Deuteronomy 28:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H1288} shall be the fruit {H6529} of thy body {H990}, and the fruit {H6529} of thy ground {H127}, and the fruit {H6529} of thy cattle {H929}, the increase {H7698} of thy kine {H504}, and the flocks {H6251} of thy sheep {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"A blessing on the fruit of your body, the fruit of your land and the fruit of your livestock - the young of your cattle and flocks.

Berean Standard Bible

The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock— the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

American Standard Version

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy beasts, the increase of thy cattle, and the young of thy flock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 28:4 stands as a profound declaration of divine blessing, promising comprehensive fertility and abundance to the nation of Israel as a direct consequence of their covenant faithfulness. This verse, nestled within a broader exposition of blessings and curses, outlines God's intention to prosper His people in the most fundamental aspects of their agrarian existence: human procreation, agricultural yield, and the proliferation of their livestock, ensuring their flourishing and security in the land He was giving them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 28:4 is an integral part of the blessings section of Deuteronomy 28, specifically verses 1-14, which detail the positive outcomes of obedience to the Mosaic Covenant. This chapter forms the climactic conclusion to Moses' second discourse, where he reiterates the covenant stipulations and presents the stark choice between life and death, blessing and curse, contingent upon Israel's fidelity. The immediate verses (Deuteronomy 28:1-6) lay out a series of "blessed" declarations covering various aspects of life, from their entrance and exit to their physical well-being and prosperity, with verse 4 focusing specifically on the sources of their material wealth and generational continuity. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) vividly portray the devastating curses that would befall them for disobedience, highlighting the gravity of their covenant choice. This juxtaposition underscores the conditional nature of these earthly blessings within the Old Covenant framework.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Given to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land, Deuteronomy 28 served as a foundational document for their national life. In the ancient Near East, and particularly for a people transitioning from nomadic life to settled agriculture, children, abundant harvests, and flourishing livestock were not merely signs of prosperity but absolute necessities for survival, social stability, and national strength. Children ensured the continuation of the family line and the workforce; crops provided sustenance; and cattle and sheep were vital for food, clothing, labor, and trade. These blessings were understood not as random fortune but as direct manifestations of divine favor, essential for Israel to thrive as God's chosen nation in a land often prone to drought and surrounded by hostile peoples. The promise of "increase" in these areas directly addressed their most pressing existential needs and aspirations.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Blessing and Provision**, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of all good things, actively bestowing favor upon His people. The comprehensive nature of the blessings in [Deuteronomy 28:4](/deuteronomy/28-4 "Deuteronomy 28:4 - Comprehensive Blessings") underscores God's desire for His people's holistic well-being, covering every vital aspect of their life. This promise is inextricably linked to the theme of **Covenant Loyalty and Obedience**, as these blessings are explicitly conditioned upon Israel's faithful adherence to the terms of the [Mosaic Covenant](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Ratification of the Covenant"). Prosperity, in this context, served as a tangible sign of God's presence and approval, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations who attributed their fortunes to pagan deities. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Fruitfulness and Abundance**, echoing God's original command to humanity in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Cultural Mandate") to "be fruitful and multiply," thereby extending His creative and sustaining power through His obedient people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bārûk_):** This passive participle of the verb *bārak* (to bless) signifies not merely good fortune or a wish for prosperity, but a state of being divinely empowered and favored by God, resulting in flourishing. It implies God's active bestowal of inherent goodness and capacity for increase. In this context, it is a declarative statement of God's intended action, a divine enablement that ensures the vitality and productivity of Israel's offspring, land, and livestock.
* **Fruit (Hebrew, _pĕrî_):** This term is used broadly to denote offspring, produce, or yield. Its repeated application to "body," "ground," and "cattle" in this verse highlights a comprehensive understanding of productivity and increase across all spheres of life. For the "fruit of thy body," it refers to children, symbolizing generational continuity and strength. For the "fruit of thy ground," it signifies abundant agricultural harvests. For the "fruit of thy cattle," it points to the prolific reproduction of livestock. The consistent use of *pĕrî* unifies these disparate elements under the singular concept of divinely granted abundance.
* **Kine (Hebrew, _bāqār_):** This specific term refers to bovine animals—cattle, oxen, or cows. Its inclusion alongside "cattle" (which is a more general term for livestock) and "sheep" indicates the particular importance of these animals in Israelite society. Cattle were crucial for plowing fields, providing milk and meat, and serving as beasts of burden. Their "increase" (Hebrew, *mištār*) signifies not just their numbers but their thriving health and productivity, underscoring the economic bedrock of the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [shall be] the fruit of thy body":** This clause promises divine favor upon human procreation, ensuring that Israel would be a fertile nation, blessed with many children. In ancient Israel, a large family was considered a profound blessing from God, signifying strength, continuity, and a legacy. This speaks to the very perpetuation of the covenant community.
* **"and the fruit of thy ground":** This refers to the agricultural bounty of the land. God promises abundant harvests from their fields, ensuring food security and economic prosperity. This blessing directly counters the threat of famine and barrenness, which were common curses in the ancient world and often associated with divine displeasure.
* **"and the fruit of thy cattle":** This is a general promise of increase for all their domestic animals. It encompasses the entirety of their livestock, indicating a broad and comprehensive blessing on their animal husbandry, which was a cornerstone of their economy and sustenance.
* **"the increase of thy kine":** This specifically highlights the proliferation and flourishing of their cattle (oxen and cows). As noted in "Key Word Analysis," cattle were indispensable for labor, dairy, and meat. Their "increase" implies not just more animals but healthy, productive ones, vital for the nation's agricultural and economic well-being.
* **"and the flocks of thy sheep":** This clause focuses on the abundance of their sheep and goats. These animals provided wool, milk, meat, and skins, and were a primary source of wealth and sustenance for the Israelites. The mention of "flocks" emphasizes the collective prosperity and the sheer number of animals, signifying a rich and thriving pastoral economy.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 28:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive blessing. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the phrase "the fruit of thy..." applied to "body," "ground," and "cattle." This anaphoric structure emphasizes the holistic and pervasive nature of God's promised abundance, covering every essential aspect of Israelite life. This repetition also creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical quality, reinforcing the solemnity and certainty of the divine promise. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts of a whole are mentioned to represent the whole. While not strictly contrasting, the listing of "body," "ground," "cattle," "kine," and "sheep" collectively represents the entirety of Israel's productive capacity and sources of livelihood, ensuring no area is left unblessed. The language also carries a strong element of **Covenant Language**, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern treaties, where blessings and curses were explicitly tied to fidelity. The very structure of Deuteronomy 28 is a grand example of this, with verse 4 being a specific articulation of the promised benefits of adherence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 28:4 profoundly reveals God's character as a generous and faithful Provider who delights in blessing His obedient people. It underscores the Old Covenant principle that material prosperity and physical well-being were tangible signs of divine favor and a direct consequence of national obedience. This was not merely about earthly comfort, but about God establishing Israel as a flourishing nation, distinct from others, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His promises. While these blessings were largely temporal and conditional upon Israel's collective fidelity, they foreshadowed a deeper, more enduring spiritual abundance. They taught Israel to depend on God for every aspect of their lives, from the birth of their children to the yield of their fields, cultivating a posture of gratitude and trust. The comprehensive nature of the blessings—covering human life, agriculture, and livestock—demonstrates God's concern for the totality of human existence and His desire for His people to thrive in every sphere.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful")
* [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Promises for Obedience")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children as a Heritage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 28:4, while rooted in the specific covenant context of ancient Israel, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all provision and blessing, whether physical, material, or spiritual. While the New Covenant shifts the focus from national, temporal blessings to individual, spiritual ones, the underlying truth of God's desire to bless His people remains. We are called to live lives of obedience, not to earn blessings, but as a response to God's grace and a pathway to experiencing His goodness. This verse encourages us to trust in God's generous nature, to be good stewards of the "fruit" He gives us—our families, our talents, our resources, and our spiritual gifts. It challenges us to broaden our understanding of "blessing" beyond mere material wealth, recognizing that true flourishing often encompasses spiritual growth, relational health, and a deep sense of purpose in Christ. Ultimately, it invites us to cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's comprehensive provision in every area of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the blessings in Deuteronomy 28:4 challenge or expand your understanding of God's provision in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see "fruitfulness" (whether in family, work, or spiritual life) as a blessing from God today?**
* **How does the principle of obedience leading to blessing in the Old Testament inform your understanding of Christian living under the New Covenant?**
* **What "fruit" are you currently cultivating in your life, and how can you be a better steward of God's blessings?**

