King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:10 in the King James Version says “For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowe...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:”

Deuteronomy 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;

9

And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

10

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:

11

But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

12

A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. careth: Heb. seeketh

Read Deuteronomy 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses describes Canaan in contrast to Egypt: 'not as the land of Egypt' introduces a fundamental agricultural difference. Egypt relied on Nile irrigation—'wateredst it with thy foot' refers to foot-powered water wheels (saqiya) or treadmill irrigation systems. The Hebrew regel (רֶגֶל, 'foot') indicates human effort and control. Egypt's fertility depended on human engineering and labor, symbolizing self-sufficiency. The comparison to 'a garden of herbs' evokes controlled cultivation requiring constant human attention. This sets up the contrast with Canaan's rain-dependence in verse 11.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt's agriculture centered on the Nile's predictable annual flooding (June-September), supplemented by complex irrigation canals and shaduf (lever-and-bucket) or saqiya (water wheel driven by oxen or humans) systems. This created a reliable, human-controllable food supply, contributing to Egypt's stability and pharaonic power. Egyptian wisdom literature boasted of human mastery over nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does dependence on rain (God's direct provision) versus irrigation (human control) illustrate different approaches to life?
  2. In what areas are you tempted toward self-sufficiency rather than dependence on God?
  3. What systems or technologies give modern people false sense of control over their lives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּ֣י1 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כְאֶ֤רֶץ2 of 22

“For the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתָּ֤ה4 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בָא5 of 22

“whither thou goest in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֙מָּה֙6 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ7 of 22

“to possess”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

לֹ֣א8 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כְאֶ֤רֶץ9 of 22

“For the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙10 of 22

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

הִ֔וא11 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְצָאתֶ֖ם13 of 22

“from whence ye came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִשָּׁ֑ם14 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֲשֶׁ֤ר15 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּזְרַע֙16 of 22

“where thou sowedst”

H2232

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

אֶֽת17 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זַרְעֲךָ֔18 of 22

“thy seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְהִשְׁקִ֥יתָ19 of 22

“and wateredst”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

בְרַגְלְךָ֖20 of 22

“it with thy foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

כְּגַ֥ן21 of 22

“as a garden”

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

הַיָּרָֽק׃22 of 22

“of herbs”

H3419

properly, green; concretely, a vegetable

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 11:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:18

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 11 →

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