Deuteronomy 6:18

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt do {H6213} that which is right {H3477} and good {H2896} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}: that it may be well {H3190} with thee, and that thou mayest go in {H935} and possess {H3423} the good {H2896} land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} sware {H7650} unto thy fathers {H1},

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to do what is right and good in the sight of ADONAI, so that things will go well with you, and you will enter and possess the good land ADONAI swore to your ancestors,

Berean Standard Bible

Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, so that it may be well with you and that you may enter and possess the good land that the LORD your God swore to give your fathers,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:18 serves as a foundational exhortation within Moses' final address to Israel, urging the new generation to live in faithful obedience to God's commands. It encapsulates the core principle that doing what is morally upright and pleasing in the Lord's eyes is intrinsically linked to holistic well-being and the successful inheritance of the Promised Land, thereby fulfilling God's ancient covenant promises to their forefathers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse in Deuteronomy, specifically following the profound declaration of the "Shema" in [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). The Shema calls for singular devotion to Yahweh, emphasizing that love for God must be expressed through diligent obedience to His commands, which are to be taught to future generations. Verse 18 then directly connects this call to obedience with the practical outcome of flourishing in the land. It stands as a summary principle, reinforcing the preceding warnings against forgetting the Lord and the subsequent instructions for life in Canaan, such as avoiding idolatry and remembering God's mighty acts of deliverance (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:10-15](/deuteronomy/6-10 "Deuteronomy 6:10-15 - Warnings Against Forgetting God")). The entire chapter reinforces the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings are contingent upon faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this discourse is the plains of Moab, with the Israelites poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses is addressing a new generation, many of whom did not experience the Exodus firsthand. This context is crucial as it represents a covenant renewal, preparing the people for a settled life in Canaan, a land already inhabited by various pagan peoples. The emphasis on doing what is "right and good in the sight of the LORD" directly contrasts with the idolatrous and immoral practices of the Canaanites, which Israel was commanded to avoid and eradicate. The concept of a suzerain-vassal treaty, common in the Ancient Near East, provides a framework for understanding the covenant relationship, where the Great King (Yahweh) stipulates conditions for the vassal (Israel) to receive protection and blessing, including the grant of land.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:18 powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Obedience and Blessing**, often termed "Deuteronomic Theology," which posits a direct, cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's faithfulness to the covenant and their experience of divine favor and prosperity in the land. This is not merely about following rules but about living in alignment with God's character and will, which naturally results in His favor, as seen in the promise "that it may be well with thee." Another crucial theme is **Covenant Fulfillment**, as the verse explicitly links obedience to the ability to "possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers." This connects the present generation's actions to the ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham")). Finally, the phrase "in the sight of the LORD" highlights the theme of **Divine Perspective and Accountability**, emphasizing that true goodness and righteousness are defined not by human standards or societal norms, but by God's perfect and righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right (Hebrew, _yashar'_):** This word signifies straightness, uprightness, and moral rectitude. It implies actions that are correct, just, and in alignment with an established standard, particularly God's revealed will. It speaks to integrity and ethical soundness, a life lived without deviation from the path God has set.
* **Good (Hebrew, _tov'_):** This term conveys a broader sense of goodness, encompassing pleasantness, benefit, excellence, and moral quality. When paired with _yashar_, it suggests not only that actions are ethically sound but also that they are beneficial, wholesome, and pleasing to God, leading to positive outcomes for the individual and the community. It describes a holistic righteousness that is both ethically sound and pleasing to God.
* **In the sight of the LORD (Hebrew, _b'eynei YHWH'_):** This crucial phrase emphasizes that the standard for "right and good" is divine, not human. It means that actions are judged by God's perfect and holy perspective, not by the shifting sands of human opinion or cultural norms. It highlights divine scrutiny and the ultimate accountability of Israel to their covenant Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt do [that which is] right and good in the sight of the LORD":** This is a direct command, an imperative for the individual Israelite. It calls for active, intentional living that conforms to God's moral and ethical standards. The "right and good" are not left to human discretion but are defined by God's character and revealed in His law. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" underscores that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition that seeks God's approval above all else.
* **"that it may be well with thee":** This clause presents the immediate and personal consequence of obedience. "Well with thee" (Hebrew: _tov l'kha_) signifies holistic flourishing, encompassing physical health, material prosperity, peace, security, and spiritual well-being. It implies a life lived in harmony with God's design, leading to a state of blessing and contentment, both individually and communally.
* **"and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land":** This clause connects obedience to the fulfillment of God's overarching promise to Israel: the inheritance of Canaan. The active verbs "go in" and "possess" suggest that while the land is a divine gift, its actual secure possession and enjoyment are contingent upon Israel's faithfulness. It links the present generation's actions to the historical trajectory of God's redemptive plan.
* **"which the LORD sware unto thy fathers":** This final phrase grounds the promise of the land firmly in the Abrahamic Covenant (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). It reminds Israel that their inheritance is not earned by their merit alone, but is a gracious gift rooted in God's faithfulness to His sworn oath to their ancestors. Their obedience is the means by which they enter into and enjoy the blessings of this already-established divine promise.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:18 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. Central to its structure is **Deuteronomic Theology**, a pervasive theme throughout the book, which establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedience to God's covenant commands and their experience of blessing, prosperity, and security in the land. Conversely, disobedience leads to curse and exile. The verse also functions as a strong **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent call to action from Moses to the people, emphasizing the vital importance of their choices. The language is also rich in **Covenant Language**, particularly the use of conditional clauses ("that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in...") which highlight the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where God's promises are realized through Israel's fidelity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** of key Deuteronomic concepts, such as "the good land" and "sware unto thy fathers," which reinforces the continuity of God's plan and promises across generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:18 articulates a timeless theological principle that resonates throughout Scripture: the profound connection between obedience to God and the experience of His blessing. While the specific context of inheriting a physical land is unique to ancient Israel, the underlying truth—that living in alignment with God's character and will leads to genuine flourishing and the fulfillment of His purposes—remains universally applicable. This verse highlights that God's commands are not arbitrary burdens but are given for humanity's ultimate good, designed to lead to a life of peace, prosperity, and communion with Him. It underscores God's benevolent nature, demonstrating that His desire is for His people to thrive, and that the path to true well-being is found in reverent submission to His wisdom.

* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-8 - Success Through Obedience to the Law")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:18 offers profound guidance for believers today, transcending its original historical context. While we are not inheriting a physical land, the principle of seeking to do what is "right and good in the sight of the LORD" remains paramount for our spiritual well-being and our participation in God's kingdom. Our "well-being" is now primarily spiritual, encompassing peace with God, joy in the Holy Spirit, and a life of purpose and fruitfulness. Our "possession" is not a geographical territory but the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, including eternal life, the indwelling Spirit, and a share in God's glorious future. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations: are we living to please God or ourselves? It calls us to prioritize God's standards above cultural norms, trusting that His ways truly lead to the most abundant and fulfilling life, even amidst trials. It reminds us that obedience is not a legalistic burden but an act of faith and love, a pathway to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings in our lives and participating in His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "right and good" in my daily life, and to what extent is that definition shaped by God's perspective rather than societal norms?**
* **What does "it may be well with thee" mean for a New Testament believer, and how does my pursuit of well-being align with spiritual flourishing?**
* **In what ways am I actively "going in and possessing" the spiritual inheritance God has promised me through Christ, and how does obedience facilitate this?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse promoting a legalistic view of salvation or blessing?**

Answer: No, Deuteronomy 6:18 is not promoting legalism in the sense of earning salvation through works. Instead, it is rooted in a covenantal relationship already established by God's grace. Israel was already chosen and delivered from Egypt; their obedience was a response to God's prior grace and faithfulness, a means of maintaining their covenant relationship and experiencing the full blessings promised within that covenant. The "right and good" actions are not a way to *earn* God's love or initial salvation, but rather the natural expression of a people who love God and desire to live in harmony with His character and purposes. It highlights that God's commands are for our good, leading to flourishing, not for burdensome rule-following. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where obedience flows from a heart transformed by grace, as seen in [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commandments").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel was called to do what was "right and good in the sight of the LORD" to possess a physical land, Jesus perfectly embodied this command. He alone lived a life of flawless obedience, doing "always those things that please Him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus always pleases the Father")). His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, secured for His people the ultimate "well-being" – reconciliation with God, eternal life, and spiritual flourishing in the truest sense. Through Christ, believers "go in and possess" not a temporal land, but a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Imperishable Inheritance")). Our ability to live "right and good" is no longer based on our own flawed efforts but is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in newness of life ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")). Thus, the promise of well-being and possession, once tied to a conditional covenant with Israel, is now graciously fulfilled in Christ for all who believe, through His perfect obedience and our union with Him.

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 4:40

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.

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.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Deuteronomy 5:29

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Ezekiel 33:19

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

Ezekiel 33:14

Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;