Deuteronomy 22:7
But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
Original Language Analysis
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
But thou shalt in any wise
H7971
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
But thou shalt in any wise
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
But thou shalt in any wise
H7971
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
But thou shalt in any wise
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
2 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאֵ֔ם
let the dam
H517
הָאֵ֔ם
let the dam
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
4 of 13
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבָּנִ֖ים
the young
H1121
הַבָּנִ֖ים
the young
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִ֣יטַב
to thee that it may be well
H3190
יִ֣יטַב
to thee that it may be well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
10 of 13
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
Historical Context
Paul refers to the fifth commandment as the first with promise (Ephesians 6:2), though this law also promises prolonged days. Both emphasize that obedience to God's wise ordering of relationships (human and environmental) produces blessing.
The connection between stewardship and longevity demonstrates practical wisdom - societies that exhaust their resources through exploitation suffer scarcity and decline.
Questions for Reflection
- What does promise of blessing for obeying this minor law teach about comprehensive obedience?
- How does wise environmental stewardship contribute to personal and societal flourishing?
- Why does God connect treatment of creation with human welfare?
- What does this reveal about the importance of obeying even seemingly small commandments?
- How should the promise of prolonged life motivate sustainable rather than exploitative resource use?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days. The command let the dam go is emphatic - releasing the mother is not optional suggestion but firm requirement. Obedience to this seemingly minor law carries promise of blessing.
The promise that it may be well with thee connects faithful stewardship with personal flourishing. How we treat creation affects our own welfare. Wise resource management produces ongoing blessing; exploitation brings eventual scarcity.
The additional promise that thou mayest prolong thy days links this commandment to the fifth commandment's promise of long life for honoring parents. Paul notes this is the first commandment with promise, though this bird's nest law also promises extended life.
This teaches that God's law operates holistically - obedience in small matters contributes to comprehensive flourishing. No commandment is too minor to matter; all reflect God's wisdom for human thriving.