Deuteronomy Chapter 8 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

Original Language Analysis

וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֙ But thou shalt remember H2142
וְזָֽכַרְתָּ֙ But thou shalt remember
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 1 of 20
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 20
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
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֗וּא H1931
ה֗וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 6 of 20
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
הַנֹּתֵ֥ן for it is he that giveth H5414
הַנֹּתֵ֥ן for it is he that giveth
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 7 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְךָ֛ H0
לְךָ֛
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 20
כֹּ֖חַ thee power H3581
כֹּ֖חַ thee power
Strong's: H3581
Word #: 9 of 20
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת to get H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת to get
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 10 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חָ֑יִל wealth H2428
חָ֑יִל wealth
Strong's: H2428
Word #: 11 of 20
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
לְמַ֨עַן H4616
לְמַ֨עַן
Strong's: H4616
Word #: 12 of 20
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
הָקִ֧ים that he may establish H6965
הָקִ֧ים that he may establish
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 13 of 20
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִית֛וֹ his covenant H1285
בְּרִית֛וֹ his covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 15 of 20
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 16 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִשְׁבַּ֥ע which he sware H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֥ע which he sware
Strong's: H7650
Word #: 17 of 20
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
לַֽאֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ unto thy fathers H1
לַֽאֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ unto thy fathers
Strong's: H1
Word #: 18 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כַּיּ֥וֹם as it is this day H3117
כַּיּ֥וֹם as it is this day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 19 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּֽה׃ H2088
הַזֶּֽה׃
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 20 of 20
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis & Commentary

The reminder that God 'giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant' reveals wealth's purpose—enabling covenant community, not personal luxury. Prosperity should serve God's redemptive purposes, not selfish consumption. This challenges both asceticism (rejecting wealth as evil) and materialism (pursuing wealth as ultimate good). Wealth is morally neutral—a tool that can serve God's kingdom or become an idol. Stewardship recognizes God owns all and entrusts some with more resources for kingdom purposes.

Historical Context

Israel's wealth was to demonstrate God's covenant faithfulness, attracting nations to true worship (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Solomon's prosperity initially fulfilled this (1 Kings 10:1-9), but later corrupted into excess and idolatry. The early church's generosity (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37) demonstrated covenant community sharing. Paul's instruction to the wealthy (1 Timothy 6:17-19) emphasizes using wealth for generosity and good works rather than hoarding.

Questions for Reflection