King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:29 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:29 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, th... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

Deuteronomy 11:29 · KJV


Context

27

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:

28

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

29

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

30

Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

31

For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses commands a covenantal ceremony: 'when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land...thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.' This refers to the ceremony of Deuteronomy 27:11-26 and Joshua 8:30-35. Gerizim and Ebal are adjacent mountains near Shechem with a valley between, creating natural amphitheater. Six tribes on each mountain would hear blessings and curses, dramatizing the chapter 28 alternatives. This visual, auditory, geographic embodiment of choice would make covenant terms unforgettable. The ceremony's location in central Canaan would mark the heart of the promised land with covenant commitment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua 8:30-35 records fulfillment of this command after Ai's conquest. Shechem held historical significance: Abraham first worshiped there (Genesis 12:6-7); Jacob buried foreign gods there (Genesis 35:4); Joshua later gathered Israel there for covenant renewal (Joshua 24). The site connects Mosaic covenant to patriarchal promises. Modern Nablus sits near ancient Shechem, between Mount Gerizim (sacred to Samaritans even today) and Mount Ebal. Archaeological excavations confirm ancient settlement there.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do physical, memorable ceremonies (baptism, communion) reinforce covenant commitment today?
  2. Why does God use sensory, experiential means (sight, sound, geography) to communicate spiritual truth?
  3. What role do visible signs and communal witnesses play in strengthening individual and corporate faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּ֤י2 of 23
H3588

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

בָא3 of 23

hath brought thee in

H935

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

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 23

And it shall come to pass when the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ5 of 23

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל6 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֕רֶץ7 of 23

unto the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר8 of 23
H834

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

אַתָּ֥ה9 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בָא10 of 23

hath brought thee in

H935

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

שָׁ֖מָּה11 of 23
H8033

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

לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ12 of 23

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

וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה13 of 23

it that thou shalt put

H5414

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

אֶת14 of 23
H853

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

הַבְּרָכָה֙15 of 23

the blessing

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

עַל16 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַ֥ר17 of 23

upon mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

גְּרִזִ֔ים18 of 23

Gerizim

H1630

gerizim, a mountain of palestine

וְאֶת19 of 23
H853

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

הַקְּלָלָ֖ה20 of 23

and the curse

H7045

vilification

עַל21 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַ֥ר22 of 23

upon mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

עֵיבָֽל׃23 of 23

Ebal

H5858

ebal, a mountain of palestine


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 11:29 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 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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