Deuteronomy 8:18

KJV

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou shalt remember {H2142} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}: for it is he that giveth {H5414} thee power {H3581} to get {H6213} wealth {H2428}, that he may establish {H6965} his covenant {H1285} which he sware {H7650} unto thy fathers {H1}, as it is this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, you are to remember ADONAI your God, because it is he who is giving you the power to get wealth, in order to confirm his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as is happening even today.

Berean Standard Bible

But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.

American Standard Version

But thou shalt remember Jehovah thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as at this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 8:18 stands as a profound exhortation within Moses' farewell address to the new generation of Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. It serves as a vital reminder that any future prosperity and ability to acquire wealth will not stem from their own might or ingenuity, but solely from the LORD their God. This divine provision is explicitly linked to God's unwavering faithfulness in establishing His ancient covenant with their forefathers, underscoring that material blessings are not ends in themselves, but instruments in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and a perpetual call to remember His sovereignty and grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 8:18 is situated at the climax of Moses' urgent warning to the Israelites in Deuteronomy chapter 8. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 8:1-17) recount the forty years of wilderness wandering, emphasizing God's meticulous care, provision of manna, and disciplinary actions designed to humble them and teach them dependence on His word (Deuteronomy 8:2-4). Moses contrasts this period of scarcity and direct reliance on God with the impending abundance of the Promised Land, described as a land of "wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey" (Deuteronomy 8:8). The central danger Moses highlights is that in their future prosperity, they might "forget the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 8:11) and attribute their success to their own strength, leading to pride and apostasy. Verse 18 directly counters this potential forgetfulness, unequivocally declaring God as the source of all blessing and the ultimate purpose behind it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This discourse is delivered to a generation of Israelites who did not experience the Exodus firsthand but were born during the wilderness sojourn. They stand on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan, a land vastly different from the arid wilderness they had known. Canaan was an agricultural society, and its inhabitants often attributed prosperity and fertility to local deities like Baal. Moses' message directly confronts this pagan worldview by asserting Yahweh as the sole provider of all good things, including the "power to get wealth." The covenant mentioned refers to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which included land, descendants, and blessing (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - God's Call to Abraham")). The establishment of this covenant through their prosperity in the land would serve as a tangible demonstration of God's faithfulness to these ancient promises, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations who relied on their own strength or false gods.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 8:18 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, including the capacity for material prosperity. This directly counters human pride and self-reliance, which Moses warns against in verses like [Deuteronomy 8:17](/deuteronomy/8-17 "Deuteronomy 8:17 - Warning Against Pride"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the critical importance of **Remembering God** (Deuteronomy 8:11-14) in times of abundance, not just in times of need. Forgetting God is presented as the root of disobedience and spiritual decline, a theme echoed throughout Israel's history. Finally, it highlights the **Covenantal Purpose of Prosperity**. God's blessing is not merely for individual comfort or accumulation but is instrumental in "establish[ing] his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers." This links individual and national prosperity directly to God's larger redemptive plan and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, demonstrating that blessings are a means to fulfill divine purposes, as seen in the broader narrative of God's relationship with Israel and His desire to make them a blessing to the nations ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abraham's Blessing to the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Hebrew, _kōaḥ'_):** This term denotes strength, ability, might, or vigor. In this context, it signifies not merely the physical capacity to labor, but the holistic enablement from God that allows for productivity and success. It encompasses intellect, skill, opportunity, health, and even favorable circumstances—all ultimately originating from divine grace. It's the intrinsic capacity or wherewithal to achieve.
* **wealth (Hebrew, _ḥayil'_):** This word is multifaceted, meaning "strength," "valor," "virtue," "efficiency," "army," or "wealth." Here, it refers to material prosperity, riches, or substance. However, its broader semantic range suggests that the wealth God provides is not just accumulated possessions but also the *ability* to be productive, effective, and even valiant in one's endeavors. It implies a robust, flourishing state, not just financial gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God":** This opening clause serves as a direct command and a crucial counterpoint to the warnings in the preceding verses about forgetting God. It is a call to conscious, active recollection of God's character, His past faithfulness, and His ongoing sovereignty, especially in the context of material blessing. Remembering implies gratitude, worship, and obedience, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all good.
* **"for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth,"** This explanatory clause provides the fundamental reason for remembering God. It unequivocally declares that the capacity, skill, opportunity, and means to acquire material prosperity ("power to get wealth") originate solely from God. This directly refutes any notion of self-sufficiency or attributing success to human effort alone, emphasizing divine enablement as the prerequisite for any form of true prosperity.
* **"that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day."** This final clause reveals the profound theological purpose behind God's provision of wealth. The granting of prosperity is not an end in itself, nor is it merely for the comfort of the individual or nation. Instead, it is a means by which God fulfills and confirms His solemn promises (covenant) made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The phrase "as it is this day" underscores the ongoing, tangible evidence of God's faithfulness, reminding the Israelites that their very presence on the border of the Promised Land, poised for blessing, is a testament to God's unswerving commitment to His word.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 8:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Exhortation** is central, as Moses passionately urges the people to remember God, using direct address ("thou shalt"). The verse functions as a **Warning** against the spiritual dangers of prosperity, specifically the temptation to pride and self-sufficiency. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between human strength and divine provision, highlighting that true power and wealth come from God, not from human effort alone. The use of **Covenant Language** ("establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers") anchors the present blessings in God's ancient, unchanging promises, providing a theological framework for understanding prosperity. Finally, the verse contains a subtle **Cause and Effect** structure: remembering God (cause) is linked to understanding His role as the giver of wealth (effect), which in turn serves His covenant purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 8:18 is a cornerstone text for a biblical theology of prosperity and stewardship. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of life, including economic well-being, challenging the human tendency to claim self-sufficiency. Prosperity, far from being a sign of personal merit or a license for indulgence, is presented as a divine gift, intrinsically linked to God's covenant purposes. This understanding fosters profound humility and gratitude, demanding that believers recognize God as the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift ([James/1-17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift")). It reframes wealth not as a personal possession to be hoarded, but as a resource entrusted by God to be stewarded for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This perspective transforms the pursuit and enjoyment of prosperity into an act of worship and obedience, ensuring that material blessings serve spiritual ends.

* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the LORD")
* [1 Chronicles 29:12](/1_chronicles/29-12 "1 Chronicles 29:12 - David's Prayer of Praise to God")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 8:18 challenges contemporary believers to critically examine their understanding of success and prosperity. In a world that often equates wealth with personal achievement, skill, or luck, this verse reorients our perspective, reminding us that every capacity, opportunity, and blessing ultimately flows from the hand of God. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility and constant gratitude, ensuring that our material abundance does not lead to spiritual amnesia or pride. Instead, our prosperity should deepen our dependence on God, prompting us to remember His faithfulness and to use the "power to get wealth" He provides not for selfish gain, but as a means to further His kingdom, bless others, and demonstrate His covenant love to a watching world. This verse is a powerful antidote to covetousness and self-reliance, fostering a spirit of generous stewardship and purpose-driven living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God as the source of your abilities and blessings impact your daily work and financial decisions?**
* **What specific actions can you take to ensure that prosperity (or the pursuit of it) does not lead you to forget the LORD?**
* **In what ways can the "wealth" or "power" God has given you be used to establish His covenant or advance His purposes in the world today?**
* **How does this verse challenge cultural narratives about self-made success and personal achievement?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promise wealth to all believers?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 8:18 does not promise universal material wealth to every individual believer in all circumstances. Rather, it reveals the *source* of any wealth or ability to acquire it, should God choose to grant it. The primary emphasis is on remembering God in prosperity and understanding that any capacity for success comes from Him, serving His covenant purposes. While God does bless His people, the nature and extent of those blessings vary according to His sovereign will and His broader redemptive plan, which often prioritizes spiritual riches over material ones, as seen in the New Testament.

**How does "power to get wealth" relate to modern work and finance?**

Answer: The principle of "power to get wealth" remains profoundly relevant. In a modern context, this "power" encompasses our intelligence, skills, talents, creativity, opportunities, health, and even the stability of the economic systems we operate within—all of which are ultimately gifts from God. It means that whether we are entrepreneurs, employees, investors, or artists, our capacity to be productive and generate resources is divinely enabled. This understanding should lead to diligent work, ethical financial practices, and a recognition that our success is not solely a result of our own efforts but a grace from God, to be stewarded responsibly for His glory and the good of others, rather than for self-aggrandizement.

**What does it mean to "remember the LORD thy God" in prosperity?**

Answer: To "remember the LORD thy God" in prosperity means much more than mere intellectual recall. It implies an active, grateful acknowledgment of His sovereignty and provision in every aspect of our lives, especially when we are experiencing abundance. It involves attributing our successes to His grace, not our own strength or wisdom. Practically, this translates into consistent worship, obedience to His commands, generous stewardship of resources, and a humble spirit that resists pride and self-sufficiency. It's a continuous posture of dependence and gratitude, ensuring that our hearts remain fixed on Him, regardless of our material circumstances, as warned in [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 8:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament covenant promised material blessings in the land as a sign of God's faithfulness, Christ redefines and expands the concept of true "wealth" and "power." He is the embodiment of God's covenant, the "Yes" and "Amen" to all of God's promises ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). In Him, believers receive not merely earthly prosperity, but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([ephesians/1-3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The "power to get wealth" is transcended by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live righteously, bear spiritual fruit, and participate in the advancement of God's eternal kingdom, which is far greater than any earthly inheritance. Christ 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")), demonstrating that true wealth is found in Him and His redemptive work. He empowers His followers not just to acquire material gain, but to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness ([matthew/6-33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")), knowing that all necessary things will be provided. Thus, our remembrance of the LORD in prosperity is ultimately a remembrance of Christ, through whom all blessings, both temporal and eternal, flow, enabling us to live lives that establish His new covenant in the world.

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

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

Hosea 2:8

For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, [which] they prepared for Baal.

Deuteronomy 7:8

But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Psalms 127:1

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

Psalms 127:2

[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Deuteronomy 7:12

¶ Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

Psalms 144:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, [and] my fingers to fight: