King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 12:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 12:25 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 12:25 · KJV

Context

23

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. be: Heb. be strong

24

Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.

25

Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.

26

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

27

And thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the LORD thy God: and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be poured out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh.

Read Deuteronomy 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The motivation: 'Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.' Obedience to blood prohibition brings blessing—'go well' (יִיטַב, yitav, prosper/flourish). The generational scope 'and with thy children after thee' shows obedience's long-term consequences. The phrase 'right in the sight of the LORD' defines morality not by human standards but divine perspective. What is 'right' (יָשָׁר, yashar, straight/upright) is determined by God's word. This verse teaches that covenant obedience, even in seemingly small matters like blood disposal, brings covenant blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy frequently connects obedience to prosperity (Deuteronomy 4:40; 5:29; 6:3, 18; 12:25, 28). This reflects covenant structure: loyalty brings blessing, rebellion brings curse. However, Old Testament saints recognized that immediate prosperity doesn't always attend obedience (Job, Psalms 73). The principle operates corporately and across generations more than individually and immediately. Ultimately, obedience brings eternal blessing (Matthew 5:3-12), though temporal suffering may occur (Hebrews 11:35-40).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we balance teaching that obedience brings blessing with reality that righteous people sometimes suffer?
  2. What does 'go well with you' mean in New Testament context where suffering for Christ is expected?
  3. How does obedience in 'small matters' (like blood disposal) relate to faithfulness in greater matters?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹ֖א1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֹּֽאכְלֶ֑נּוּ2 of 12

“Thou shalt not eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לְמַ֨עַן3 of 12
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִיטַ֤ב4 of 12

“it that it may go well”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לְךָ֙5 of 12
H0
וּלְבָנֶ֣יךָ6 of 12

“with thee and with thy children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽחֲרֶ֔יךָ7 of 12

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

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

תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה9 of 12

“thee when thou shalt do”

H6213

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

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר10 of 12

“that which is right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֥י11 of 12

“in the sight”

H5869

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

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

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 12:25 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 12:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:261 Kings 11:38Deuteronomy 4:40Isaiah 3:10Deuteronomy 13:18Deuteronomy 6:18

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