Deuteronomy 10:22 Meaning and Explanation
“Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD has multiplied Israel from seventy ancestors in Egypt to a people as numerous as the stars.
The Context of Deuteronomy 10:22
A reminder of God's fulfilled promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.
What Does Deuteronomy 10:22 Mean?
This verse fulfills the ancient promise to Abraham: his seed would multiply beyond number. The contrast between seventy persons and a multitude 'as the stars' is staggering—a sign of God's faithfulness and power. The multiplication of Israel is itself a kind of miracle, accomplished through God's blessing.
By rehearsing this genealogy of blessing, Moses reminds Israel that they exist as a fulfilled promise. Their existence as a nation is not an accident or the result of their own strength, but the direct fulfillment of God's oath to the patriarchs. This motivates renewed covenant commitment grounded in gratitude.
Deuteronomy 10:22 in the Original Language
threescore and ten (שִׁבְעִים, shivim) — seventy, the traditional number of Jacob's household that entered Egypt (Genesis 46:27).
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 10:22
What does Deuteronomy 10:22 mean?
The LORD has multiplied Israel from seventy ancestors in Egypt to a people as numerous as the stars.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 10:22?
A reminder of God's fulfilled promise to multiply Abraham's descendants.