaches that a difference be made between them in their hair (Co1 11:14), and by the same rule in their clothes, which therefore ought not to be confounded, either in ordinary wear or occasionally. To befriend a lawful escape or concealment it may be done, but whether for sport or in the acting of plays is justly questionable. 1. Some think it refers to the idolatrous custom of the Gentiles: in the worship of Venus, women appeared in armour, and men in women's clothes; this, as other such superstitious usages, is here said to be an abomination to the Lord. 2. It forbids the confounding of the dispositions and affairs of the sexes: men must not be effeminate, nor do the women's work in the house, nor must women be viragos, pretend to teach, or usurp authority, Ti1 2:11, Ti1 2:12. Probably this confounding of garments had been used to gain opportunity of committing uncleanness, and is therefore forbidden; for those that would be kept from sin must keep themselves from all occasions of it and approaches to it.
II. In taking a bird's-nest, the dam must be let go, Deu 22:6, Deu 22:7. The Jews say, "This is the least of all the commandments of the law of Moses," and yet the same promise is here made to the observance of it that is made to the keeping of the fifth commandment, which is one of the greatest, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days; for, as disobedience in a small matter shows a very great contempt of the law, so obedience in a small matter shows a very great regard to it. He that let go a bird out of his hand (which was worth two in the bush) purely because God bade him, in that made it to appear that he esteemed all God's precepts concerning all things to be right, and that he could deny himself rather than sin against God. But doth God take care for birds? Co1 9:9. Yes, certainly; and perhaps to this law our Saviour alludes. Luk 12:6, Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? This law, 1. Forbids us to be cruel to the brute-creatures, or to take a pleasure in destroying them. Though God has made us wiser than the fowls of heaven, and given us dominion over them, yet we must not abuse them nor rule them with rigour. Let go the dam to breed again; destroy it not, for a blessing is in it, Isa 65:8. 2. It teaches us compassion to those of our own kind, and to abhor the thought of every thing that looks barbarous, and cruel, and ill-natured, especially towards those of the weaker and tender sex, which always ought to be treated with the utmost respect, in consideration of the sorrows wherein they bring forth children. It is spoken of as an instance of the most inhuman cruelty that the mother was dashed to pieces upon her children (Hos 10:14), and that the women with child were ripped open, Amo 1:13. 3. It further intimates that we must not take advantage against any, from their natural affection and the tenderness of their disposition, to do them an injury. The dam could not have been taken if her concern for her eggs or young (unlike to the ostrich) had not detained her upon the next when otherwise she could easily have secured herself by flight. Now, since it is a thousand pities that she should fare the worse for that which is her praise, the law takes care that she shall be let go. The remembrance of this may perhaps, some time or other, keep us from doing a hard or unkind thing to those whom we have at our mercy.
III. In building a house, care must be taken to make it safe, that none might receive mischief by falling from it, Deu 22:8. The roofs of their houses were flat for people to walk on, as appears by many scriptures; now lest any, through carelessness, should fall off them, they must compass them with battlements, which (the Jews say) must be three feet and a half high; if this were not done, and mischief followed, the owner, by his neglect, brought the guilt of blood upon his house. See here, 1. How precious men's lives are to God, who protects them, not only by his providence, but by his law. 2. How precious, therefore, they ought to be to us, and what care we should take to prevent hurt from coming to any person. The Jews say that by the equity of this law they were obliged (and so are we too) to fence, or remove, every thing by which life may be endangered, as to cover draw-wells, keep bridges in repair, and the like, lest, if any perish through our omission, their blood be required at our hand.
IV. Odd mixtures are here forbidden, Deu 22:9, Deu 22:10. Much of this we met with before, Lev 19:19. There appears not any thing at all of moral evil in these things, and therefore we now make no conscience of sowing wheat and rye together, ploughing with horses and oxen together, and of wearing linsey-woolsey garments; but hereby is forbidden either, 1. A conformity to some idolatrous customs of the heathen. Or, 2. That which is contrary to the plainness and purity of an Israelite. They must not gratify their own vanity and curiosity by putting those things together which the Creator in infinite wisdom had made asunder: they must not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, nor mingle themselves with the unclean, as an ox with an ass. Nor must their profession and appearance in the world be motley, or party-coloured, but all of a piece, all of a kind.
