Deuteronomy 8:10

KJV

¶ When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou hast eaten {H398} and art full {H7646}, then thou shalt bless {H1288} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} for the good {H2896} land {H776} which he hath given {H5414} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

So you will eat and be satisfied, and you will bless ADONAI your God for the good land he has given you.

Berean Standard Bible

When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land that He has given you.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt eat and be full, and thou shalt bless Jehovah thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 8:10 serves as a profound injunction from Moses to the Israelites, urging them to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and remembrance towards the LORD their God once they settle and prosper in the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of their covenant relationship: recognizing God as the ultimate source of all blessings, especially in times of abundance, and responding with heartfelt praise rather than succumbing to pride or forgetfulness. It functions as a preventative measure against the spiritual complacency that prosperity often engenders, ensuring that the people remain humbly dependent on their divine Provider.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 8:10 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 8:1-9) recount God's faithful and often challenging provision during the forty years in the wilderness, emphasizing that He humbled them and tested them "to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no" ([Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")). Moses reminds them of the manna, a miraculous provision that taught them "that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live" ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by God's Word")). The immediate context describes the richness of the land they are about to inherit, a land of "brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills" ([Deuteronomy 8:7](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7 - Description of the Promised Land")). This vivid description of future abundance sets the stage for the warning in verse 10: when prosperity arrives, the danger of forgetting God is real. The verses immediately following this one (Deuteronomy 8:11-20) amplify this warning, explicitly cautioning against pride and the temptation to say, "My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth" ([Deuteronomy 8:17](/deuteronomy/8-17 "Deuteronomy 8:17 - Warning Against Self-Reliance")). Thus, verse 10 acts as a crucial spiritual discipline designed to counteract the insidious effects of material comfort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of transitioning from a nomadic, wilderness existence—where their survival was daily dependent on direct divine intervention—to a settled, agricultural life in a fertile land. This transition presented a unique spiritual challenge. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, agricultural abundance was often attributed to local deities or one's own industriousness. Moses' command directly counters such pagan influences and human pride. The act of "blessing" or giving thanks after a meal was a common practice in many cultures, but for Israel, it was uniquely tied to their covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had delivered them from slavery and was now giving them a permanent inheritance. The "good land" was not merely a geographical location but the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham ([Genesis/12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), a tangible sign of His faithfulness. Therefore, the command to bless God for the land after eating was a profound theological statement, affirming Yahweh's sole sovereignty over their prosperity and their very existence.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 8:10 contributes significantly to several major themes pervasive throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent theme is **Gratitude and Remembrance**, emphasizing the constant need for Israel to recall God's past faithfulness and express thanks for His ongoing provision. This is directly contrasted with the theme of **Forgetfulness and Pride**, which Moses repeatedly warns against, understanding that prosperity often leads to spiritual complacency and a false sense of self-sufficiency. The verse also reinforces the theme of **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**, asserting that all blessings, especially the fertile land and its produce, originate from the LORD's gracious hand, not from human effort alone. Furthermore, it underscores the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel; the command to bless God is an act of covenant loyalty and worship, acknowledging His role as their benevolent King and Provider. This act of blessing serves as a spiritual discipline to maintain their unique identity as God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding nations who did not acknowledge the true source of their sustenance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eaten and art full (Hebrew, _saba'_):** This verb signifies being satisfied, satiated, or having enough. It implies a state of abundance and contentment, contrasting sharply with the hunger and scarcity experienced during the wilderness wanderings. The command is specifically given *after* this state of fullness is achieved, highlighting the particular spiritual danger of forgetting God when one's needs are amply met. It underscores that gratitude is most crucial not in want, but in plenty.
* **bless (Hebrew, _barak'_):** When applied to humans blessing God, this verb means to praise, adore, or give thanks. It is an act of acknowledging God's goodness, sovereignty, and beneficence. It is a verbal expression of worship and humble recognition that all good things come from Him. It implies a posture of kneeling or bowing, signifying submission and reverence. This is not a blessing *upon* God (as if He needs anything from us), but a blessing *of* God, an exaltation of His character and deeds.
* **good land (Hebrew, _eretz tovah'_):** This phrase describes the Promised Land as fertile, productive, and desirable. It contrasts with the arid wilderness and represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The "goodness" of the land is not inherent but is a direct result of God's gracious gift. Blessing God "for" this land connects the physical sustenance directly to the divine Giver and His faithfulness in providing a place of rest and abundance for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou hast eaten and art full":** This opening clause sets the condition for the command. It refers to a state of material prosperity and satisfaction, specifically concerning food. It implies that the Israelites will indeed enter the Promised Land and experience its abundance, fulfilling God's promise. The timing is crucial: the command to bless God is not for when they are hungry or struggling, but precisely when they are comfortable and well-fed, a time when human nature is prone to forgetfulness and self-reliance.
* **"then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God":** This is the core command, the prescribed response to the condition of fullness. "Blessing the LORD" involves an act of praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. It is a deliberate, conscious act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision. The phrase "thy God" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, highlighting that this God is *their* God, who has uniquely chosen and cared for them.
* **"for the good land which he hath given thee.":** This final clause specifies the object of their gratitude: the "good land." It is not just for the food itself, but for the source of the food—the land, which is a divine gift. This reinforces the idea that all prosperity is ultimately from God's hand. The phrase "which he hath given thee" underscores God's gracious initiative and Israel's status as recipients of His unmerited favor, solidifying the theological understanding that their inheritance is a gift, not an achievement.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 8:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Primarily, it functions as **Didacticism**, serving as a direct instruction and moral teaching from Moses to the Israelites, guiding their behavior and shaping their theological understanding in the Promised Land. The verse is structured as a **Conditional Clause** ("When... then..."), clearly outlining the expected response to a specific circumstance. This grammatical structure makes the command unambiguous and highlights the direct causal link between experiencing God's blessing and offering Him praise. There is an implicit **Antithesis** at play: the state of "fullness" (prosperity) is presented as a potential catalyst for "forgetting" God (as warned in subsequent verses), which the act of "blessing" is designed to counteract. The command to bless God for the "good land" also uses **Metonymy**, where the land itself stands for all the produce and blessings derived from it. This broadens the scope of gratitude beyond mere sustenance to the entire inheritance and the faithfulness of God in providing it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 8:10 is a foundational text for understanding the biblical emphasis on gratitude as a theological imperative. It teaches that true worship is not limited to formal rituals but permeates daily life, especially in moments of material comfort. The verse connects God's physical provision with His covenant faithfulness, reminding Israel that their prosperity is a direct result of His promise-keeping, not their own merit. This principle extends beyond ancient Israel, challenging believers in every age to recognize God as the ultimate source of all good things and to guard against the spiritual dangers of self-sufficiency and materialism. It underscores the truth that a grateful heart is a humble heart, one that remembers its dependence on the Creator even amidst abundance.

