Exodus 23:25
And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּ֗ם
And ye shall serve
H5647
וַֽעֲבַדְתֶּ֗ם
And ye shall serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
1 of 12
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
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 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 12
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
וּבֵרַ֥ךְ
and he shall bless
H1288
וּבֵרַ֥ךְ
and he shall bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
5 of 12
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
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַחְמְךָ֖
thy bread
H3899
לַחְמְךָ֖
thy bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
7 of 12
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
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)
מֵימֶ֑יךָ
and thy water
H4325
מֵימֶ֑יךָ
and thy water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:15And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.Exodus 15:26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.Joshua 22:5But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.Isaiah 33:24And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.Deuteronomy 7:13And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.Psalms 103:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;Deuteronomy 10:12And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,Deuteronomy 6:13Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Deuteronomy 10:20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.