Deuteronomy 8:5
Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֖
Thou shalt also consider
H3045
וְיָֽדַעְתָּ֖
Thou shalt also consider
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עִם
in
H5973
עִם
in
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כִּ֗י
H3588
כִּ֗י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מְיַסְּרֶֽךָּ׃
chasteneth
H3256
מְיַסְּרֶֽךָּ׃
chasteneth
Strong's:
H3256
Word #:
6 of 12
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
אִישׁ֙
that as a man
H376
אִישׁ֙
that as a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
H1121
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוָ֥ה
so the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
so the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.2 Samuel 7:14I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:Proverbs 3:12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.Psalms 94:12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;1 Corinthians 11:32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.Ezekiel 18:28Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.Psalms 89:32Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;Deuteronomy 4:23Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.Ezekiel 12:3Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house.
Historical Context
Israel's wilderness discipline included judgments (the rebellious generation dying), provisions (manna, water, protection), and teaching (law, tabernacle worship, priestly mediation). The combination of discipline and provision reveals a Father training His son for inheritance. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued paternal discipline, but Israel's understanding was distinctive—God Himself acts as Father, personally involved in His people's formation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing God's discipline as fatherly training change your response to difficulty?
- What character qualities is God forming in you through current challenges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The verse commands: 'Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.' The Hebrew yasar (chasten/discipline) combines correction and instruction—not mere punishment but formative training. The father-son metaphor reveals God's purpose in discipline: love-motivated character formation, not vindictive retribution. This establishes the framework for understanding suffering—it can be divine discipline for covenant children. Hebrews 12:5-11 explicitly applies this verse to Christian experience, demonstrating its enduring relevance.