King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:6 in the King James Version says “Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 28:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. storehouses: or, barns

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. This blessing encompasses all movements and activities - coming in and going out represent returning home and departing for work, entering rest and undertaking activity. The totality means continuous blessing throughout daily life.

The phrase functions as merism - using opposite extremes to indicate everything between. Like Alpha and Omega encompassing the entire alphabet, coming in and going out encompasses all life activities. No moment exists outside God's blessing for the obedient.

This promises safety and success in all ventures. Whether traveling (going out) or at home (coming in), whether working or resting, whether in public or private life, the covenant-faithful experience God's protective favor.

Psalm 121:8 uses similar language - The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. God's watchful care attends His people continuously.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient society, going out often meant military campaigns, trading journeys, or agricultural work - all fraught with danger. Coming in meant returning safely to family and home. Both required divine protection.

The blessing assured that daily rhythms of work and rest, travel and return, would occur under divine favor rather than disaster.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does blessing in coming in and going out teach about continuous divine favor?
  2. How does this merism (opposites indicating totality) demonstrate comprehensive blessing?
  3. Why is it significant that no activity falls outside God's blessing for the obedient?
  4. How does Psalm 121:8 develop this theme of God's continuous watchfulness?
  5. What does this teach about God's involvement in ordinary daily activities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּבָר֥וּךְ1 of 6

“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

אַתָּ֖ה2 of 6
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּבֹאֶ֑ךָ3 of 6

“shalt thou be when thou comest in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וּבָר֥וּךְ4 of 6

“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

אַתָּ֖ה5 of 6
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּצֵאתֶֽךָ׃6 of 6

“shalt thou be when thou goest out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 28:6 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 28:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 121:82 Chronicles 1:10Numbers 27:172 Samuel 3:25Deuteronomy 31:2

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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