### FAQ
**Does Deuteronomy 28:4 imply that all blessings are purely material or physical?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 28:4, along with the broader Old Covenant blessings, focuses heavily on material and physical prosperity (children, crops, livestock), it's crucial to understand this within its historical and theological context. For ancient Israel, these tangible blessings were direct indicators of God's favor and presence, essential for their survival and flourishing as a nation. They were not *merely* material but carried profound spiritual significance, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. In the New Testament, while God still provides for our physical needs (as seen in [Matthew 6:25-33](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-33 - Do Not Worry")), the emphasis shifts to spiritual blessings, such as salvation, peace, joy, and the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). The Old Testament material blessings can be seen as types or shadows pointing to the greater spiritual abundance found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 28:4, with its emphasis on physical fruitfulness and material abundance, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant blessings were conditional and temporal, pointing to an earthly kingdom, Christ brings an eternal and unconditional blessing for all who believe. He is the ultimate "fruit of the body," born of a virgin, the promised "seed" of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - The Blessing Through Abraham's Seed"); [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ as the Seed")). In Him, the curse of barrenness (spiritual death) is overcome, and believers are made spiritually fruitful, bearing the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")) and the "fruit that will last" ([John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Abiding and Bearing Fruit")). Just as God promised abundant crops, Christ declares Himself the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")), providing spiritual nourishment that truly sustains. The increase of "kine" and "sheep" foreshadows Christ as the Good Shepherd who gathers His flock ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")) and provides for their every need, leading them to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Thus, the comprehensive earthly blessings of Deuteronomy 28:4 are transformed and transcended in Christ, who offers a spiritual abundance that is eternal, holistic, and available to all who are united with Him by faith.

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

Proverbs 10:22

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

Deuteronomy 7:13

And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Genesis 49:25

[Even] by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

Psalms 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

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.

Leviticus 26:9

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

Psalms 107:38

He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.