Deuteronomy 6:10 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 6:10 mean?

Deuteronomy 6:10 says that when the LORD (God) brings the Israelites into the land He promised to their ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—they will receive large and valuable cities that they themselves did not build. The verse highlights that these blessings are gifts, not earned by the Israelites’ own efforts.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. He reminds them that the land and its cities are part of God’s sworn promise to their forefathers, not something they achieved on their own. This sets the stage for later warnings about remembering God and not becoming proud or forgetful once they settle in the land.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 6:10

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship and faithfulness to Israel.
• sware (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means “to swear” or “to make an oath,” underlining that God’s promise to the ancestors was solemn and binding.
• give (נָתַן, natan): This verb means “to give,” stressing that the land and cities are a gift from God, not a reward for Israel’s own work.
• buildedst (בָּנָה, banah): This word means “to build.” The verse points out that the Israelites did not construct these cities themselves, highlighting the unearned nature of the blessing.

Why Deuteronomy 6:10 matters

• Deuteronomy 6:10 clarifies that the Israelites’ possession of the land is rooted in God’s faithfulness to His promises, not their own merit or achievements.
• The verse sets up a theme of gratitude and dependence on God, which is important for understanding the warnings and instructions that follow in the chapter.
• By mentioning Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the verse connects the current generation to the larger story of God’s relationship with their ancestors, reinforcing a sense of continuity and purpose.