* [Psalm 103:2](/psalms/103-2 "Psalm 103:2 - Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in everything")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 8:10 offers timeless wisdom for every believer, serving as a vital spiritual safeguard in a world often characterized by consumerism and self-reliance. It calls us to cultivate a profound and habitual posture of gratitude, recognizing that every good gift, from our daily bread to our broader blessings of home, health, and community, flows from the benevolent hand of God. In an age where it's easy to attribute success to personal effort or societal structures, this verse redirects our gaze to the divine Provider. It challenges us to actively combat the subtle pride that can creep in with prosperity, reminding us that true abundance is measured not just by what we possess, but by the depth of our thankfulness to the One who provides. This means intentionally pausing to acknowledge God's goodness, not just in times of need, but especially when we are "full" and comfortable, thereby fostering a humble and dependent spirit that resists the temptation to forget Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does experiencing abundance or "fullness" challenge your spiritual discipline of gratitude?**
* **What practical steps can you take to intentionally "bless the LORD" for your daily provisions and the "good land" (or blessings) He has given you?**
* **In what ways might prosperity lead to spiritual forgetfulness in your own life, and how can Deuteronomy 8:10 serve as an antidote?**

### FAQ

**Why is it so important to bless God specifically "when thou hast eaten and art full"?**

Answer: The specific timing in Deuteronomy 8:10—"When thou hast eaten and art full"—is crucial because it addresses a fundamental human tendency: the propensity to forget God during times of prosperity and comfort. Throughout the wilderness journey, the Israelites were constantly reminded of their dependence on God for daily manna and water ([Exodus/16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). However, Moses foresaw that once they entered the fertile Promised Land and enjoyed its abundance, they might attribute their success to their own hard work, ingenuity, or the land itself, rather than to God's gracious provision. This warning is explicitly stated in later verses in the same chapter, such as [Deuteronomy 8:14](/deuteronomy/8-14 "Deuteronomy 8:14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity"), where Moses cautions against their hearts being "lifted up" and forgetting the LORD. Therefore, the command to bless God *after* being full serves as a vital spiritual discipline, a conscious act of humility and remembrance designed to counteract pride and maintain a constant awareness of God's sovereignty and beneficence, even amidst plenty. It ensures that gratitude remains central to their relationship with Him, regardless of their material circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 8:10, with its emphasis on blessing God for physical provision and the "good land," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. While the Israelites were commanded to give thanks for literal food and a physical inheritance, Jesus Christ is the ultimate provision, the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. He is the one who provides spiritual sustenance that the world cannot give, teaching us that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone"), quoting Deuteronomy 8:3). Furthermore, the "good land" foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive in Christ. Through His sacrifice, we are brought into a new covenant, inheriting "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and becoming heirs of God's eternal kingdom. Our response, like Israel's, is to "bless the LORD" continually, not just for physical food, but for the immeasurable spiritual riches and the promise of eternal life given through Christ's redemptive work. This gratitude is expressed not merely in words, but in a life of worship and obedience, remembering that "God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

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

Psalms 103:2

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Romans 14:6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Deuteronomy 6:11

And houses full of all good [things], which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

Deuteronomy 6:12

[Then] beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Matthew 14:19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.