King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 26:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 26:7 in the King James Version says “And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labo...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:”

Deuteronomy 26:7 · KJV

Context

5

And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous:

6

And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:

7

And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

8

And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

9

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Read Deuteronomy 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice—the liturgy emphasizes that deliverance began with Israel's cry (nitzaq, a desperate outcry), not their merit. The doubling of the divine name (YHWH Elohei avoteinu... YHWH) stresses covenant continuity: the God who heard is the same God who made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their cry appealed to covenant relationship, not bargaining or negotiation.

The phrase the LORD heard our voice (vayyishma YHWH et-qolenu) echoes Exodus 2:24-25: "God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant." Divine "hearing" isn't passive acknowledgment but active intervention—hearing leads to seeing, and seeing to action. The parallel structure—looked on our affliction, our labour, and our oppression—uses three terms (oni, amal, lachats) to comprehensively describe their suffering.

This confession teaches that prayer isn't manipulating God but appealing to His revealed character and covenant promises. Israel's cry wasn't sophisticated theology but desperate plea—yet God responded not because their prayer was eloquent but because He is faithful.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's cry occurred during the intensified oppression under Exodus 2:23-25, after Moses fled to Midian but before God called him at the burning bush. The 'groaning' lasted decades before deliverance came, teaching that God's timing differs from human urgency. The exodus generation at Sinai experienced this firsthand; Moses's audience in Deuteronomy 26 heard it from their parents. The liturgical recitation ensures each subsequent generation claims this salvation history as their own.

Reflection Questions

  1. When facing prolonged hardship, do you persist in crying out to God, or do you assume He isn't listening?
  2. How does God's covenant faithfulness to past generations assure you of His present commitment to hear your prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַנִּצְעַ֕ק1 of 16

“And when we cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙3 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י4 of 16

“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

אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ5 of 16

“of our fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע6 of 16

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יְהוָה֙7 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת8 of 16
H853

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

קֹלֵ֔נוּ9 of 16

“our voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיַּ֧רְא10 of 16

“and looked”

H7200

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

אֶת11 of 16
H853

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

עָנְיֵ֛נוּ12 of 16

“on our affliction”

H6040

depression, i.e., misery

וְאֶת13 of 16
H853

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

עֲמָלֵ֖נוּ14 of 16

“and our labour”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

וְאֶת15 of 16
H853

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

לַֽחֲצֵֽנוּ׃16 of 16

“and our oppression”

H3906

distress

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 26:7 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 26:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 2:23-3:4Exodus 3:9Ephesians 3:20-21Psalms 103:1-2Psalms 119:132Psalms 50:15

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Deuteronomy 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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