V. The law concerning fringes upon their garments, and memorandums of the commandments, which we had before (Num 15:38, Num 15:39), is here repeated, Deu 22:12. By these they were distinguished from other people, so that it might be said, upon the first sight There goes an Israelite, which taught them not to be ashamed of their country, nor the peculiarities of their religion, how much soever their neighbours looked upon them and it with contempt: and they were also put in mind of the precepts upon the particular occasions to which they had reference; and perhaps this law is repeated here because the precepts immediately foregoing seemed so minute that they were in danger of being overlooked and forgotten. The fringes will remind you not to make your garments of linen and woollen, Deu 22:11.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–12. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:7 presents a specific divine instruction regarding the discovery of a bird's nest: an individual is permitted to take the young or the eggs, but is strictly commanded to "in any wise let the dam go." This seemingly minor statute encapsulates profound principles of compassion, wise stewardship of creation, and a deep theological connection between obedience to God's statutes and the reception of divine blessings, specifically well-being and longevity in the promised land. It stands as a testament to God's holistic concern for all life and the ethical responsibilities of humanity within the created order.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message effectively. It serves as a classic example of Casuistic Law, presenting a specific case ("if you find a bird's nest...") followed by a prescribed command ("then you must let the dam go"). This "if...then" legal format, common in ancient Near Eastern law codes, provides clear, actionable instructions for various situations. The verse also exhibits strong Didacticism, as its primary intent is to teach a profound moral and theological lesson rather than merely listing a rule. The explicit promise of blessing ("that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days") functions as a powerful motivational device, reinforcing the idea that obedience to God's commands, even seemingly minor ones, leads to tangible, holistic benefits. This recurring phrase is a prime example of Formulaic Language characteristic of Deuteronomy, emphasizing the direct and consistent correlation between covenant faithfulness and divine blessing. Furthermore, the law subtly employs Anthropomorphism in its underlying principle, reflecting God's own compassionate nature by extending care to even the most vulnerable creatures, thereby encouraging humans to emulate this divine attribute in their interactions with the natural world.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 22:7, while specific in its application, resonates with broader theological principles woven throughout the entirety of Scripture. It profoundly underscores God's meticulous concern for all of creation, demonstrating that His justice and compassion extend beyond human relationships to encompass the animal kingdom and the natural environment. This law teaches that humanity's dominion over creation, as established in Genesis, is not a license for exploitation but rather a sacred call to responsible stewardship and empathetic care. The promise of "well-being" and "prolonging days" links ethical behavior directly to divine blessing, a consistent and foundational theme in the Old Testament where covenant faithfulness is inextricably tied to prosperity, security, and flourishing in the land. This particular command, therefore, serves as a microcosm of the larger covenant relationship, illustrating that even small acts of obedience to God's comprehensive and detailed law contribute to a holistic life of profound blessing.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 22:7, though rooted in ancient agricultural practices, offers timeless and universally applicable principles for contemporary life. It profoundly challenges us to consider the ethical implications of our interactions with the natural world, reminding us that our God-given dominion over creation comes with profound responsibility, not license for exploitation. This verse calls us to cultivate a mindset of deep compassion, sustainable practice, and reverence for life, recognizing that all life is interconnected and ultimately belongs to God. It encourages us to think beyond immediate gratification and consider the long-term impact of our actions on ecosystems, biodiversity, and future generations. Furthermore, the promise of blessing explicitly attached to this seemingly minor command serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways are always for our ultimate good and flourishing. It encourages us to trust that even in the small, daily choices, obedience to His principles leads to a holistic and abundant life, both individually and communally. It prompts us to seek wisdom in how we consume, produce, and interact with our environment, reflecting God's own character in our stewardship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does God care about a bird's nest?
Answer: God's concern for a bird's nest in Deuteronomy 22:7 reflects several profound theological principles that transcend the specific act. Firstly, it demonstrates God's comprehensive and meticulous care for all of creation, not just humanity. It reveals that His compassion extends even to the animal kingdom, preventing needless cruelty and fostering a respectful interaction with nature. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, valuing even the smallest of His creatures. Secondly, it serves as a pedagogical tool, training humanity in responsible stewardship. By commanding the release of the mother bird, the law ensures the continuation of the species, preventing its local extinction and promoting sustainable practices. This directly aligns with the creation mandate in Genesis 1:28, where humanity is given dominion, but implicitly, a profound responsibility to care for and cultivate the earth. Finally, it teaches empathy and ethical living, reminding the Israelites that their actions, even in seemingly minor matters concerning animals, have moral weight and are observed by God. This principle is powerfully echoed in Proverbs 12:10, which states, "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 22:7, like all of the Mosaic Law, points beyond its specific injunctions to the person and work of Jesus Christ. While not a direct prophecy, its underlying principles of compassion, responsible stewardship, and the promise of blessing find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Him. Jesus, the compassionate Son of God, consistently demonstrated boundless care for the vulnerable, even noting that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father's sovereign will (Matthew 10:29). He fulfills the spirit of the law by perfectly embodying divine love and establishing a kingdom where such principles of care and respect for all life are lived out fully and authentically. The law's concern for the continuation of life and the flourishing of creation foreshadows Christ's expansive redemptive work, which extends not only to humanity but to the entire cosmos. Creation itself, groaning under the weight of decay, eagerly awaits its liberation and the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19-22). Furthermore, the promise of "well-being" and "prolonging days" in the Law finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Christ. Through saving faith in Him, believers receive not just temporal blessings but the gift of eternal life (John 3:16) and a spiritual flourishing that transcends earthly limitations, culminating in the inheritance of a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells forever (2 Peter 3:13). Thus, Christ is the ultimate expression of the compassionate God who cares for all creation and the inexhaustible source of the ultimate blessing of eternal life and holistic flourishing.