Deuteronomy 29:6
Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.
Original Language Analysis
לֶ֚חֶם
bread
H3899
לֶ֚חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
1 of 13
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְשֵׁכָ֖ר
or strong drink
H7941
וְשֵׁכָ֖ר
or strong drink
Strong's:
H7941
Word #:
5 of 13
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁתִיתֶ֑ם
neither have ye drunk
H8354
שְׁתִיתֶ֑ם
neither have ye drunk
Strong's:
H8354
Word #:
7 of 13
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
that ye might know
H3045
תֵּֽדְע֔וּ
that ye might know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Deuteronomy 8:3And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Historical Context
For forty years, Israel ate manna and drank water provided miraculously rather than growing crops and making wine. This unusual diet distinguished them from all other nations and emphasized complete dependence on God.
Upon entering Canaan, manna ceased and normal agriculture resumed, showing that God's provision methods change but His faithfulness continues.
Questions for Reflection
- What does unusual provision teach about who truly sustains life?
- How did lacking normal food educate Israel about dependence on God?
- What does 'man does not live by bread alone' teach about spiritual priorities?
- How does Jesus' use of this principle when tempted apply to believers?
- Why does God sometimes provide through supernatural means rather than normal processes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God. Absence of normal food and drink (bread, wine) emphasized dependence on God's supernatural provision (manna, water from rock). Unusual provision methods taught Israel that God, not agriculture, sustains life.
The purpose clause that ye might know that I am the LORD your God reveals pedagogical intent. The wilderness experience taught theology - specifically that Yahweh is Israel's covenant God who provides for His people. Miracles served educational purpose.
Deprivation of normal comforts taught valuable lesson: humans do not live by bread alone but by every word from God's mouth (Deuteronomy 8:3). Material provision comes ultimately from God, whether through normal or supernatural means.
Jesus quotes this passage when tempted to turn stones to bread, affirming that trust in God's word matters more than satisfying physical hunger through inappropriate means.