Deuteronomy 6:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God will give Israel cities they did not build, fulfilling the promise made to the patriarchs.
The Context of Deuteronomy 6:10
Entry into the promised land with its pre-existing infrastructure and abundance.
What Does Deuteronomy 6:10 Mean?
The moment of possession is conditional: 'when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee.' God is the active agent in conquest and settlement. The land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is being transferred to their descendants. The cities are ready, built, and awaiting Israel—a gift requiring no labor to construct.
This inheritance is undeserved blessing. Israel will live in houses, eat from fields, and inhabit cities prepared by previous generations and by God's providence. The ease of possession reveals the grace beneath the promise: God provides what the people could not earn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 6:10
What does Deuteronomy 6:10 mean?
God will give Israel cities they did not build, fulfilling the promise made to the patriarchs.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 6:10?
Entry into the promised land with its pre-existing infrastructure and abundance.