King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:12 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:12 in the King James Version says “Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall ke...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: if: Heb. because”

Deuteronomy 7:12 · KJV

Context

10

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

11

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: if: Heb. because

13

And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

14

Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The conditional 'if ye hearken... and keep... and do' establishes covenant blessing as responsive to obedience. This isn't works-salvation but covenant relationship—God promises blessing to those who walk in His ways. The threefold structure (hearken, keep, do) emphasizes progression: hearing leads to guarding (treasuring) which results in doing. The promise that 'the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant' shows God's faithfulness is engaged through His people's responsive obedience. The 'mercy' (chesed) sworn to the fathers refers to the Abrahamic covenant's unconditional promises being experienced conditionally based on covenant faithfulness. This reflects the 'already-not yet' tension in redemption—ultimate salvation is secure, but covenant blessings are experienced through obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The blessings promised here would be experienced during the united monarchy under David and Solomon when Israel enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:20-25). However, divided kingdom apostasy led to covenant curses (exile). The prophets repeatedly called Israel to return to covenant obedience to experience restored blessing (Jeremiah 7:23; Zechariah 1:3). The New Testament parallels this in sanctification—believers' secure justification issues in progressive sanctification through Spirit-empowered obedience (Philippians 2:12-13).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance understanding salvation as pure grace with the call to obedient covenant living?
  2. What covenant blessings might you be forfeiting through patterns of disobedience?
  3. How does 'hearkening' (attentive listening) to God's word differ from casual exposure to Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהָיָ֣ה׀1 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֵ֣קֶב2 of 20

“Wherefore it shall come to pass if”

H6118

a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re

תִּשְׁמְע֗וּן3 of 20

“ye hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵ֤ת4 of 20
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֙5 of 20

“to these judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

הָאֵ֔לֶּה6 of 20
H428

these or those

וְשָׁמַר֩7 of 20

“and keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם8 of 20

“and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתָ֑ם9 of 20
H853

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

וְשָׁמַר֩10 of 20

“and keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

יְהוָ֨ה11 of 20

“them that the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ12 of 20

“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

לְךָ֗13 of 20
H0
אֶֽת14 of 20
H853

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

הַבְּרִית֙15 of 20

“unto thee the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְאֶת16 of 20
H853

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

הַחֶ֔סֶד17 of 20

“and the mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 20
H834

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

נִשְׁבַּ֖ע19 of 20

“which he sware”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַֽאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃20 of 20

“unto thy fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 7:12 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 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7:9Deuteronomy 28:1-14Leviticus 26:3-13Psalms 105:8-10Luke 1:72-73Micah 7:20

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