Deuteronomy 11:8
Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
Therefore shall ye keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
Therefore shall ye keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוָ֔ה
all the commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֔ה
all the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
4 of 19
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
which
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
which
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַיּ֑וֹם
you this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
you this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 19
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
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תֶּֽחֶזְק֗וּ
that ye may be strong
H2388
תֶּֽחֶזְק֗וּ
that ye may be strong
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
10 of 19
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וּבָאתֶם֙
and go in
H935
וּבָאתֶם֙
and go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
and possess
H3423
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃
and possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
12 of 19
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
which
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
which
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
whither ye go
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
whither ye go
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
17 of 19
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.Ephesians 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;Deuteronomy 31:23And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern treaty documents (Hittite suzerainty treaties, 14th-13th centuries BC) similarly connected vassal loyalty to prosperity and protection. God's covenant follows this recognizable form but with crucial differences: Yahweh had already redeemed Israel before demanding obedience (grace precedes law), and the relationship was personal, not merely political. Israel's strength wasn't autonomous but derived from covenant blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's past faithfulness motivate present obedience?
- What is the connection between spiritual faithfulness and effectiveness in life's battles?
- How does grace preceding law affect our motivation for obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments' connects obedience directly to covenant history. The Hebrew shamar (שָׁמַר, 'keep/guard') implies careful, diligent, protective observance. The purpose clause 'that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land' links obedience to conquest success. This isn't magical thinking but covenant theology: God's blessing on obedient Israel would include victory over enemies. Military strength flows from spiritual faithfulness. The conquest depends not primarily on superior weapons or numbers but covenant loyalty.