Deuteronomy 29:9
Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם
Keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 13
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 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵי֙
therefore the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי֙
therefore the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַבְּרִ֣ית
of this covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֣ית
of this covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 13
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
and do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֑ם
H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
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
תַּשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ
them that ye may prosper
H7919
תַּשְׂכִּ֔ילוּ
them that ye may prosper
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
9 of 13
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
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 #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:6Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.1 Kings 2:3And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Joshua 1:7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.Deuteronomy 29:1These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.Psalms 25:10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.Jeremiah 50:5They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy repeatedly connects obedience with blessing and disobedience with curse. This covenant operates on conditional blessing principle - do this and live.
Israel's history validated this - faithful kings (David, Hezekiah, Josiah) experienced prosperity; wicked kings brought disaster.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the connection between keeping and doing teach about genuine faith?
- How are obedience and prosperity linked in covenant framework?
- What is the difference between covenant blessing and prosperity gospel?
- How does the principle that righteousness leads to blessing apply to Christians?
- Why is comprehensive success (all that ye do) promised rather than selective blessing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. The exhortation keep...the words of this covenant demands careful attention to covenant obligations. Prosperity depends on covenant faithfulness - obedience and blessing are inseparably linked in the Mosaic economy.
The dual command keep...and do connects knowing and doing, hearing and obeying. Mere knowledge of God's requirements without obedient action is insufficient. James later teaches that faith without works is dead.
The purpose that ye may prosper in all that ye do promises comprehensive success to the obedient. This is not health-and-wealth gospel promising automatic prosperity, but covenant blessing promising that faithful obedience results in flourishing.
Reformed theology maintains that while believers are not under Mosaic covenant, the principle that righteousness leads to blessing remains true spiritually and often temporally.