King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 7:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 7:9 in the King James Version says “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;”

Deuteronomy 7:9 · KJV

Love

Context

7

The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:

8

But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

9

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

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.

Read Deuteronomy 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'Know therefore' (yada'ta) means experiential, intimate knowledge, not mere intellectual assent. God's faithfulness (ne'eman) means He is trustworthy, reliable, unchanging. 'Keepeth covenant and mercy' shows God's commitment to both justice (covenant) and compassion (mercy, chesed). The promise extends 'to a thousand generations'—hyperbolic language indicating inexhaustible faithfulness. The condition 'them that love him and keep his commandments' establishes covenant obedience as the context for experiencing God's blessing. This isn't works-righteousness but covenant relationship—love and obedience are the fruit, not root, of salvation. Christ fulfills God's covenant faithfulness perfectly, and believers participate in this through union with Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern covenants (Hittite suzerainty treaties, Assyrian loyalty oaths) typically included blessings for obedience and curses for violation. Deuteronomy follows this covenant structure but with a critical difference: the covenant is grounded in God's prior gracious redemption (Exodus), not merely mutual obligation. The 'thousand generations' formula emphasizes the eternal nature of God's commitment, contrasting with pagan gods whose favor was fickle and transactional. This covenant faithfulness would be tested through Israel's apostasy and exile, yet God's ultimate faithfulness culminates in the new covenant in Christ's blood.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'knowing' God as faithful differ from merely believing facts about Him?
  2. What evidence in your life demonstrates love for God and obedience to His commandments?
  3. How does God's covenant faithfulness 'to a thousand generations' affect your view of family discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְיָ֣דַעְתָּ֔1 of 16

“Know”

H3045

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

כִּֽי2 of 16
H3588

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

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 16

“therefore that the LORD”

H3068

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים4 of 16

“he is 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

ה֣וּא5 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים6 of 16

“he is 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

הָאֵל֙7 of 16

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

הַֽנֶּאֱמָ֔ן8 of 16

“the faithful”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י9 of 16

“him and keep”

H8104

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

הַבְּרִ֣ית10 of 16

“covenant”

H1285

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

וְהַחֶ֗סֶד11 of 16

“and mercy”

H2617

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

לְאֹֽהֲבָ֛יו12 of 16

“with them that love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י13 of 16

“him and keep”

H8104

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

מִצְוֹתָ֖ו14 of 16

“his commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

לְאֶ֥לֶף15 of 16

“to a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

דּֽוֹר׃16 of 16

“generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:232 Timothy 2:132 Thessalonians 3:3Daniel 9:41 Corinthians 1:9Nehemiah 1:5

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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