Deuteronomy 12:25
Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְמַ֨עַן
H4616
לְמַ֨עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִיטַ֤ב
it that it may go well
H3190
יִיטַ֤ב
it that it may go well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
4 of 12
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
וּלְבָנֶ֣יךָ
with thee and with thy children
H1121
וּלְבָנֶ֣יךָ
with thee and with thy children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַֽחֲרֶ֔יךָ
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֶ֔יךָ
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
thee when thou shalt do
H6213
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
thee when thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַיָּשָׁ֖ר
that which is right
H3477
הַיָּשָׁ֖ר
that which is right
Strong's:
H3477
Word #:
10 of 12
straight (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.Exodus 15:26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.Deuteronomy 4:40Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.1 Kings 11:38And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.Deuteronomy 13:18When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.Deuteronomy 6:18And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,
Historical Context
Deuteronomy frequently connects obedience to prosperity (Deuteronomy 4:40; 5:29; 6:3, 18; 12:25, 28). This reflects covenant structure: loyalty brings blessing, rebellion brings curse. However, Old Testament saints recognized that immediate prosperity doesn't always attend obedience (Job, Psalms 73). The principle operates corporately and across generations more than individually and immediately. Ultimately, obedience brings eternal blessing (Matthew 5:3-12), though temporal suffering may occur (Hebrews 11:35-40).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance teaching that obedience brings blessing with reality that righteous people sometimes suffer?
- What does 'go well with you' mean in New Testament context where suffering for Christ is expected?
- How does obedience in 'small matters' (like blood disposal) relate to faithfulness in greater matters?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The motivation: 'Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.' Obedience to blood prohibition brings blessing—'go well' (יִיטַב, yitav, prosper/flourish). The generational scope 'and with thy children after thee' shows obedience's long-term consequences. The phrase 'right in the sight of the LORD' defines morality not by human standards but divine perspective. What is 'right' (יָשָׁר, yashar, straight/upright) is determined by God's word. This verse teaches that covenant obedience, even in seemingly small matters like blood disposal, brings covenant blessing.