King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 22:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 22:8 in the King James Version says “When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine hou...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.”

Deuteronomy 22:8 · KJV

Context

6

If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young:

7

But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.

8

When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.

9

Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled. fruit of thy seed: Heb. fulness of the seed

10

Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.

Read Deuteronomy 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Safety regulations: 'When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.' Flat roofs required protective walls (ma'aqeh, מַעֲקֶה, railing/parapet) preventing falls. This applies covenant love to daily safety—'love thy neighbor' includes practical protection. The phrase 'bring not blood upon thine house' indicates legal/moral guilt for preventable deaths. Negligence equals guilt. This establishes principle: responsibility for others' safety extends to property design. Modern building codes, workplace safety, and liability law reflect this principle. Love demands practical care, not just sentiment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern homes had flat roofs used for sleeping, drying food, and socializing. Without parapets, falls caused injury/death. This law required homeowners to prevent foreseeable harm. The principle extends beyond literal application: any foreseeable danger requiring reasonable prevention. James applies this spiritually: 'to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin' (James 4:17)—omitting good is sin. Christian love proactively protects others' welfare, not merely avoiding direct harm.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the parapet law demonstrate that love requires practical action, not just avoiding harm?
  2. What modern 'parapets' (safety measures, preventative actions) does Christian love require?
  3. How does responsibility for others' safety reflect the second great commandment (love neighbor)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֤י1 of 15
H3588

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

תִבְנֶה֙2 of 15

“When thou buildest”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ3 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

חָדָ֔שׁ4 of 15

“a new”

H2319

new

וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ5 of 15

“then thou shalt make”

H6213

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

מַֽעֲקֶ֖ה6 of 15

“a battlement”

H4624

a parapet

לְגַגֶּ֑ךָ7 of 15

“for thy roof”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

וְלֹֽא8 of 15
H3808

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

תָשִׂ֤ים9 of 15

“that thou bring”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

דָּמִים֙10 of 15

“not blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ11 of 15

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

כִּֽי12 of 15
H3588

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

הַנֹּפֵ֖ל13 of 15

“fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

הַנֹּפֵ֖ל14 of 15

“fall”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃15 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 2:4Isaiah 22:1Jeremiah 19:13Exodus 21:28-362 Samuel 11:21 Thessalonians 5:22

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Deuteronomy 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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