King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:5 in the King James Version says “Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. store: or, dough, or, kneadingtroughs” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 28:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. The basket represents the container used for gathering and carrying produce, while store refers to permanent storage facilities (granaries, storehouses). Blessing encompasses both the current harvest being gathered and the accumulated reserves from past harvests.

This promises both present provision (basket) and future security (store). God's blessing provides not only enough for today but surplus for tomorrow. This enables both contentment in present provision and confidence about future needs.

The imagery suggests that covenant faithfulness results in agricultural success - abundant harvests fill baskets during gathering and overflow storehouses for future use. This prosperity enables generosity toward the poor and hospitality toward neighbors.

Jesus teaches His disciples not to worry about food and clothing because the Father knows their needs (Matthew 6:25-34). Seeking God's kingdom first results in provision of necessities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Baskets were used during harvest to gather grain, fruit, and produce. Storehouses preserved dried grain, wine, oil, and other provisions through the year until next harvest.

Full baskets and stores meant economic security and the ability to survive bad years by drawing on accumulated surplus from good years.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does blessing on both basket and store teach about present and future provision?
  2. How does this enable both contentment now and confidence about tomorrow?
  3. Why is surplus important beyond mere subsistence?
  4. How does agricultural blessing enable generosity and hospitality?
  5. What does Jesus' teaching about not worrying teach about trusting divine provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
בָּר֥וּךְ1 of 3

“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

טַנְאֲךָ֖2 of 3

“shall be thy basket”

H2935

a basket (of interlaced osiers)

וּמִשְׁאַרְתֶּֽךָ׃3 of 3

“and thy store”

H4863

a kneading-trough (in which the dough rises)

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 28:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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