Deuteronomy 28:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall make thee plenteous {H3498} in goods {H2896}, in the fruit {H6529} of thy body {H990}, and in the fruit {H6529} of thy cattle {H929}, and in the fruit {H6529} of thy ground {H127}, in the land {H127} which the LORD {H3068} sware {H7650} unto thy fathers {H1} to give {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI will give you great abundance of good things - of the fruit of your body, the fruit of your livestock and the fruit of your land in the land ADONAI swore to your ancestors to give you.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will make you prosper abundantly—in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land—in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah will make thee plenteous for good, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which Jehovah sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:11 stands as a profound promise within Moses' final discourse to Israel, articulating a comprehensive and overflowing abundance of divine blessing. This verse assures the Israelites of lavish prosperity across all vital aspects of their communal life: prolific human offspring, thriving livestock, and bountiful agricultural yields. This extensive provision is presented as a direct consequence of their faithful obedience to God's covenant and is specifically guaranteed to manifest within the very land that the LORD had solemnly sworn to their ancestors, thereby underscoring the unwavering faithfulness of God to His ancient, foundational promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:11 is deeply embedded within the covenantal framework of Deuteronomy, specifically within the section detailing blessings for obedience (vv. 1-14). This passage follows Moses' powerful exhortations in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony at Mount Ebal and Gerizim"), which outlines the solemn ceremony for affirming the covenant upon entering Canaan, featuring blessings pronounced from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal. The stark juxtaposition of blessings (vv. 1-14) and curses (vv. 15-68) in Deuteronomy 28 serves as a potent rhetorical device, emphasizing the absolute criticality of obedience for Israel's national well-being and survival. Verse 11 specifically elaborates on the nature of the material abundance promised, building upon the more general declarations of blessing "in the city and blessed in the country" found in [Deuteronomy 28:3](/deuteronomy/28-3 "Deuteronomy 28:3 - Blessings in City and Country"). The comprehensive scope of "fruit of thy body," "fruit of thy cattle," and "fruit of thy ground" illustrates the holistic and all-encompassing nature of God's intended provision for His people, touching every sphere of their existence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the juncture of this address, the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, poised on the brink of entering the promised land of Canaan. They were transitioning from a nomadic, wilderness existence, sustained by miraculous provision, to a settled, agrarian society. Consequently, promises of abundant crops, thriving herds, and numerous descendants were not abstract theological concepts but tangible, concrete assurances that represented the very foundations of prosperity, stability, and national strength for an ancient Near Eastern people. The concept of a "land which the LORD sware" was profoundly rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where God had irrevocably promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit this specific territory, often described as a "land flowing with milk and honey" (e.g., [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). While inherently fertile, this land still required diligent cultivation and, critically, divine favor to yield its full potential. The cultural understanding of blessings in this era was often material and tangible, serving as a visible sign of divine approval and presence, contrasting sharply with the devastating consequences of drought, famine, and disease associated with disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 28:11 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Provision** is paramount, as the LORD (Yahweh) Himself is explicitly stated as the active agent who "shall make thee plenteous." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate, benevolent source of all good things. Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Blessing** is foundational; the promised abundance is not arbitrary but directly contingent upon Israel's diligent obedience to the Mosaic covenant. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between human fidelity and divine favor, a principle reiterated throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books. Thirdly, **Fruitfulness and Abundance** in all spheres of life—human, animal, and agricultural—is presented as the hallmark of God's blessing, signifying holistic well-being and prosperity. This echoes the original creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" found in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful") and connects to the idea of a blessed, thriving community. Finally, the verse underscores the **Fulfillment of the Promised Land** as the specific arena where these blessings would manifest, reinforcing God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises to the patriarchs, a theme central to Israel's identity and hope (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:10-11](/deuteronomy/6-10 "Deuteronomy 6:10-11 - God's Provision in the Promised Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Plenteous (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** This verb (H3498) means "to jut over or exceed," "to excel," or "to remain or be left." In this context, it conveys the idea of an overflowing abundance, a surplus that goes far beyond mere sufficiency. It suggests a generous, lavish provision that indicates a state of thriving prosperity rather than just survival. The LORD's intention is not just to provide, but to make His people excel and have an excess of good things.
* **Goods (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This noun (H2896), derived from the adjective "good," encompasses "good" in the widest sense, including "good things," "prosperity," "wealth," and "welfare." Here, it functions as a comprehensive term for all forms of material and general well-being. Coupled with "plenteous," it emphasizes that the abundance God promises is not just quantity but also quality and overall flourishing.
* **Fruit (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_):** Used three times in this verse (H6529) ("fruit of thy body," "fruit of thy cattle," "fruit of thy ground"), this noun broadly refers to offspring, produce, or yield, whether literally or figuratively. Its repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the promised blessing, covering human procreation, the productivity of livestock, and the fertility of the land. It signifies productivity, increase, and the natural outcome of a flourishing, divinely blessed existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine agency and the overarching scope of the blessing. It is Yahweh (H3068), God Himself, who actively brings about this abundance. "Plenteous in goods" (literally, "for good" or "for prosperity" using H2896) sets the overarching theme of comprehensive well-being and material flourishing, indicating a surplus of all that is beneficial.
* **"in the fruit of thy body":** This refers to human offspring (H990, "belly" or "womb"), signifying a large, healthy, and numerous population. In ancient Israelite culture, numerous children were considered a primary blessing and a direct sign of God's favor, ensuring the continuation of the family line and the strength of the nation.
* **"and in the fruit of thy cattle":** This refers to the prolific reproduction and robust health of their livestock (H929), including sheep, goats, oxen, and other animals. These were essential for food, clothing, labor, and economic stability in an agrarian society, making a thriving herd a direct indicator of wealth and sustenance.
* **"and in the fruit of thy ground":** This speaks to the fertility and productivity of the land itself (H127, "soil" or "ground"), yielding abundant harvests of grain, wine, oil, and other agricultural products. This was crucial for sustenance, trade, and national prosperity, directly reflecting God's blessing upon their agricultural endeavors.
* **"in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee":** This concluding phrase anchors all these promised blessings to a specific geographical location and a foundational covenant. The "land" is Canaan, the inheritance promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (H1, "fathers"). The phrase "sware" (H7650) emphasizes the solemnity, antiquity, and unwavering faithfulness of God's promise (H5414, "give"), ensuring that these blessings are not merely conditional upon obedience but also a direct fulfillment of His eternal, unchangeable word.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine blessing and comprehensive provision. **Anaphora** is prominently featured with the repetition of the phrase "in the fruit of thy," appearing three times ("in the fruit of thy body," "and in the fruit of thy cattle," "and in the fruit of thy ground"). This emphasizes the holistic and all-encompassing nature of God's promised abundance, covering every vital sphere of life for an agrarian society. The use of "plenteous" (H3498) carries a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme abundance, suggesting not just sufficiency, but a lavish surplus that overflows. This communicates the boundless generosity of God's blessing. The declarative statement "And the LORD shall make thee" highlights **Divine Agency**, unequivocally positioning God as the active, sovereign source of all prosperity, rather than human effort or natural forces alone. Finally, the concluding phrase "in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee" serves as a powerful **Covenantal Allusion**, directly linking the present promise of blessing to the ancient, foundational Abrahamic covenant. This reinforces the faithfulness, historical continuity, and unchangeable nature of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:11 stands as a profound testament to God's inherent desire to bless His people comprehensively when they walk in diligent obedience to His covenant. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached, but intimately involved in the material well-being of His creation, providing for every aspect of life, from human procreation to agricultural sustenance. This promise of overflowing abundance is deeply rooted in God's character as a generous and faithful provider, and His unwavering commitment to His sworn word, particularly the ancient promises made to the patriarchs concerning their descendants and the inheritance of the land. While the specific covenantal context of Deuteronomy applies uniquely to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of God's desire to bless, His capacity to provide, and the link between obedience and divine favor remain timeless theological truths. This verse invites believers across all ages to trust in His sufficiency and goodness, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all true flourishing.

