Deuteronomy Chapter 7 · Verse 14

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle.

Original Language Analysis

בָּר֥וּךְ Thou shalt be blessed H1288
בָּר֥וּךְ Thou shalt be blessed
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 1 of 10
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִכָּל H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים above all people H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים above all people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 4 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְךָ֛ H0
בְךָ֛
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 10
וַֽעֲקָרָ֖ה or female barren H6135
וַֽעֲקָרָ֖ה or female barren
Strong's: H6135
Word #: 8 of 10
sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)
וַֽעֲקָרָ֖ה or female barren H6135
וַֽעֲקָרָ֖ה or female barren
Strong's: H6135
Word #: 9 of 10
sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)
וּבִבְהֶמְתֶּֽךָ׃ among you or among your cattle H929
וּבִבְהֶמְתֶּֽךָ׃ among you or among your cattle
Strong's: H929
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

Analysis & Commentary

The promise 'blessed above all people' establishes Israel's unique status as recipients of God's covenant favor. The absence of barrenness (in humans and livestock) signifies divine blessing and fulfilled purpose. In ancient culture, barrenness was considered curse or divine disfavor (Genesis 30:1-2; 1 Samuel 1:5-8). This promise reverses that curse, showing God's blessing brings fruitfulness. Theologically, fruitfulness symbolizes covenant vitality—God's blessing produces abundance. The New Testament applies this spiritually: believers are blessed 'with all spiritual blessings' (Ephesians 1:3) and called to bear spiritual fruit (John 15:8, Galatians 5:22-23). The ultimate 'fruitfulness' is multiplication of disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

Historical Context

In agricultural societies, fertility (human and animal) determined economic prosperity and social standing. Large families provided labor and security; numerous livestock indicated wealth. God's promise directly addressed ancient Israel's practical concerns. Throughout Israel's history, faithfulness generally correlated with prosperity (Solomon's reign), while apostasy brought barrenness and defeat. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth all experienced God's intervention to reverse barrenness, demonstrating His sovereign power over fertility and life.

Questions for Reflection