Deuteronomy 8:17

KJV

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou say {H559} in thine heart {H3824}, My power {H3581} and the might {H6108} of mine hand {H3027} hath gotten {H6213} me this wealth {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you will think to yourself, 'My own power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.'

Berean Standard Bible

You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”

American Standard Version

and lest thou say in thy heart, My power and the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 8:17 delivers a profound and timeless warning to the Israelites, standing on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, against the insidious temptation of pride and self-sufficiency that often accompanies prosperity. Moses cautions them that once they are settled and enjoying the abundance of the land, they must not succumb to the deceptive thought that their own strength, wisdom, or effort was the sole source of their wealth and success, thereby forgetting the Lord their God who grants all blessings. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that true abundance is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 8:17 is strategically placed within Moses' final, comprehensive addresses to the new generation of Israelites, delivered just before they cross the Jordan River to inherit Canaan. Chapter 8 serves as both a retrospective on their forty-year wilderness journey and a forward-looking exhortation for life in the Promised Land. Moses meticulously recounts the hardships and divine provisions of the wilderness, such as God's humbling them, feeding them manna, and providing clothes that did not wear out, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 8:2-4](/deuteronomy/8-2-4 "Deuteronomy 8:2-4 - God's Provision in the Wilderness"). He explicitly states that these experiences were designed to teach them 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 - Living by God's Word")). The warning in verse 17 directly precedes the crucial reminder in [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth") that it is the Lord who gives the power to get wealth, underscoring the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. This section of Deuteronomy, particularly [Deuteronomy 8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remembering the Lord Your God"), emphasizes remembering God's past faithfulness as a safeguard against future spiritual amnesia in times of prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the verge of a monumental transition from a nomadic, wilderness existence, characterized by direct and miraculous divine provision, to a settled, agricultural life in a fertile land. Canaan was renowned for its natural resources, including abundant water, fertile soil, and mineral wealth. This new environment presented significant spiritual temptations. Unlike the wilderness where God's hand was unmistakably visible in daily manna and water, the prosperity of Canaan could easily be attributed to natural processes, human labor, or even the fertility gods of the surrounding Canaanite cultures. Moses' warning anticipates this paradigm shift, preparing the people for the spiritual dangers of a settled, prosperous life where the immediate need for divine intervention might seem less apparent. The cultural backdrop includes the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of wealth as a sign of divine favor, but also the ever-present danger of attributing that favor to one's own prowess or to other deities, thus falling into idolatry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a pivotal expression of several core Deuteronomic themes. Firstly, it highlights the **danger of pride and self-sufficiency**, particularly in the face of material blessing. The thought "My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth" encapsulates a spirit of human autonomy that directly challenges God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider. Secondly, it addresses the pervasive human tendency towards **spiritual amnesia** or forgetting God's past mercies and ongoing role once comfort and abundance are achieved. The wilderness experience, though difficult, was a constant reminder of God's presence; prosperity threatened to obscure this vital truth. Thirdly, the verse implicitly defines the **true source of wealth and blessing**, setting up the explicit declaration in [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth") that it is God who grants the ability to acquire wealth. Finally, the phrase "say in thine heart" underscores the **deceitfulness of the human heart**, revealing that this proud attitude can be an internal, unspoken conviction, a foundational disposition that subtly undermines one's relationship with God. This theme resonates powerfully with later biblical wisdom literature that frequently warns against the dangers of a proud heart, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** From H3824, this word refers not merely to the emotional center but to the totality of the inner person—the mind, will, and affections. When one "says in thine heart," it denotes a deep-seated conviction, an internal monologue, or a settled disposition that may not be outwardly expressed but profoundly shapes one's perspective and actions. It highlights the insidious nature of pride, which often begins internally before manifesting in behavior.
* **Power (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** From H3581, this term signifies inherent strength, ability, or vigor. In this context, it refers to one's personal capacity, energy, or skill. The Israelites might be tempted to attribute their success to their physical strength, intellectual prowess, or strategic abilities in cultivating the land or engaging in commerce, overlooking the divine source of these very capacities.
* **Wealth (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From H2428, this is a versatile word with a broad semantic range, often translated as strength, ability, army, or substance/wealth. Here, it specifically refers to material prosperity, possessions, and abundance derived from the land. The use of _chayil_ in this context underscores the tangible results of what the Israelites might mistakenly perceive as solely their own efforts, rather than a blessing from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou say in thine heart":** This opening clause immediately points to the internal, often unspoken, nature of the sin being warned against. It's not necessarily an open boast, but a private conviction or attitude that resides deep within one's being. This highlights the subtlety and danger of spiritual pride, which can take root and fester without immediate external manifestation, corrupting one's inner disposition towards God.
* **"My power and the might of [mine] hand":** This phrase is the core of the proud declaration. It asserts human agency as the primary, if not sole, cause of success. "My power" refers to inherent strength or capability (H3581, `kôach`), while "the might of my hand" (H6108, `ʻôtsem` and H3027, `yâd`) points to the tangible effort and labor exerted. Together, they form a comprehensive claim of self-sufficiency, attributing all achievement to personal attributes and actions, effectively excluding divine enablement.
* **"hath gotten me this wealth":** This final clause states the outcome of the perceived self-generated effort. The "wealth" (H2428, `chayil`) refers to the material prosperity, abundance, and possessions that the Israelites would acquire in the Promised Land. The verb "gotten" (H6213, `ʻâsâh`, literally "made" or "acquired") reinforces the idea of personal achievement and acquisition, completing the cycle of self-attribution and fostering a spirit of independence from God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 8:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its solemn warning. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, where Moses directly addresses the nation of Israel ("And *thou* say in thine heart"), creating a personal and urgent tone that compels the listener to internalize the message and apply it individually. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Moses anticipates a future spiritual danger that will arise specifically from prosperity, setting the stage for later prophetic warnings against Israel's spiritual decline duencing wealth and comfort. The verse also utilizes **Implied Contrast**, by juxtaposing the self-reliant human claim with the divine reality presented in the subsequent verse ([Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")), where God is explicitly declared the true source of wealth and the power to obtain it. Finally, the phrase "might of mine hand" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the "hand" represents the entirety of human effort, skill, and labor, serving as a concise and powerful symbol for self-generated achievement and agency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 8:17 profoundly articulates a timeless theological truth: true prosperity and success are ultimately gifts from God, not solely the product of human effort or ingenuity. This verse stands as a foundational warning against the idolatry of self and the dangers of allowing material blessings to foster spiritual amnesia. It teaches that attributing success solely to oneself is not merely a lapse in humility but a fundamental denial of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate provider. This prideful mindset can lead to a spiritual detachment where God is no longer seen as essential, paving the way for moral decay and a breakdown in covenant relationship. The emphasis is on remembering God's grace and acknowledging His hand in every aspect of life, cultivating a spirit of gratitude rather than self-congratulation, recognizing that all good things flow from His benevolent hand.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Do Not Trust in Uncertain Riches")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 8:17 serves as a perpetual mirror for humanity, reflecting our innate tendency to claim credit for blessings that originate from a higher source. In an age that often glorifies self-made success, personal achievement, and entrepreneurial prowess, this verse offers a crucial corrective. Whether in financial prosperity, career advancement, academic success, artistic talent, or even personal health, the temptation to attribute all to our own "power and the might of our hand" is ever-present. This mindset not only breeds arrogance and a false sense of security but also severs the vital link of dependence and gratitude towards God, leading to a spiritual barrenness even amidst material abundance. True wisdom, as taught here, lies in recognizing that the very ability to work, the opportunities presented, the health to pursue goals, and the resources available are all ultimately divine provisions. Cultivating a posture of humility and thankfulness, consciously acknowledging God's hand in every success, is essential for maintaining a vibrant faith and a right relationship with our Creator and Provider. This verse calls us to examine our hearts, ensuring that our internal narrative aligns with the truth of God's ultimate sovereignty and His generous provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to attribute success solely to my own efforts rather than God's blessing?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent attitude of gratitude and dependence on God, especially when things are going well and I feel most self-sufficient?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "remember the Lord your God" in my daily pursuit of goals and acquisition of resources, ensuring my heart's narrative honors Him?**

