Deuteronomy 6:18
And 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,
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ
And thou shalt do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ
And thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַטֹּבָ֔ה
and good
H2896
הַטֹּבָ֔ה
and good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
3 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 17
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִ֣יטַב
that it may be well
H3190
יִ֣יטַב
that it may be well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
7 of 17
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
וּבָ֗אתָ
with thee and that thou mayest go in
H935
וּבָ֗אתָ
with thee and that thou mayest go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and possess
H3423
וְיָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
10 of 17
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַטֹּבָ֔ה
and good
H2896
הַטֹּבָ֔ה
and good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
13 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִשְׁבַּ֥ע
sware
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֥ע
sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
15 of 17
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
Cross References
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.Deuteronomy 12:25Thou 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.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!John 8:29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.Ezekiel 33:19But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
Historical Context
Israel's possession and retention of Canaan depended on covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 4:25-27, 28:15-68). Doing 'right and good' meant: just treatment of poor, widows, orphans; honest commerce; pure worship; and social righteousness. When Israel obeyed, they prospered (Joshua-early Judges, David-Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah). Disobedience brought defeat, oppression, and exile. The land itself 'vomited out' covenant violators (Leviticus 18:24-28), as Canaanites before them. Possession required ongoing faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does doing what is 'right and good in the sight of the LORD' differ from conforming to cultural standards of morality?
- What does the connection between obedience and land possession teach about covenant blessing depending on faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command 'do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD' requires conduct pleasing to God, not merely conforming to human standards. The Hebrew 'yashar v'tov' (right and good) indicates both just/straight conduct and morally excellent character. The purpose clauses reveal obedience's benefits: 'that it may be well with thee' (prosperity) and 'that thou mayest go in and possess the good land' (inheritance). This verse articulates the covenant principle: obedience enables enjoying God's promises. Yet Israel's failure proved that law reveals duty but cannot enable performance. Only grace produces righteousness.