King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:4 in the King James Version says “Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy ki...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.”

Deuteronomy 28:4 · KJV

Context

2

And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

3

Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

5

Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. store: or, dough, or, kneadingtroughs

6

Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessing extends to family (fruit of thy body), agriculture (fruit of thy ground), and livestock (cattle, kine, sheep). This comprehensive fertility affects human, plant, and animal reproduction - the three primary sources of sustenance and wealth.

The repetition of fruit and increase emphasizes multiplication and abundance. Covenant blessing produces more than subsistence - it generates surplus enabling generosity and flourishing.

Children (fruit of thy body) are identified as blessing, reflecting biblical view that offspring are heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). This contrasts with contemporary culture often viewing children as burden rather than blessing.

The triad of human, agricultural, and livestock fertility demonstrates that God governs all aspects of life-giving and sustenance. Nothing reproduces apart from divine blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In agricultural society, these three forms of increase constituted total economic life. Children provided labor and inheritance; crops provided food; livestock provided meat, milk, leather, wool, and sacrificial animals.

Blessing in all three simultaneously meant comprehensive prosperity - growing families with abundant food and increasing wealth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does blessing in family, fields, and flocks teach about comprehensive provision?
  2. How does the biblical view of children as blessing contrast with contemporary culture?
  3. Why is multiplication and surplus emphasized rather than mere subsistence?
  4. What does the triad of human, plant, and animal fertility teach about God's governance?
  5. How should this comprehensive blessing shape our stewardship of family, land, and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בָּר֧וּךְ1 of 11

“Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

וּפְרִ֣י2 of 11

“and the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

בִטְנְךָ֛3 of 11

“of thy body”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

וּפְרִ֣י4 of 11

“and the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

אַדְמָֽתְךָ֖5 of 11

“of thy ground”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

וּפְרִ֣י6 of 11

“and the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

בְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ7 of 11

“of thy cattle”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

שְׁגַ֥ר8 of 11

“the increase”

H7698

the ftus (as finally expelled)

אֲלָפֶ֖יךָ9 of 11

“of thy kine”

H504

a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow

וְעַשְׁתְּר֥וֹת10 of 11

“and the flocks”

H6251

increase

צֹאנֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“of thy sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

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 28:4 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 28:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:22Genesis 49:25Deuteronomy 7:13Psalms 128:3Leviticus 26:9Deuteronomy 28:11

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