Deuteronomy 7:14

KJV

Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt be blessed {H1288} above all people {H5971}: there shall not be male {H6135} or female barren {H6135} among you, or among your cattle {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will be blessed more than all other peoples; there will not be a sterile male or female among you, and the same with your livestock.

Berean Standard Bible

You will be blessed above all peoples; among you there will be no barren man or woman or livestock.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt be blessed above all peoples: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:14 stands as a profound promise of holistic blessing for ancient Israel, contingent upon their faithfulness to God's covenant. This verse highlights a unique and unparalleled divine favor, specifically guaranteeing the absence of barrenness among both their people and their livestock. It encapsulates God's desire for His chosen nation to experience abundant life, continuous growth, and comprehensive prosperity, serving as a tangible sign of His special relationship with them and His power to provide for all their needs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:14 is embedded within a significant section of Moses' final address to the Israelites, delivered just before their entry into the Promised Land. The immediate preceding verses (Deuteronomy 7:1-5) lay down strict commands regarding the utter destruction of the Canaanite inhabitants and the prohibition of intermarriage and idolatry, emphasizing the need for Israel's distinctiveness and purity. Following this, verses 6-11 explain the *why* behind God's choice: not because of Israel's might or multitude, but solely out of God's steadfast love and faithfulness to the oath He swore to their ancestors, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Faithfulness to Israel"). Verse 12 then introduces the conditional nature of the blessings, stating that if Israel diligently heeds God's judgments, "then the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers." Thus, verse 14 is a specific manifestation of the comprehensive blessings promised for covenantal obedience, forming part of a larger chiastic structure in Deuteronomy that reiterates the blessings and curses associated with faithfulness and disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East (ANE), fertility was paramount for survival, societal stability, and the continuation of family lines. Barrenness, whether of humans or livestock, was often perceived as a severe misfortune, a curse, or a sign of divine displeasure. Conversely, abundant offspring and thriving herds were considered definitive marks of divine favor and prosperity. The inclusion of "cattle" in the promise underscores the agrarian nature of Israel's society, where livestock represented economic wealth, sustenance, and a crucial component of their livelihood. Furthermore, this promise stands in stark contrast to the fertility cults prevalent among the Canaanites, where pagan deities like Baal and Asherah were worshipped in hopes of securing agricultural and human fertility. By promising fruitfulness directly, Yahweh demonstrates Himself as the sole, true source of life and abundance, distinguishing Israel's covenant relationship with Him from the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Covenantal Blessing & Obedience**, underscoring that the promised fruitfulness is a direct result of Israel's faithfulness to God's commands, as stipulated in [Deuteronomy 7:12](/deuteronomy/7-12 "Deuteronomy 7:12 - Conditional Blessings for Obedience"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Election & Distinction**, as Israel is promised to be "blessed above all people," signifying their unique status as God's chosen nation, set apart for His purposes. Thirdly, the theme of **Fruitfulness & Abundance** is central, encompassing not only the continuation of human life but also the prosperity of their entire economy, fulfilling the ancient Abrahamic promise of numerous descendants found in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Abrahamic Covenant Promise of Numerous Descendants"). Finally, it speaks to **God's Faithfulness**, demonstrating His commitment to showering His people with life-sustaining blessings when they walk in obedience, showcasing His goodness and power to provide holistically for His beloved.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bārûk'_):** Derived from the verb _bārakh_ (ברך), meaning "to kneel," this term signifies being endowed with divine favor, power, and prosperity. It's not merely good fortune, but an active imparting of well-being and success by God. In this context, it implies a comprehensive flourishing that touches every aspect of Israelite life, setting them apart as recipients of unique divine beneficence.
* **Barren (Hebrew, _'āqār'_):** This word (עָקָר) denotes infertility, the inability to conceive or reproduce, whether applied to humans or animals. Its absence, as promised here, signifies complete and pervasive fertility. In a society where large families and thriving herds were essential for survival, legacy, and national strength, the removal of barrenness was a profound and life-affirming blessing, reversing what was often perceived as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt be blessed above all people:"** This opening clause establishes Israel's unparalleled status among the nations. The blessing is not just a general prosperity but a distinctive favor that sets them apart. It underscores God's unique covenantal relationship with Israel, where His active hand would ensure their flourishing in a way that surpassed the experiences of other peoples. This distinction was not based on Israel's inherent merit but on God's sovereign choice and His faithfulness to His covenant.
* **"there shall not be male or female barren among you,"** This specific promise addresses human fertility directly. It assures the Israelites of continuous generational growth and the absence of the deep sorrow and societal stigma associated with childlessness. This was vital for the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding a multitude of descendants and for the strength and expansion of the nation as they settled the Promised Land. It speaks to the health and vitality of the Israelite families.
* **"or among your cattle."** Extending the promise of fruitfulness beyond humans, this clause highlights the holistic nature of God's blessing. "Cattle" (which includes all domesticated livestock) were the backbone of Israel's agrarian economy, providing food, clothing, and labor. The absence of barrenness among their animals ensured economic stability, abundant resources, and overall material prosperity, demonstrating God's comprehensive provision for their physical and economic well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:14 employs several literary devices to amplify its message of divine blessing. The phrase "blessed **above all people**" is a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of God's favor upon Israel, setting them distinctly apart from other nations. The mention of "male or female barren" uses **merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole, effectively encompassing all possible forms of human infertility. This signifies a complete and total absence of barrenness within the population. Finally, the structure "among you, or among your cattle" demonstrates **parallelism** and **inclusio**, illustrating the comprehensive scope of God's blessing, extending from the human realm to the animal kingdom, and thereby covering all essential aspects of their life and livelihood. This holistic promise underscores God's desire for complete well-being for His obedient people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:14 reveals God as the ultimate source of life and fertility, in stark contrast to the pagan deities of the surrounding nations. It underscores the profound connection between obedience and blessing, a foundational principle throughout the Old Testament. God's desire for His people to thrive, both numerically and economically, is a testament to His covenantal faithfulness and His character as a benevolent Provider. This physical fruitfulness was not merely for their comfort but also served as a visible witness to the nations of the power and goodness of the one true God, demonstrating that true prosperity comes from Him alone, not from human effort or pagan rituals. The promise of no barrenness speaks to God's active involvement in the very fabric of their existence, ensuring the perpetuation of their families and their national identity as His chosen people.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children Are a Heritage from the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 28:4](/deuteronomy/28-4 "Deuteronomy 28:4 - Blessings on Offspring and Livestock for Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific promises of Deuteronomy 7:14 were given to ancient Israel within a particular covenantal context, the underlying principles of God's desire to bless His faithful people remain profoundly relevant. For believers today, "fruitfulness" extends beyond physical offspring and livestock to encompass spiritual productivity, character development, and the expansion of God's kingdom. Just as Israel was called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, believers are called to live lives that reflect God's goodness and power, demonstrating His transformative presence in a fallen world. This verse encourages us to trust in God's holistic provision, knowing that He desires our well-being and enables us to be fruitful in our purpose when we prioritize our relationship with Him and walk in obedience to His commands. Our spiritual fruitfulness becomes a testament to His life-giving power, enabling us to bear witness to His grace and truth in every sphere of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "blessed above all people" challenge our modern understanding of distinctiveness as God's people?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking God's "fruitfulness" beyond the physical, perhaps in your character, relationships, or ministry?**
* **What does it mean for you to walk in covenant faithfulness with God today, and how might that lead to spiritual abundance and effectiveness?**

