King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 32:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 32:14 in the King James Version says “Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidney...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.”

Deuteronomy 32:14 · KJV

Context

12

So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

13

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

14

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

15

But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

16

They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.

Read Deuteronomy 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs—Moses recounts God's extravagant provision using Hebrew ḥem'at bāqār (cream/curds of cattle) and ḥālāv ṣō'n (milk of flock). Rams of the breed of Bashan references the renowned pastureland east of Jordan known for prime livestock (Ezekiel 39:18, Amos 4:1). The metaphor of drinking the pure blood of the grape (דַּם־עֵנָב, dam-'ēnāb) is poetic imagery for finest wine, not literal blood.

This verse catalogs covenant blessings—agricultural abundance, livestock prosperity, and luxury goods—demonstrating that Israel's rebellion (v.15-18) was not born from deprivation but from prosperity. The imagery anticipates Jesus's eucharistic language of bread and wine representing covenant relationship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) was composed circa 1406 BC as prophetic testimony against Israel's future apostasy. Bashan, conquered under Moses (Numbers 21:33-35), became proverbial for agricultural excellence. This verse establishes the contrast: God's lavish faithfulness versus Israel's ingratitude.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does material prosperity sometimes lead to spiritual complacency in your own life?
  2. What does God's generous provision to rebellious Israel reveal about His character and grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
חֶמְאַ֨ת1 of 19

“Butter”

H2529

curdled milk or cheese

בָּקָ֜ר2 of 19

“of kine”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

וַֽחֲלֵ֣ב3 of 19

“and milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

צֹ֗אן4 of 19

“of sheep”

H6629

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

עִם5 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֵ֖לֶב6 of 19

“with fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

כָּרִ֜ים7 of 19

“of lambs”

H3733

a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)

וְאֵילִ֤ים8 of 19

“and rams”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

בְּנֵֽי9 of 19

“of the breed”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בָשָׁן֙10 of 19

“of Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

וְעַתּוּדִ֔ים11 of 19

“and goats”

H6260

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

עִם12 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֵ֖לֶב13 of 19

“with fat”

H2459

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

כִּלְי֣וֹת14 of 19

“of kidneys”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

חִטָּ֑ה15 of 19

“of wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וְדַם16 of 19

“blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עֵנָ֖ב17 of 19

“of the grape”

H6025

a grape

תִּשְׁתֶּה18 of 19

“and thou didst drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

חָֽמֶר׃19 of 19

“the pure”

H2561

wine (as fermenting)

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 32:14 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 32:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:11Psalms 81:16Psalms 147:14Job 20:17Judges 5:25John 6:55-56

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 32 →

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