King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 8:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 8:9 in the King James Version says “A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iro... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 8:9 · KJV


Context

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.

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'eat bread without scarceness' and 'not lack any thing' describes complete provision and freedom from want. The Hebrew miskenuth (scarceness) means poverty or insufficiency. God promises not mere survival but abundance. The mention of iron (in stones) and copper/brass (in hills) indicates mineral resources beyond agricultural wealth. Canaan possessed iron deposits (though Philistines controlled iron-working technology initially) and significant copper mines (Arabah region). This comprehensive prosperity—food, water, minerals—shows God provides for all dimensions of life. However, the context (verses 10-20) warns that prosperity creates spiritual danger. Material blessing tests the heart more severely than deprivation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Canaan's mineral resources included copper mines in the Arabah (archaeological evidence from Timna shows extensive ancient copper mining), iron deposits in Galilee and Trans-Jordan, and various stones for building. This contrasted with Egypt (dependent on imported copper and iron) and the wilderness (no natural resources). However, Israel's initial inability to work iron (Philistine monopoly, 1 Samuel 13:19-22) meant full utilization of these resources came gradually. David and Solomon's reigns saw maximum exploitation of the land's wealth, fulfilling this promise completely.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of God's complete provision ('not lack any thing') address your anxieties and striving?
  2. In what ways does material abundance create spiritual testing more challenging than physical need?
  3. How can you view material resources (including your skills and opportunities) as gifts from God to steward rather than achievements to boast in?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אֶ֚רֶץ1 of 18

A land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 18

wherein

H834

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

לֹֽא3 of 18

without

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בְמִסְכֵּנֻת֙4 of 18

scarceness

H4544

indigence

תֹּֽאכַל5 of 18

thou shalt eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָּ֣הּ6 of 18
H0
לֶ֔חֶם7 of 18

bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לֹֽא8 of 18

without

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֶחְסַ֥ר9 of 18

thou shalt not lack

H2637

to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen

כֹּ֖ל10 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּ֑הּ11 of 18
H0
אֶ֚רֶץ12 of 18

A land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 18

wherein

H834

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

אֲבָנֶ֣יהָ14 of 18

whose stones

H68

a stone

בַרְזֶ֔ל15 of 18

are iron

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

וּמֵֽהֲרָרֶ֖יהָ16 of 18

and out of whose hills

H2042

a mountain

תַּחְצֹ֥ב17 of 18

thou mayest dig

H2672

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃18 of 18

brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)


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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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