### FAQ
**Does Deuteronomy 8:17 discourage hard work or personal effort?**

Answer: No, Deuteronomy 8:17 does not discourage hard work or personal effort. Instead, it warns against the *attitude* of pride and self-sufficiency that can arise when one attributes wealth solely to one's own efforts, forgetting God's ultimate role as the source of all blessing. The Bible consistently affirms the value of diligent labor, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") and [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - If Anyone Is Unwilling to Work"). The issue is not the effort itself, but the source of the *ability* to make that effort and the *blessing* that results from it. [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth") clarifies this by stating, "But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth." This means God provides the health, intelligence, opportunities, and resources necessary for our labor to be fruitful. Therefore, the verse calls for humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, not idleness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 8:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament warns against the human tendency to claim self-sufficiency in acquiring earthly wealth, the New Testament, through Christ, reveals the true source of all blessings, both material and spiritual. Jesus consistently taught against the dangers of trusting in riches ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Money"); [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of All Covetousness")), emphasizing that true life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. He Himself, though rich, became poor for our sake ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Sake")), demonstrating the ultimate humility and dependence on the Father that stands in stark contrast to the pride warned against in Deuteronomy. In Christ, we learn that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes from God")), and that all things were created through Him and for Him ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Our spiritual wealth—salvation, righteousness, eternal life, and adoption as children of God—is not "gotten by our power and the might of our hand," but is a free gift of God's grace through faith in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Thus, Christ fulfills the warning by providing the perfect example of dependence and by being the very means through which all true and lasting blessings, both earthly and heavenly, flow from God the Father, leading us to give Him all glory and credit.

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 9:4

Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.

1 Corinthians 4:7

¶ For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Isaiah 10:8

For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

Hosea 12:8

And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: [in] all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that [were] sin.

Deuteronomy 7:17

If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations [are] more than I; how can I dispossess them?