King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:20 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:20 in the King James Version says “When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.”

Deuteronomy 12:20 · KJV

Context

18

But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

19

Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. as long: Heb. all thy days

20

When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

21

If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

22

Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike.

Read Deuteronomy 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Future territorial expansion: 'When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.' This anticipates blessing of increased territory making sanctuary even more distant. God accommodates this by permitting meat consumption despite distance. The phrase 'enlarge thy border' recalls promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). God's blessing (territorial expansion) creates practical challenges (distance from sanctuary), which His law addresses. This shows divine law's flexibility regarding circumstances while maintaining principles.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The promised borders (Deuteronomy 11:24; Genesis 15:18) extended from Euphrates to Mediterranean. David and Solomon achieved near-fulfillment (2 Samuel 8; 1 Kings 4:21), though never permanent. The territorial promise remains partially unfulfilled, awaiting Messianic consummation. This verse's provision for distance assumes blessing of expansion, showing covenant obedience brings prosperity requiring practical accommodation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's law balance unchanging principles with flexible application to varying circumstances?
  2. What does promised territorial expansion teach about God's intention to bless obedient covenant people?
  3. How do Christians understand Old Testament land promises in light of global gospel commission?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּֽי1 of 22
H3588

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

יַרְחִיב֩2 of 22

“shall enlarge”

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

יְהוָ֨ה3 of 22

“When the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֥יךָ4 of 22

“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

אֶֽת5 of 22
H853

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

גְּבֻֽלְךָ֮6 of 22

“thy border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 22
H834

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

דִּבֶּר8 of 22

“as he hath promised”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לָךְ֒9 of 22
H0
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙10 of 22

“thee and thou shalt say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תֹּאכַ֥ל11 of 22

“I will eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּשָֽׂר׃12 of 22

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

כִּֽי13 of 22
H3588

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

תְאַוֶּ֥ה14 of 22

“longeth”

H183

to wish for

נַפְשְׁךָ֖15 of 22

“because thy soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תֹּאכַ֥ל16 of 22

“I will eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּשָֽׂר׃17 of 22

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

בְּכָל18 of 22
H3605

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

אַוַּ֥ת19 of 22

“lusteth after”

H185

longing

נַפְשְׁךָ֖20 of 22

“because thy soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

תֹּאכַ֥ל21 of 22

“I will eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּשָֽׂר׃22 of 22

“flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

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 12:20 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 12:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 19:8Deuteronomy 11:24Exodus 34:24Genesis 28:14Genesis 15:18-21Deuteronomy 12:15

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