### FAQ
**Was this promise of no barrenness absolute for every single Israelite?**

Answer: No, this promise was a general covenantal blessing for the nation of Israel as a whole, contingent upon their collective obedience. It described the normative state of a blessed and flourishing Israel, not an absolute guarantee for every individual in every circumstance. While God desired and promised widespread fertility, individual cases of barrenness still occurred even among faithful Israelites, such as Hannah, the mother of Samuel, whose story is recounted in [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Hannah's Barrenness and Prayer"). The promise highlights God's *desire* for their complete flourishing and the *potential* for a nation free from the widespread curse of infertility, provided they remained faithful to His covenant.

**How does this promise relate to barrenness in the New Testament or for Christians today?**

Answer: While physical barrenness can still be a challenge for individuals today, the New Testament shifts the primary focus from physical fruitfulness to spiritual fruitfulness. For Christians, God's blessing is primarily spiritual, though it can certainly include physical provision. Believers are called to bear the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") (love, joy, peace, etc.) and to be spiritually productive in sharing the Gospel, making disciples, and serving God's kingdom. The ultimate "fruitfulness" for a Christian is found in abiding in Christ and producing spiritual offspring, rather than solely physical. The New Covenant emphasizes an inner transformation and the abundance of spiritual life in Christ, which transcends physical limitations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:14, with its promise of unparalleled blessing and the eradication of barrenness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised physical prosperity and the removal of physical barrenness to a specific nation, the New Covenant, established through Christ, offers spiritual blessing and the overcoming of spiritual barrenness to all who believe. Jesus is the true "blessing above all people," for through His sacrifice and resurrection, He has secured for us "every [spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")" (Ephesians 1:3). The spiritual barrenness of humanity—our inability to produce righteousness, to know God, or to bear fruit pleasing to Him apart from Him—is completely overcome in Christ. He declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ to Bear Fruit")). Through Him, believers are made spiritually fertile, empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") and to participate in the spiritual multiplication of the church, bringing new life to those who are spiritually dead. Thus, the promise of abundant life and fruitfulness in Deuteronomy 7:14 foreshadows the super-abundant spiritual life and transformative power available to all who are in Christ, the ultimate source of all blessing and life.

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.