King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 8:12 Mean?

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

Context

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

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:

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

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

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Hast built goodly houses.**—One of the conditions prescribed by Jonadab the son of Rechab to his family was, “All your days ye shall *dwell in tents; *that ye may live many days in the land *where ye be strangers*” (Jeremiah 35:7).

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 8:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.