King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 8:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 8:7 in the King James Version says “For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;”

Deuteronomy 8:7 · KJV

Context

5

Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

6

Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

7

For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

8

A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; of oil: Heb. of olive tree of oil

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.

Read Deuteronomy 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description of Canaan as 'a good land' (eretz tovah) contrasts with Egypt's Nile-dependent agriculture and the wilderness' barrenness. The abundance of water sources—'brooks... fountains and depths... valleys and hills'—indicates reliable irrigation independent of single water sources. This demonstrates God's providential preparation: He brings His people into blessing, not hardship. The phrase 'the LORD thy God bringeth thee' emphasizes divine initiative and guidance. God doesn't merely permit but actively leads His people into blessing. The land's goodness reflects God's good character and generous provision. In spiritual application, God leads believers into Christ's abundant life (John 10:10) and spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Canaan's water system contrasted sharply with Egypt (Nile-dependent) and Mesopotamia (Tigris/Euphrates irrigation). Israel's land required seasonal rains (former and latter rains), creating dependence on God's provision (Deuteronomy 11:10-12). However, the land's topography—hills, valleys, springs—provided diverse water sources. Archaeological evidence confirms extensive ancient spring systems, cisterns, and natural wells throughout Canaan. The 'brooks' likely include the Jordan River and its tributaries, seasonal wadis, and perennial streams. This water abundance made the land genuinely fertile and capable of supporting large populations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that God 'brings you into' blessing affect your pursuit of provision and success?
  2. What 'good land' has God prepared for you that requires faith to enter and possess?
  3. In what ways should the goodness of God's gifts point you to worship the Giver rather than the gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כִּ֚י1 of 15
H3588

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

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 15

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ3 of 15

“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

מְבִֽיאֲךָ֖4 of 15

“bringeth”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל5 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֚רֶץ6 of 15

“a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

טוֹבָ֑ה7 of 15

“thee into a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֶ֚רֶץ8 of 15

“a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נַ֣חֲלֵי9 of 15

“of brooks”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

מָ֔יִם10 of 15

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

עֲיָנֹת֙11 of 15

“of fountains”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּתְהֹמֹ֔ת12 of 15

“and depths”

H8415

an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)

יֹֽצְאִ֥ים13 of 15

“that spring out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַּבִּקְעָ֖ה14 of 15

“of valleys”

H1237

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

וּבָהָֽר׃15 of 15

“and hills”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 11:9-12Exodus 3:8Ezekiel 20:6Psalms 65:9-13Deuteronomy 6:10-11Nehemiah 9:24-25

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