Deuteronomy 6:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Do what is right and good in God's sight, ensuring well-being and possession of the promised land.
The Context of Deuteronomy 6:18
Conditional blessing: right action secures possession and flourishing in the land.
What Does Deuteronomy 6:18 Mean?
Right and good are not subjective preferences but align with God's character and will. The phrase 'in the sight of the LORD' centers the standard: morality is defined by God's perspective, not human opinion or cultural convention. Doing right naturally produces flourishing because right action harmonizes with reality and God's order.
Blessing is conditional: obedience brings possession and security in the land. The opposite is also implied—disobedience leads to dispossession. The promise to the patriarchs is not unconditional or automatic but requires each generation to maintain covenant faithfulness. The well-being of the land depends on the righteousness of those who inhabit it.
Deuteronomy 6:18 in the Original Language
yashar (יָשָׁר), 'right'—straight, aligned with proper order, lacking crookedness or deception.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 6:18
What does Deuteronomy 6:18 mean?
Do what is right and good in God's sight, ensuring well-being and possession of the promised land.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 6:18?
Conditional blessing: right action secures possession and flourishing in the land.