* [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3-5 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Blessings for Obedience and Fruitfulness")
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man's Prosperity")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs in Christ Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:11 powerfully calls us to contemplate the ultimate source of all true prosperity and the divine conditions for experiencing God's comprehensive blessings. While the New Covenant shifts the primary focus from material land and physical lineage to spiritual inheritance and the global family of faith, the enduring principle of God's desire to provide abundantly for His obedient children remains. This verse challenges us to deeply examine our own lives: Do we genuinely recognize God as the supreme provider for our physical needs, the flourishing of our families, and the fruitfulness of our labor? Are we living in a manner that demonstrates profound trust and consistent obedience to His revealed will in Scripture? True abundance, from a biblical perspective, is not merely about accumulating wealth; rather, it encompasses experiencing holistic well-being—spiritual vitality, healthy relationships, and physical provision—all as a gracious gift from God. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart of profound gratitude for His generous provision and to live faithfully, knowing that our Heavenly Father delights in blessing those who honor Him with their lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the ultimate source of "plenteous goods" transform your perspective on personal finances, career aspirations, and material possessions?**
* **In what tangible ways do you perceive "fruitfulness" (whether in your relationships, professional endeavors, or spiritual growth) as a sign of God's blessing in your current life context?**
* **Considering the comprehensive nature of God's promised provision, what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to greater obedience, trusting that His abundant provision will follow?**
* **How does the unwavering promise of God's faithfulness to His ancient oaths strengthen your personal trust in His promises and His steadfast character for your own life today?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all obedient Christians will be materially wealthy?**

