King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:7 in the King James Version says “But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.

Deuteronomy 11:7 · KJV


Context

5

And what he did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came into this place;

6

And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel: substance: or, living substance which followed them was: Heb. was at their feet

7

But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The emphatic 'your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD' returns to the eyewitness theme. The Hebrew gadol ma'aseh (גָּדוֹל מַעֲשֵׂה, 'great acts/works') emphasizes magnitude and significance. Unlike their children, this generation possesses firsthand knowledge. This creates covenant accountability—they cannot plead ignorance. Their obedience or disobedience will be informed response to demonstrated divine power and faithfulness. Reformed theology emphasizes that greater revelation brings greater responsibility (Luke 12:48).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This generation's unique status as eyewitnesses parallels the first Christian generation that saw Christ's resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6). Their testimony formed the foundation for future faith. Similarly, Israel's Exodus generation bore special responsibility to testify faithfully to children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 6:7, 20-25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal experience of God's work create greater accountability?
  2. In what ways can we become 'eyewitnesses' to God's present activity?
  3. What obligation do believers have to testify to the next generation about God's faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

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

עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙2 of 10

But your eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָֽרֹאֹ֔ת3 of 10

have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת4 of 10
H853

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

כָּל5 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה6 of 10

acts

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 10

of the LORD

H3068

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

הַגָּדֹ֑ל8 of 10

all the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁ֖ר9 of 10
H834

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

עָשָֽׂה׃10 of 10

which he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application


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 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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