King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:6 in the King James Version says “Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 29:6 · KJV

Context

4

Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

5

And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.

6

Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.

7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

8

And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.

Read Deuteronomy 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God. Absence of normal food and drink (bread, wine) emphasized dependence on God's supernatural provision (manna, water from rock). Unusual provision methods taught Israel that God, not agriculture, sustains life.

The purpose clause that ye might know that I am the LORD your God reveals pedagogical intent. The wilderness experience taught theology - specifically that Yahweh is Israel's covenant God who provides for His people. Miracles served educational purpose.

Deprivation of normal comforts taught valuable lesson: humans do not live by bread alone but by every word from God's mouth (Deuteronomy 8:3). Material provision comes ultimately from God, whether through normal or supernatural means.

Jesus quotes this passage when tempted to turn stones to bread, affirming that trust in God's word matters more than satisfying physical hunger through inappropriate means.

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Historical & Cultural Context

For forty years, Israel ate manna and drank water provided miraculously rather than growing crops and making wine. This unusual diet distinguished them from all other nations and emphasized complete dependence on God.

Upon entering Canaan, manna ceased and normal agriculture resumed, showing that God's provision methods change but His faithfulness continues.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does unusual provision teach about who truly sustains life?
  2. How did lacking normal food educate Israel about dependence on God?
  3. What does 'man does not live by bread alone' teach about spiritual priorities?
  4. How does Jesus' use of this principle when tempted apply to believers?
  5. Why does God sometimes provide through supernatural means rather than normal processes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֶ֚חֶם1 of 13

“bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לֹ֣א2 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲכַלְתֶּ֔ם3 of 13

“Ye have not eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְיַ֥יִן4 of 13

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְשֵׁכָ֖ר5 of 13

“or strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

לֹ֣א6 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שְׁתִיתֶ֑ם7 of 13

“neither have ye drunk”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

לְמַ֙עַן֙8 of 13
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תֵּֽדְע֔וּ9 of 13

“that ye might know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֛י10 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י11 of 13
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃13 of 13

“your 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

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 29:6 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 29:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 8:3Ephesians 5:18Numbers 16:14Psalms 78:24-25Numbers 20:8Exodus 16:12

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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