King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 8:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 8:11 in the King James Version says “Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, whic... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

Deuteronomy 8:11 · KJV


Context

9

A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

10

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

11

Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

12

Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;

13

And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses continues: 'Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.' The 'therefore' connects God's fatherly discipline (verse 5) to obedient response—proper understanding of God's character produces reverence and obedience. 'Walk in his ways' presents the Christian life as a journey, requiring daily faithfulness. The 'fear' of God (yirah) is both reverential awe and practical wisdom—recognizing God's authority and aligning life accordingly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command anticipates Israel's entrance into Canaan, where they'll face temptations to adopt Canaanite practices and worship Canaanite deities. Walking in God's ways would distinguish Israel from surrounding nations, making them a 'holy nation' (Exodus 19:6). Israel's later syncretism and idolatry demonstrated failure to fear God and walk in His ways, resulting in prophetic warnings and eventual exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'walk in God's ways' in your daily decisions?
  2. How does the 'fear of the LORD' function as 'the beginning of wisdom' in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
שְׁמֹ֤ר1 of 16

Beware

H8104

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

לְךָ֔2 of 16
H0
פֶּן3 of 16
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּשְׁכַּ֖ח4 of 16

that thou forget

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 16

not the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ7 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

לְבִלְתִּ֨י8 of 16
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

שְׁמֹ֤ר9 of 16

Beware

H8104

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

מִצְוֹתָיו֙10 of 16

his commandments

H4687

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

וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֣יו11 of 16

and his judgments

H4941

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

וְחֻקֹּתָ֔יו12 of 16

and his statutes

H2708

a statute

אֲשֶׁ֛ר13 of 16
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֥י14 of 16
H595

i

מְצַוְּךָ֖15 of 16

which I command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַיּֽוֹם׃16 of 16

thee this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso


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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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