Deuteronomy 7:9

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Original Language Analysis

וְיָ֣דַעְתָּ֔ Know H3045
וְיָ֣דַעְתָּ֔ Know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 16
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֥ה therefore that the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה therefore that the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים he is God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים he is God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 16
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
ה֣וּא H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 5 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים he is God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים he is God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 16
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
הָאֵל֙ God H410
הָאֵל֙ God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 7 of 16
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
הַֽנֶּאֱמָ֔ן the faithful H539
הַֽנֶּאֱמָ֔ן the faithful
Strong's: H539
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י him and keep H8104
וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י him and keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 9 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
הַבְּרִ֣ית covenant H1285
הַבְּרִ֣ית covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 10 of 16
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וְהַחֶ֗סֶד and mercy H2617
וְהַחֶ֗סֶד and mercy
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 11 of 16
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
לְאֹֽהֲבָ֛יו with them that love H157
לְאֹֽהֲבָ֛יו with them that love
Strong's: H157
Word #: 12 of 16
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י him and keep H8104
וּלְשֹֽׁמְרֵ֥י him and keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 13 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתָ֖ו his commandments H4687
מִצְוֹתָ֖ו his commandments
Strong's: H4687
Word #: 14 of 16
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
לְאֶ֥לֶף to a thousand H505
לְאֶ֥לֶף to a thousand
Strong's: H505
Word #: 15 of 16
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
דּֽוֹר׃ generations H1755
דּֽוֹר׃ generations
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 16 of 16
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis & Commentary

The command 'Know therefore' (yada'ta) means experiential, intimate knowledge, not mere intellectual assent. God's faithfulness (ne'eman) means He is trustworthy, reliable, unchanging. 'Keepeth covenant and mercy' shows God's commitment to both justice (covenant) and compassion (mercy, chesed). The promise extends 'to a thousand generations'—hyperbolic language indicating inexhaustible faithfulness. The condition 'them that love him and keep his commandments' establishes covenant obedience as the context for experiencing God's blessing. This isn't works-righteousness but covenant relationship—love and obedience are the fruit, not root, of salvation. Christ fulfills God's covenant faithfulness perfectly, and believers participate in this through union with Him.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern covenants (Hittite suzerainty treaties, Assyrian loyalty oaths) typically included blessings for obedience and curses for violation. Deuteronomy follows this covenant structure but with a critical difference: the covenant is grounded in God's prior gracious redemption (Exodus), not merely mutual obligation. The 'thousand generations' formula emphasizes the eternal nature of God's commitment, contrasting with pagan gods whose favor was fickle and transactional. This covenant faithfulness would be tested through Israel's apostasy and exile, yet God's ultimate faithfulness culminates in the new covenant in Christ's blood.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources