Deuteronomy 8:9

KJV

A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any [thing] in it; a land whose stones [are] iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

KJV (with Strong's)

A land {H776} wherein {H834} thou shalt eat {H398} bread {H3899} without {H3808} scarceness {H4544}, thou shalt not lack {H2637} any thing in it; a land {H776} whose stones {H68} are iron {H1270}, and out of whose hills {H2042} thou mayest dig {H2672} brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

a land where you will eat food in abundance and lack nothing in it; a land where the stones contain iron and the hills can be mined for copper.

Berean Standard Bible

a land where you will eat food without scarcity, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and whose hills are ready to be mined for copper.

American Standard Version

a land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig copper.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 8:9 paints a vivid and comprehensive picture of the abundant blessings awaiting the Israelites in the Promised Land, emphasizing God's holistic provision. This verse extends the description of the land's agricultural fertility by highlighting its significant mineral wealth, assuring the generation poised to enter Canaan that they would experience complete sufficiency, free from scarcity, with ready access to essential resources like iron and copper, thereby underscoring God's faithfulness and generous fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 8:9 concludes a magnificent description of the Promised Land's bounty, initiated in [Deuteronomy 8:7](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7 - Description of the Promised Land"). The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 8:7-8) focus on agricultural richness, detailing rivers, springs, and a diverse array of crops like wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. Verse 9 extends this picture to encompass the land's mineral wealth, specifically mentioning iron and copper. This entire passage serves as a stark contrast to the forty years of wilderness wandering, where sustenance was miraculously provided daily, highlighting the qualitative difference of the promised inheritance. Moses uses this description to remind Israel of God's past faithfulness and to encourage future obedience as they prepare to enter Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of entering Canaan after four decades in the wilderness, a period characterized by reliance on divine manna and water from the rock. Their nomadic existence lacked the stability and self-sufficiency of an agricultural and settled society. In the ancient Near East, access to natural resources, especially metals like iron and copper (often translated as "brass" in KJV), was crucial for technological advancement, tool-making, weaponry, and economic prosperity. The mention of these minerals indicates a land not just fertile for food but also rich in strategic materials, signifying a capacity for national development and self-defense, a significant step up from their current state.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, demonstrating God's commitment to lavishly supply the needs of His people beyond mere subsistence. The promise of "bread without scarceness" and "not lack any [thing]" underscores a comprehensive sufficiency. It also highlights the **Richness of the Promised Land**, portraying Canaan as a truly blessed inheritance, capable of sustaining a prosperous nation both agriculturally and industrially. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, emphasizes **Covenant Blessings and Obedience**, framing this abundance as a direct result of God's covenant faithfulness, contingent upon Israel's continued devotion and adherence to His commands, as seen in [Deuteronomy 8:1-2](/deuteronomy/8-1 "Deuteronomy 8:1-2 - Remembering God's Discipline and Provision").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scarceness (Hebrew, _ḥeser'_):** This word denotes lack, want, or deficiency. Its negation ("without scarceness") emphasizes complete sufficiency and abundance, implying that basic needs will be met consistently and generously, a stark contrast to the daily, miraculous provision in the wilderness.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _neḥōšet'_):** While the KJV translates this as "brass," the Hebrew term more accurately refers to copper or bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). Both copper and iron were vital metals in the ancient world. Copper was used for tools, utensils, and ornaments, while iron, being harder, was increasingly used for stronger implements and weaponry, especially as the Iron Age dawned. The presence of these raw materials signifies the land's industrial potential and self-sufficiency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness":** This phrase immediately establishes the foundational promise of abundant food. "Bread" is often a metonym for all basic sustenance. The assurance "without scarceness" directly addresses the anxieties of a people who had lived on daily manna, promising a stable, self-sustaining food supply, a hallmark of true prosperity in the ancient world.
* **"thou shalt not lack any [thing] in it":** This expands the promise beyond food to encompass all necessities. It speaks to a comprehensive provision, implying that every essential need for a thriving society—from shelter and clothing to tools and resources—will be met within the land itself, reducing reliance on external sources.
* **"a land whose stones [are] iron":** This shifts the focus from agricultural bounty to mineral wealth. The poetic imagery of "stones [are] iron" suggests that iron ore is so plentiful it is practically part of the very landscape, indicating significant deposits readily available for extraction and use.
* **"and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass":** This further specifies the mineral riches, referring to copper or bronze. The mention of "hills" as the source points to mining activities, confirming the presence of valuable non-agricultural resources. Together with iron, copper was foundational for ancient technology and economy, enabling the production of tools, weapons, and various implements crucial for national development.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 8:9 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of "stones [are] iron," which, while indicating rich deposits, uses exaggerated language to emphasize the sheer abundance and accessibility of the mineral wealth. This also functions as vivid **Imagery**, painting a mental picture of a land so rich that its very rocks are valuable metals. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "bread" stands in for all forms of sustenance, and "iron" and "brass" represent the broader category of valuable mineral resources. The cumulative effect of these descriptions is to create a profound sense of **Promise and Assurance**, reinforcing God's commitment to provide comprehensively for His people, transforming a barren wilderness existence into one of unparalleled prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 8:9 powerfully articulates God's character as a faithful and generous provider, whose blessings extend beyond mere subsistence to encompass comprehensive abundance. This verse connects the material prosperity of the Promised Land directly to God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's obedience, illustrating a principle woven throughout Scripture: God delights in blessing His people when they walk in His ways. It foreshadows the ultimate spiritual abundance found in Christ, where believers "lack no good thing" in their spiritual inheritance. The promise of a land rich in both agricultural and mineral resources also highlights God's holistic concern for human flourishing, encompassing both physical needs and the means for societal development and prosperity.

