Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

DEUTERONOMY 32:14KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:14 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:14 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:14 describes a scene of rich abundance, listing the best foods and drinks that God provided for the people: dairy from cattle and sheep, the finest meats, the choicest wheat, and pure grape juice. The verse highlights how generously God cared for Israel’s physical needs.

In this part of Deuteronomy, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of God’s goodness and provision as part of a larger song. The verse uses vivid, concrete images of food and drink to show the fullness of God’s blessings, emphasizing not just survival but enjoyment and plenty.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:14

  • בָּשָׁן (Bashan, H1316): Bashan was a region known for its fertile land and strong livestock. Mentioning "rams of the breed of Bashan" highlights the quality and strength of the animals provided.
  • חֵלֶב (chelev, H2459): This word means "fat," often seen as the richest, most desirable part of the animal in ancient times. The “fat of lambs” and “fat of kidneys of wheat” underline the idea of the very best portions, not just ordinary food.
  • דָּם (dam, H1818): Translated as "blood" in “pure blood of the grape,” this refers poetically to fresh, unfermented grape juice, emphasizing its purity and richness.

Why Deuteronomy 32:14 matters

  • Deuteronomy 32:14 clears up that the blessings described are not just basic needs but the finest and most satisfying foods, showing the depth of God’s care.
  • The verse connects to the larger context of Moses’ song, which contrasts God’s generosity with Israel’s later unfaithfulness, making the blessings stand out even more.
  • The specific mention of Bashan and the “fat of kidneys of wheat” points to real, historical abundance, grounding the verse in the everyday experiences of the Israelites.

Where else these words appear

“pure” Hebrew H2561 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 27:2 In that day sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine.

“Butter” Hebrew H2529 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
  • 2 Samuel 17:29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

“lambs” Hebrew H3733 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.
  • Psalms 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
  • Ezekiel 4:2 And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about.

“grape” Hebrew H6025 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Numbers 13:20 And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
  • Isaiah 5:2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.