Deuteronomy 4:40

KJV

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt keep {H8104} therefore his statutes {H2706}, and his commandments {H4687}, which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}, that it may go well {H3190} with thee, and with thy children {H1121} after {H310} thee, and that thou mayest prolong {H748} thy days {H3117} upon the earth {H127}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee, for ever.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, you are to keep his laws and mitzvot which I am giving you today, so that it will go well with you and with your children after you, and so that you will prolong your days in the land ADONAI your God is giving you forever."

Berean Standard Bible

Keep His statutes and commandments, which I am giving you today, so that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days in the land, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 4:40 encapsulates the core principle of the Mosaic Covenant: Israel's sustained well-being, prosperity, and continued tenure in the Promised Land are explicitly conditioned upon their faithful obedience to God's statutes and commandments. Moses, in his final address, passionately urges the new generation to uphold these divine laws, emphasizing that their adherence will secure not only their own flourishing but also the lasting inheritance and blessing for their descendants in the land Yahweh is graciously bestowing upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:40 concludes a significant section (Deuteronomy 4:1-40) where Moses issues a fervent appeal to the Israelites, urging them to remember God's mighty acts and to remain faithful to the covenant established at Horeb (Mount Sinai). This chapter serves as a theological and ethical introduction to the detailed exposition of the Law that follows in chapters 5-26. Moses recounts the awe-inspiring manifestation of God at Sinai, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the severe consequences of disobedience, such as the Baal-peor incident (Deuteronomy 4:3). He contrasts Israel's unique relationship with God, who is near to them and has given them righteous statutes, with the idolatry of surrounding nations. Verse 40, therefore, acts as a climactic summary and a powerful exhortation, tying the historical remembrance and theological uniqueness directly to the practical imperative of obedience for future prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Moses' address is the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, with the Promised Land in sight. The generation that experienced the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai had largely perished due to their disobedience in the wilderness. Moses is now speaking to their children, a new generation poised to enter Canaan. This historical transition is crucial; Moses is not merely repeating laws but re-establishing the covenant with those who will inherit the land. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern treaties often included stipulations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience, mirroring the structure of the Mosaic Covenant. The concept of "prolonging days upon the earth" was deeply tied to secure land tenure and dynastic continuity, reflecting the agrarian and tribal societies of the time where land was the primary source of identity, security, and wealth.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 4:40 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent is the theme of **Covenant Obedience and Blessing**, where God's promises of life and prosperity in the land are directly contingent upon Israel's adherence to His commands. This is not a legalistic earning of favor, but a faithful response to God's prior grace and election, as seen in His deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 4:20). Another key theme is **Generational Responsibility and Legacy**, highlighted by the phrase "and with thy children after thee." The faithfulness of one generation directly impacts the well-being and inheritance of the next, underscoring the communal and intergenerational nature of the covenant. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **Land Theology**, viewing the Promised Land not merely as a geographical possession but as a sacred trust, a gift from Yahweh, whose continued enjoyment is predicated on covenant fidelity. This concept is foundational to Israel's identity and future, as seen in the promises given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). The ultimate goal is for Israel to be a distinct people, reflecting God's wisdom and righteousness to the nations (Deuteronomy 4:6), a purpose achieved through their diligent obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Statutes (Hebrew, חֻקּוֹת, _ḥuqqōṯ_):** Derived from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," _ḥuqqōṯ_ refers to divine decrees, ordinances, or fixed laws that are unchangeable and often pertain to ritual, cultic, or societal regulations. These are God's established patterns for life, often seen as non-negotiable principles. Their keeping implies adherence to the very structure of God's revealed will.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, מִצְוֹת, _miṣwōṯ_):** From a root meaning "to command" or "to order," _miṣwōṯ_ refers to specific divine injunctions or instructions. While _ḥuqqōṯ_ might denote the broader categories of law, _miṣwōṯ_ points to the particular, actionable directives God has given. Together, "statutes and commandments" form a comprehensive expression for the entirety of God's revealed Law, encompassing both the general principles and the specific applications.
* **Prolong thy days (Hebrew, וְהַאֲרַכְתָּ יָמִים, _wəhaʾăraḵtā yāmîm_):** This phrase literally means "and you shall lengthen days." While it can imply individual longevity, in the context of the covenant and the Promised Land, it primarily signifies the nation's continued and secure existence in the land. It refers to the enduring possession of the land, national stability, and sustained prosperity, rather than merely a long individual lifespan. It is a promise of an unbroken, flourishing presence in the inheritance God is giving.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day,"**: This opening clause establishes the imperative. "Thou shalt keep" (וְשָׁמַרְתָּ, _wəšāmartā_) implies not just passive observance but active guarding, preserving, and diligently obeying. The repetition of "his statutes, and his commandments" underscores the comprehensive nature of the divine law. The phrase "which I command thee this day" emphasizes the immediacy and contemporary relevance of Moses' message to the new generation, making the covenant stipulations fresh and binding for them as they stand on the threshold of the land.
* **"that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee,"**: This clause presents the immediate and generational consequence of obedience. "That it may go well with thee" (לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ, _ləmaʿan yîṭaḇ lāḵ_) signifies holistic well-being, including peace, prosperity, security, and flourishing in all aspects of life—spiritual, social, and material. The extension of this blessing to "thy children after thee" highlights the profound intergenerational impact of covenant faithfulness, emphasizing that the parents' obedience secures a legacy of blessing for future generations, ensuring the continuity of the covenant community.
* **"and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth,"**: This clause specifies a crucial aspect of the blessing: sustained existence and secure tenure in the land. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, "prolong thy days" refers to the nation's enduring presence and flourishing within the Promised Land, a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding their inheritance. It implies national stability, security from enemies, and continuous enjoyment of the land's bounty.
* **"which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever."**: This final clause underscores the divine source and the enduring nature of the land. The land is not earned but "giveth" (נֹתֵן, _nōṯēn_), a gracious gift from Yahweh. The phrase "for ever" (לְעוֹלָם, _ləʿôlām_) modifies the giving of the land, implying a perpetual grant, but its continued possession is conditional on Israel's perpetual obedience. This reinforces the idea that the land is a divine trust, perpetually held by God, and perpetually granted to Israel contingent on their covenant fidelity.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 4:40 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Conditional Blessing**, where the well-being and longevity of the nation are explicitly presented as a direct consequence of obedience to God's commands. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, characteristic of the Deuteronomic theology. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of key terms like "statutes" and "commandments," reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the Law. The phrase "this day" acts as a **Rhetorical Device** to create immediacy and urgency, making the ancient covenant stipulations directly relevant to the present generation. Furthermore, the verse employs **Merism** through the pairing of "statutes" and "commandments," encompassing the entirety of God's revealed will. Finally, the promise of blessings extending to "thy children after thee" highlights **Generational Language**, emphasizing the enduring legacy of faithfulness and the communal nature of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:40 stands as a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, articulating the fundamental principle that the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel was predicated on obedience. It teaches that God's blessings, particularly the gift and security of the Promised Land, were not automatic but were contingent upon Israel's faithful adherence to His revealed will. This verse emphasizes God's righteousness in establishing clear terms for His people's flourishing and His faithfulness in rewarding their obedience. It highlights the holistic nature of God's blessings, encompassing individual and national well-being, and underscores the profound intergenerational impact of righteousness. This principle of obedience leading to blessing, while rooted in the Mosaic Covenant, resonates throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's consistent character and the wisdom of living in alignment with His divine purposes.

