King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:14 in the King James Version says “That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gathe...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.”

Deuteronomy 11:14 · KJV

Context

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

13

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

14

That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

15

And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. send: Heb. give

16

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

Read Deuteronomy 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'I will give you the rain of your land in his due season' establishes the rain-obedience connection. God specifies 'the first rain and the latter rain'—the Hebrew yoreh (יוֹרֶה, autumn rain) softens ground for plowing and planting, while malkosh (מַלְקוֹשׁ, spring rain) swells grain before harvest. Both are essential for successful crops. The result: 'thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil'—the agricultural triad representing complete provision. This isn't prosperity theology but covenant theology: God blesses covenant faithfulness with what His people need.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian agriculture absolutely depended on seasonal rains. The agricultural year began with first rains (October-November) enabling fall plowing and grain sowing. Spring rains (March-April) brought final growth before dry summer harvest. Without either, crops failed and famine resulted. Prophets later used drought as metaphor for divine judgment (1 Kings 17; Jeremiah 14; Joel 1). James 5:7 uses this imagery for patient waiting for Christ's return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that all provision ultimately comes from God affect stewardship of resources?
  2. What is the New Testament equivalent of 'covenant blessing for obedience'—how does grace relate to consequences?
  3. How should Christians understand material prosperity in light of passages like this?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְנָֽתַתִּ֧י1 of 10

“That I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מְטַֽר2 of 10

“you the rain”

H4306

rain

אַרְצְכֶ֛ם3 of 10

“of your land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּעִתּ֖וֹ4 of 10

“in his due season”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

יוֹרֶ֣ה5 of 10

“the first rain”

H3138

sprinkling; hence, a sprinkling (or autumnal showers)

וּמַלְק֑וֹשׁ6 of 10

“and the latter rain”

H4456

the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence

וְאָֽסַפְתָּ֣7 of 10

“that thou mayest gather”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

דְגָנֶ֔ךָ8 of 10

“in thy corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

וְתִֽירֹשְׁךָ֖9 of 10

“and thy wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְיִצְהָרֶֽךָ׃10 of 10

“and thine oil”

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

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 11:14 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 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:7Leviticus 26:4Ezekiel 34:26Deuteronomy 28:12Joel 2:22-23Jeremiah 14:22

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