Deuteronomy 11:15 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 11:15 mean?

Deuteronomy 11:15 promises that God will provide grass in the fields for the Israelites’ cattle, so that the people themselves will have enough to eat and be satisfied. This verse highlights God’s care for both the land and the people’s daily needs, connecting their well-being to the health of their livestock.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. He is reminding them that obedience to God will result in practical blessings, including abundant food for their animals, which in turn supports their own food supply. The verse is part of a larger section where Moses explains the blessings that come from following God’s commands.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 11:15

• The word for "send" (נָתַן, natan) is often used for giving or granting something. Here, it emphasizes that the grass is not just a natural occurrence but a gift provided by God.
• The word for "grass" (עֵשֶׂב, esev) refers to the green plants or herbage that animals eat. This stresses that God is attentive to the needs of the Israelites’ livestock, not just the people themselves.
• The word for "full" (שָׂבַע, sava) means to be satisfied or filled up. This word shows that the provision is not just minimal but enough to meet all their needs.

Why Deuteronomy 11:15 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s blessings in the land are practical and tangible, directly affecting the Israelites’ daily life and survival.
• By mentioning both the cattle and the people’s satisfaction, the verse shows a holistic view of God’s care, linking the health of the animals to the well-being of the community.
• The verse fits into a broader theme in Deuteronomy 11, where Moses connects obedience to God with the promise of prosperity and security in the new land.