* [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - The Benefits of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:40, though addressed to ancient Israel, carries profound spiritual weight and practical application for believers today. While we are no longer under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation, the underlying principle that obedience to God's will brings blessing remains eternally true. For the Christian, obedience flows not from a desire to earn favor, but from a heart transformed by grace, expressing love, trust, and gratitude for Christ's finished work. When we align our lives with God's revealed Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we experience a spiritual flourishing, a peace that transcends understanding, and a deeper intimacy with our Creator. Our faithful living also has a ripple effect, impacting our families, communities, and our witness to the world. It models a life lived in submission to divine authority, leaving a legacy of faith and demonstrating the goodness of God to future generations. This verse calls us to a diligent, wholehearted devotion to God's commands, not as a burden, but as the path to true life and enduring well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of obedience to God's commands align with the principle of grace, rather than legalism?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I being called to greater obedience, and what "well-being" or "prolonging of days" might God be inviting me into through that obedience?**
* **How does my personal faithfulness (or lack thereof) impact my family and the legacy of faith I am building for future generations?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that if I obey God, I will live a long life and be wealthy?**

Answer: While Deuteronomy 4:40 promises "prolonging days upon the earth" and "it may go well with thee," it's crucial to interpret this within its original covenantal context and through a New Testament lens. For ancient Israel, "prolonging days" primarily referred to the nation's secure and enduring tenure in the Promised Land, a collective blessing of national stability and prosperity, not strictly individual longevity or material wealth for every single person. The "going well" referred to holistic flourishing within the covenant community. For Christians, while God does bless obedience, and there are often natural positive consequences to living wisely and righteously (e.g., [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Benefits of Wisdom")), our ultimate "well-being" is spiritual and eternal, found in Christ. Our "inheritance" is not a physical land but spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3). God's promises in the New Covenant are primarily spiritual and eternal, though He also cares for our temporal needs (Matthew 6:33). We are called to obedience out of love for God, not as a transactional means to guarantee specific material blessings, but trusting in His sovereign goodness and perfect will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:40 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's possession of the physical land was conditional upon their obedience, Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled all of God's statutes and commandments without deviation (Matthew 5:17). He lived a life of absolute obedience, not for His own benefit, but to secure an eternal inheritance for all who believe in Him. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus established a New Covenant, not based on human performance, but on His finished work (Hebrews 8:6-13). Believers in Christ are no longer striving to "prolong days upon the earth" in a physical land, but are granted eternal life and an imperishable inheritance in the heavenly realms (1 Peter 1:3-4). The "well-being" promised in Deuteronomy is now realized in the spiritual flourishing, peace, and abundant life found in union with Christ (John 10:10). Our obedience, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, is now a joyful response to God's grace, a participation in Christ's own obedient life, and a demonstration of our love for the One who kept all the Father's commands, securing our eternal portion "for ever" (John 14:15).

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 6:3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do [it]; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

Ephesians 6:3

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Leviticus 22:31

Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I [am] the LORD.

Deuteronomy 12:28

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest [that which is] good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Deuteronomy 12:25

Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:18

And thou shalt do [that which is] right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,