* [Psalm 34:10](/psalm/34-10 "Psalm 34:10 - The Young Lions Suffer Want, But Those Who Seek the Lord Lack No Good Thing")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God is Able to Make All Grace Abound to You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 8:9 serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering commitment to provide for His people, not just adequately, but abundantly. For us today, it challenges us to cultivate a posture of trust and gratitude, recognizing that our Heavenly Father is intimately concerned with our well-being and capable of supplying all our needs, often in ways we might not expect. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate scarcity and remember God's track record of faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal lives. It also calls us to a deeper appreciation for the resources—material, spiritual, and relational—that God has already placed in our "land," and to consider how we might steward these blessings for His glory and the good of others, rather than constantly focusing on perceived lacks.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel a sense of "scarceness," and how might remembering God's comprehensive provision in Deuteronomy 8:9 encourage your faith?**
* **What "iron" and "brass"—valuable resources or opportunities—has God already placed in your life that you might be overlooking?**
* **How does the promise of abundance in this verse inspire you to be a more faithful steward of the blessings God has entrusted to you?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "iron" and "brass" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "iron" and "brass" (more accurately, copper or bronze) is highly significant because these were crucial metals in the ancient world. Their presence indicated a land rich in natural resources beyond mere agricultural fertility. Iron was essential for stronger tools, weapons, and construction, while copper/bronze was used for various implements, ornaments, and early coinage. The availability of these raw materials meant the Promised Land could support a self-sufficient and technologically advanced society, capable of producing its own tools, defending itself, and engaging in trade, signifying a complete and holistic provision from God for the nation's prosperity and development, as opposed to the limited resources of their nomadic wilderness existence. This promise of mineral wealth complements the agricultural bounty described in [Deuteronomy 8:7-8](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-8 - The Agricultural Abundance of the Land").

**How does this verse relate to God's provision for believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate context is the physical land of Canaan, the theological principle of God's comprehensive provision remains timeless. Just as God promised and delivered physical abundance to Israel, He assures believers today that He will meet their needs. This is not necessarily a promise of material wealth for every individual, but rather an assurance of God's faithfulness to supply what is truly needed for life and godliness. The New Testament echoes this theme, reminding us that God "will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). It encourages trust in God's care, even in challenging circumstances, and reminds us that our greatest lack is often spiritual, which God has abundantly filled through Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed Be God Who Has Blessed Us with Every Spiritual Blessing")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 8:9, with its promise of a land of unparalleled abundance and complete sufficiency, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical land provided "bread without scarceness" and every necessary resource, Christ is 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, ensuring we "will never be hungry" and "will never be thirsty." In Him, believers "lack no good thing" ([Psalm 34:10](/psalm/34-10 "Psalm 34:10 - Those Who Seek the Lord Lack No Good Thing")) because He has fully provided for our salvation, righteousness, and eternal inheritance. The "iron" and "brass" of the Promised Land, representing earthly resources for societal flourishing, are transcended by the spiritual riches found in Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are All Treasures of Wisdom")). Through His sacrifice, we are granted access to "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")), a provision far surpassing any earthly abundance, guaranteeing our complete sufficiency in Him for all eternity.

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

1 Chronicles 22:14

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

Joshua 22:8

And he spake unto them, saying, Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.

Deuteronomy 33:25

Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].

Job 28:2

Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass [is] molten [out of] the stone.