Deuteronomy 28:47
Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
Original Language Analysis
תַּ֗חַת
H8478
תַּ֗חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
1 of 12
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָבַ֙דְתָּ֙
Because thou servedst
H5647
עָבַ֙דְתָּ֙
Because thou servedst
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
4 of 12
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה
not the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
not the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 12
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
בְּשִׂמְחָ֖ה
with joyfulness
H8057
בְּשִׂמְחָ֖ה
with joyfulness
Strong's:
H8057
Word #:
8 of 12
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
וּבְט֣וּב
and with gladness
H2898
וּבְט֣וּב
and with gladness
Strong's:
H2898
Word #:
9 of 12
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
Historical Context
Israel's history repeatedly demonstrated this pattern—prosperity bred spiritual apathy. Solomon's reign saw material abundance but growing idolatry (1 Kings 11). The pre-exilic prophets condemned formalistic religion lacking genuine devotion (Isaiah 1:10-17; Amos 5:21-24). Jesus warned against serving God for material gain rather than heartfelt love (Matthew 6:24). True worship combines right practice with right heart attitude.
Questions for Reflection
- How can prosperity lead to joyless, perfunctory religion rather than grateful devotion?
- What does God's desire for joyful service reveal about His character and His design for worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses identifies the root cause of judgment: 'Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things.' The issue isn't merely disobedience but attitude—serving God grudgingly or mechanically rather than joyfully. The phrase 'for the abundance of all things' reveals the problem: prosperity led to complacency and ingratitude rather than increased devotion. Joyless religion indicates heart disconnection from God, even when outward forms are maintained.