Deuteronomy 8:13

KJV

And [when] thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

KJV (with Strong's)

And when thy herds {H1241} and thy flocks {H6629} multiply {H7235}, and thy silver {H3701} and thy gold {H2091} is multiplied {H7235}, and all that thou hast is multiplied {H7235};

Complete Jewish Bible

and increased your herds, flocks, silver, gold and everything else you own,

Berean Standard Bible

and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied,

American Standard Version

and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 8:13 vividly portrays the extensive material blessings—the comprehensive multiplication of livestock, precious metals, and all possessions—that the Lord promised to bestow upon the Israelites once they entered and settled in the Promised Land. This verse, however, is not merely a declaration of future prosperity but serves as a crucial theological pivot within Moses' valedictory address, setting the indispensable context for a solemn and urgent warning: the profound spiritual danger inherent in such abundance, specifically the temptation to forget the Lord, the true and sole source of all provision, and to mistakenly attribute success to their own strength or wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 8:13 is strategically positioned within Moses' final, covenantal discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their pivotal crossing into Canaan. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 8:1-6) meticulously recount God's intentional humbling of Israel in the wilderness, a forty-year period designed to teach them absolute dependence on Him, culminating in the profound lesson that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone"). Following this, verses 7-10 paint a lush, detailed picture of the Promised Land's abundant resources, a stark and deliberate contrast to the barren wilderness. Verse 13 then articulates the specific, tangible results of this promised land's bounty. Crucially, it functions as the precise point of transition, immediately preceding Moses' dire warning in [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity"), where he cautions them not to forget the Lord when they are full and prosperous, lest their hearts become proud and they forget the God who led them through the wilderness. Thus, verse 13 masterfully illustrates the very blessings that, if not properly understood and received with humble gratitude, could become a spiritual snare.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at the precipice of a monumental transition, moving from a nomadic, wilderness existence, where their sustenance was miraculously provided (manna, water, clothes that did not wear out), to a settled agricultural and urban life in Canaan. In the ancient Near East, wealth was intrinsically tied to the size of one's herds and flocks, the yield of one's crops, and accumulated precious metals. Prosperity was universally seen as a sign of divine favor, but it also carried significant spiritual risks. The Canaanite religious landscape was dominated by fertility cults, where deities like Baal and Asherah were worshipped as the givers of rain and agricultural abundance. Moses' address anticipates the temptation for Israel to attribute their success to these local deities, or more subtly, to their own human effort and ingenuity. He urges them to remember their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who alone "gives you power to get wealth" [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth"), thereby guarding against both syncretism and self-sufficiency.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes foundational to Deuteronomy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Blessing**, highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to bless Israel with tangible prosperity in the land [Deuteronomy 7:13-14](/deuteronomy/7-13-14 "Deuteronomy 7:13-14 - God's Blessings for Obedience"). Secondly, and perhaps most critically, it introduces the theme of the **Peril of Prosperity**, serving as a vivid illustration of the very blessings that could lead to spiritual complacency, pride, and forgetfulness of God. This warning is a recurring motif throughout the book, emphasizing that material abundance, while a divine gift, is also a profound test of the heart. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Remembering and Dependence**, directly contrasting the wilderness experience (where God humbled them to teach absolute dependence) with the potential for dangerous self-reliance in the land of plenty. The multiplication of wealth is not presented as an end in itself, but as a means by which God's covenant faithfulness is demonstrated, and Israel's continued humble dependence on Him is tested. The ultimate goal is not merely material well-being, but a deep, abiding relationship with the Lord, who is the true source of all good things, a relationship that must be preserved even amidst great abundance [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10-12 "Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Herds (Hebrew, _bâqâr'_):** This term (H1241) refers to "beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd." In ancient Israel, cattle represented substantial wealth, serving as beasts of burden, sources of meat and milk, and capital for trade. Their multiplication signifies a foundational and robust economic prosperity, indicating a flourishing agricultural and pastoral economy that could sustain a large population.
* **Flocks (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_):** This word (H6629) is a "collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats)." Sheep and goats were vital for wool, milk, meat, and sacrificial offerings. Their abundance indicated not only self-sufficiency in basic necessities but also a surplus that could be traded or used for ceremonial purposes, further underscoring the comprehensive nature of the promised prosperity.
* **Multiplied (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** The verb (H7235) appears three times in this single verse, emphasizing the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of the blessings. It means "to increase (in whatever respect)," "to be numerous," "to become great," or "to multiply." The repetition underscores the sheer scale of the prosperity God intends to bestow—not a mere increase, but a significant, widespread proliferation of all their possessions, signifying abundant, overflowing wealth. This highlights God's generosity and the tangible fulfillment of His covenant promises, while simultaneously setting the stage for the equally significant warning about the danger of such profusion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [when] thy herds and thy flocks multiply":** This initial clause describes the increase in livestock, which was the primary form of liquid wealth and capital in an agrarian and pastoral society. The multiplication of "herds" (cattle) and "flocks" (sheep and goats) signified robust economic prosperity, providing food, clothing, and sacrificial animals, marking a dramatic shift from their wilderness dependency.
* **"and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied":** This segment refers to the accumulation of monetary wealth and precious metals, indicating accumulated capital, the capacity for extensive trade, and luxury beyond mere subsistence. Silver and gold were used for currency, jewelry, and valuable artifacts, signifying not just basic sustenance but surplus and affluence, enabling greater commerce and the construction of more permanent and grander structures.
* **"and all that thou hast is multiplied;":** This final, overarching clause serves as a comprehensive summary, encompassing every other form of possession or asset not explicitly mentioned. It broadens the scope of blessing to include land, servants, crops, and any other form of material well-being. This inclusive phrase emphasizes the totality and completeness of God's intended provision, ensuring that no area of their material life would be untouched by His abundant and overflowing blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Deuteronomy 8:13 is **Repetition**. The verb "multiplied" (רָבָה, _rabah_) is used three times, creating an emphatic rhythm that underscores the vastness and comprehensiveness of the promised blessings. This repetition serves not only to highlight the extent of God's generosity but also to build rhetorical tension, preparing the listener for the subsequent warning. The verse also employs **Enumeration**, listing specific categories of wealth (herds, flocks, silver, gold) before culminating in a sweeping generalization ("all that thou hast"). This technique, combined with a form of **Asyndeton** (the omission of conjunctions between the rapid succession of accumulating clauses, despite the presence of "and" between categories), creates a powerful cumulative effect, emphasizing the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of the prosperity God intends to bestow upon His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 8:13 stands as a powerful theological statement about God's desire to bless His people, yet it simultaneously serves as a profound caution regarding the spiritual dangers inherent in material prosperity. It highlights the biblical tension between divine provision and human responsibility, reminding us that blessings are not an end in themselves but a profound test of our hearts. The true test of faith often comes not in scarcity, but in abundance, where the insidious temptation arises to forget the source of our blessings and become dangerously self-reliant. This verse sets the stage for the crucial truth that true security and well-being are found not in what we possess, but in our humble and unwavering dependence on God. It underscores that God's ultimate desire is for a relationship of faithful obedience, not merely the accumulation of wealth, and that His blessings are intended to draw us closer to Him, not away.

