King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 8:11 Mean?
“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:”
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
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(11) **Beware that.**—From Deuteronomy 8:11 to Deuteronomy 8:18 inclusive is one long sentence in the Hebrew, and may be taken thus: “Take heed to thyself *lest *thou forget Jehovah thy God (so that thou keep not, &c.); *lest *thou eat and be satisfied (while thou buildest, &c.); and thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget Jehovah (thy deliverer, thy leader, thy sustainer), and say in thine heart, My power, &c.; and (take heed) *that thou remember *Jehovah thy God, that it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth,” &c. The caution is prophetic, as may be seen by the following examples:—
“When Rehoboam had . . . strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him” (2Chronicles 12:1).
“But when he (Uzziah) was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction” (2Chronicles 26:16).
“Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up” (2Chronicles 32:25).
Other instances might easily be added.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge