King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 28:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 28:8 in the King James Version says “The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he s...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Deuteronomy 28:8 · KJV

Context

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

9

The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

10

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Read Deuteronomy 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. God actively commands blessing - not passive permission but divine decree that prosperity shall attend the obedient. This emphasizes God's sovereignty in bestowing favor.

Blessing on storehouses ensures preservation of harvested abundance. It's not enough merely to produce; the produce must be preserved from spoilage, theft, and pests. God's comprehensive blessing covers both production and preservation.

The phrase all that thou settest thine hand unto extends blessing to every endeavor. Whatever lawful work the covenant-faithful undertake receives divine favor. This isn't limited to religious activities but encompasses all vocational pursuits.

Reformed theology affirms common grace whereby God blesses human endeavor generally, but covenant blessing involves special favor on those in relationship with Him through faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Storehouses held grain, oil, wine, and dried fruit - the accumulated wealth of agricultural society. Blessing on storage meant abundance remained intact rather than being lost to decay, vermin, or theft.

The comprehensiveness (all you set your hand to) demonstrated that covenant relationship affected every aspect of life and work.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God commanding blessing teach about His sovereignty in bestowing favor?
  2. How does blessing on both production and preservation demonstrate comprehensive provision?
  3. Why is blessing not limited to religious activities but extends to all lawful work?
  4. What is the difference between common grace and covenant blessing?
  5. How should covenant blessing on all endeavors shape our view of vocation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יְצַ֨ו1 of 16

“shall command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֥ה2 of 16

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אִתְּךָ֙3 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֶת4 of 16
H853

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

הַבְּרָכָ֔ה5 of 16

“the blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

בַּֽאֲסָמֶ֕יךָ6 of 16

“upon thee in thy storehouses”

H618

a storehouse (only in the plural)

וּבְכֹ֖ל7 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִשְׁלַ֣ח8 of 16

“and in all that thou settest”

H4916

a sending out, i.e., (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be disc

יָדֶ֑ךָ9 of 16

“thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וּבֵ֣רַכְךָ֔10 of 16

“unto and he shall bless”

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

בָּאָ֕רֶץ11 of 16

“thee in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר12 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְהוָ֥ה13 of 16

“The LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ14 of 16

“thy 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

נֹתֵ֥ן15 of 16

“giveth”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָֽךְ׃16 of 16
H0

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 28:8 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 28:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 15:10Leviticus 26:10Proverbs 3:9-10Psalms 133:3Malachi 3:10-11Luke 12:18

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

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