While Deuteronomy 28:11 promises significant material abundance and national prosperity to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, it's crucial to interpret this within its specific historical, cultural, and theological context. The Old Covenant blessings often had tangible, physical manifestations directly tied to the land and the nation's well-being. For New Covenant believers, the concept of "blessing" is broadened and spiritualized. While God certainly promises to provide for His people (as seen in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")), and may indeed grant material prosperity, the New Testament primarily emphasizes spiritual riches, inner peace, joy, and the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")) as the preeminent blessings. Poverty is not necessarily a sign of disobedience, nor is wealth a guaranteed indicator of righteousness. God's provision for believers today is often sufficient for their needs, enabling them to live faithfully and generously, rather than necessarily guaranteeing lavish wealth or freedom from hardship. The ultimate promise is that God will meet our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:11, with its promise of comprehensive abundance and fruitfulness within the promised land, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promise was intrinsically tied to a physical land and material blessings for a specific nation, Christ inaugurates a New Covenant that offers spiritual blessings and an eternal inheritance far surpassing any earthly provision. The "fruit of thy body" is spiritually fulfilled in the countless spiritual children born into God's family through faith in Christ, as believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God ([Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God Through Faith")). The "fruit of thy cattle" and "fruit of thy ground" represent the holistic provision of God, which in Christ, is transformed into "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). Jesus Himself is the true "land" of promise, the ultimate inheritance, in whom believers receive all things and are made complete ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). Through Christ, the curse of the law is broken, and the Abrahamic blessing—which includes spiritual fruitfulness and abundant life—comes to the Gentiles as well ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). Thus, the promise of plenteousness in Deuteronomy 28:11 points forward to the overflowing, eternal, and spiritual abundance that is freely given to all who are "in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Will Give Us All Things")).

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

Deuteronomy 30:9

And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

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.

Leviticus 26:9

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

Psalms 132:11

¶ The LORD hath sworn [in] truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

Job 19:17

My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's [sake] of mine own body.