King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:15 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:15 in the King James Version says “And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. send: Heb. give — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 11:15 · KJV


Context

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;

17

And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises 'I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle' ensuring not just human food but livestock fodder. The comprehensive provision—'thou shalt eat and be full'—indicates abundance, not mere subsistence. The Hebrew saba (שָׂבַע, 'satisfied, sated') implies complete satisfaction. This reflects God's generous provision for obedient people. However, the warning of verses 16-17 immediately follows, showing that fullness can lead to complacency and apostasy—a theme developed in Deuteronomy 8:10-20.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) were essential to ancient Israelite economy, providing meat, milk, leather, wool, and sacrificial animals. Pasture availability determined herd size and thus wealth. This promise addresses economic prosperity holistically. The danger of prosperity leading to spiritual complacency became Israel's recurring problem (Judges cycle, prophetic critiques of wealthy Judah).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does prosperity often lead to spiritual complacency rather than gratitude?
  2. How can believers maintain dependence on God during seasons of material abundance?
  3. What safeguards can protect against the spiritual dangers of 'eating and being full'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְנָֽתַתִּ֛י1 of 6

And I will send

H5414

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

עֵ֥שֶׂב2 of 6

grass

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

בְּשָֽׂדְךָ֖3 of 6

in thy fields

H7704

a field (as flat)

לִבְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ4 of 6

for thy cattle

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

וְאָֽכַלְתָּ֖5 of 6

that thou mayest eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְשָׂבָֽעְתָּ׃6 of 6

and be full

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)


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 11:15 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 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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