* [Proverbs 30:8-9](/proverbs/30-8-9 "Proverbs 30:8-9 - Agur's Prayer About Wealth")
* [1 Timothy 6:17-19](/1_timothy/6-17-19 "1 Timothy 6:17-19 - Instructions to the Rich")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 8:13, when read in its full and urgent context, offers a timeless and piercing challenge to all who experience material comfort and abundance in any form. It compels us to deeply examine our hearts and honestly ask whether our prosperity is drawing us closer to God in profound gratitude and humble dependence, or subtly leading us away into dangerous self-sufficiency, pride, and forgetfulness. In a world that relentlessly equates success and security with accumulated wealth and possessions, this verse serves as a vital counter-narrative, reminding us that the greatest danger is not poverty, but the spiritual apathy and arrogance that can insidiously accompany plenty. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, constantly remembering that every good and perfect gift comes from above, and to steward our resources with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our true and lasting treasure is found in God alone. Our response to material prosperity, therefore, becomes a profound revelation of the true object of our worship and the deepest affections of our heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my experience of material blessing (or perceived lack thereof) shape my view of God and my dependence on Him?**
* **What are the subtle, often unnoticed, ways prosperity might lead my heart to forget God, become self-reliant, or diminish my spiritual hunger?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude, humble dependence on God, and generous stewardship, even when life feels comfortable and abundant?**
* **In what practical ways am I called to be a faithful steward of the "herds, flocks, silver, and gold" (or their modern equivalents like finances, talents, and opportunities) that God has graciously entrusted to me?**

### FAQ
**Why is prosperity presented as a potential danger in this passage, rather than simply a pure blessing?**

Answer: Prosperity itself is indeed a blessing from God, a tangible expression of His covenant faithfulness and generosity. However, it becomes profoundly dangerous when it leads to spiritual forgetfulness and pride. As [Deuteronomy 8:14](/deuteronomy/8-14 "Deuteronomy 8:14 - Do Not Forget the Lord") explicitly states, the core danger is that "thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God." When people are comfortable, well-fed, and self-sufficient, they can easily—and often unconsciously—attribute their success, security, and well-being to their own strength, wisdom, or diligent hard work, rather than recognizing God as the ultimate and sovereign source of all provision and the one who "gives you power to get wealth" [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth"). This insidious shift in focus from divine dependence to human achievement can lead to spiritual complacency, a diminished sense of need for God, and ultimately, a turning away from His commands and a broken relationship. The wilderness experience, by stark contrast, was precisely designed to humble them and teach them absolute, moment-by-moment dependence on God for every need [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God Humbled Israel in the Wilderness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 8:13, with its vivid portrayal of material abundance and the subsequent urgent warning against forgetting God, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's radical redefinition of true wealth and the ultimate source of spiritual provision. The "land flowing with milk and honey" and its accompanying material blessings, while literal for Israel, serve as a powerful type and shadow of the spiritual inheritance and abundant life found exclusively in Christ. Jesus consistently and emphatically warned against the deceptive allure and spiritual dangers of earthly riches, teaching that one "cannot serve God and money" [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters") and that true, imperishable treasure is laid up in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves cannot break in and steal [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"). He Himself, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), offering a spiritual multiplication of grace, forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life that infinitely surpasses any earthly "herds, flocks, silver, or gold." The danger of forgetting God in prosperity is overcome by fixing our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith" [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus"), who is the ultimate source of all true and lasting blessing. He ensures that our hearts are not lifted up by fleeting earthly riches but are humbly and wholly devoted to Him as our all-sufficient provider, our eternal inheritance, and our greatest treasure [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ").

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

Job 1:3

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Genesis 13:1

¶ And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

Genesis 13:5

¶ And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

Luke 12:13

¶ And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Psalms 39:6

Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them.