Deuteronomy 22 7

Deuteronomy 22:7 kjv

But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.

Deuteronomy 22:7 nkjv

you shall surely let the mother go, and take the young for yourself, that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.

Deuteronomy 22:7 niv

You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.

Deuteronomy 22:7 esv

You shall let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may go well with you, and that you may live long.

Deuteronomy 22:7 nlt

You may take the young, but let the mother go, so that you may prosper and enjoy a long life.

Deuteronomy 22 verses

Deuteronomy 22 7 Meaning

Deuteronomy 22:7 commands that when one encounters a bird's nest containing eggs or young, they are permitted to take the offspring but must unconditionally allow the mother bird to fly away. This law is presented with the explicit promise that obeying it will result in one's well-being and a prolonged life. It prohibits exploiting nature by ensuring the survival of the adult bird, thus allowing it to potentially reproduce again and maintain its species, while still permitting humans to utilize natural resources.

Deuteronomy 22 7 Context

Deuteronomy 22:7 is part of a series of miscellaneous laws given by Moses to the Israelites just before they entered the Promised Land. This chapter contains a diverse collection of civil and moral statutes that govern daily life, ranging from caring for a neighbor's lost animal (Dt 22:1-4), to prohibitions against cross-dressing (Dt 22:5), and laws concerning sexual purity. The purpose of these laws is to establish Israel as a holy and distinct nation, reflecting God's character in all aspects of their society. This specific law, found within regulations concerning the treatment of animals and property, emphasizes responsible interaction with creation. It highlights the principle of mercy and sustainable resource management, distinguishing Israel from pagan cultures that might have practiced exploitation without regard for future well-being or animal life. The promise attached to this command links seemingly small acts of obedience in daily life to the grand covenant blessings of dwelling securely and long in the promised land.

Deuteronomy 22 7 Word analysis

• But you shall in any wise let the dam go (or "you shall surely let the dam go"):

  • "shall in any wise let... go" (שַׁלֵּחַ תְּשַׁלַּח, šallēaḥ təšallaḥ): Hebrew intensive infinitive absolute construction, "sending you shall send," powerfully emphasizing the absolute nature and certainty of the command to release the mother bird. No exceptions are allowed.
  • "the dam" (הָאֵם, hā’ēm): Literally "the mother." Refers to the adult bird capable of reproduction. Releasing the mother preserves the reproductive capacity of the species.

• and take the young to thee; (or "but the young you may take for yourself"):

  • "take the young" (תִּקַּח לָךְ, tiqqaḥ lāk): "You shall take for yourself." This clarifies permission to gather sustenance (eggs or chicks), provided the preceding condition (releasing the mother) is met.
  • "the young" (הַבָּנִים, habbānîm): Literally "the sons" or "children." Here, refers to the fledgling birds or eggs. It allows for a specific, limited use of the nest's contents.

• that it may be well with thee, (לְמַעַן יִיטַב לָךְ, ləmaʿan yîṭaḇ lāk):

  • "that it may be well": A standard covenant blessing formula. Links obedience to general prosperity, peace, and favor in one's life.

• and that thou mayest prolong thy days. (וְהַאֲרַכְתָּ יָמִים, wəha’ăraḵtā yāmîm):

  • "prolong thy days": Another direct covenant blessing formula. Denotes long life, security, and sustained dwelling in the land God provides, demonstrating God's direct involvement in human flourishing when His commands are upheld.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "you shall... let the dam go, and take the young to thee": This juxtaposition outlines both a prohibition (taking the mother) and a permission (taking the young), highlighting the balance between humane consideration, ecological sustainability, and provision for human need. It demonstrates a principle of respectful stewardship rather than indiscriminate exploitation.
• "that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days": This paired phrase serves as a common Deuteronomic promise, consistently appearing alongside various commands from major statutes (like the Fifth Commandment) to seemingly minor ones. Its inclusion here elevates the significance of animal welfare and sustainable practices, implying they are fundamental to covenantal flourishing and integral to the people's long-term well-being and life in the land. It links practical obedience to spiritual blessings.

Deuteronomy 22 7 Bonus section

The specific inclusion of "that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days" in this minor commandment is significant. It serves as an emphatic divine affirmation that obedience to all of God's statutes, not just the "great" ones, contributes to a holistic state of blessing, peace, and long life for the individual and the nation. This command is also understood in Jewish tradition as an expression of Tza'ar ba'alei chayim, the prohibition against causing unnecessary suffering to living creatures. It subtly reinforces the idea that true holiness pervades all aspects of life, influencing human interaction with both fellow humans and the created order, ensuring a world aligned with God's compassionate character. The principle ensures a respectful, long-term approach to natural resources, discouraging practices that lead to ecological imbalance or depletion.

Deuteronomy 22 7 Commentary

Deuteronomy 22:7, though brief, encapsulates profound theological and ethical principles within Israel's covenant with God. It is far more than a simple animal welfare law. By commanding the release of the mother bird, it demonstrates God's compassion and concern for all creation, including wild animals. This act fosters a mindset of mercy and responsibility, contrasting sharply with wanton exploitation. It teaches self-restraint and foresight, recognizing the value of preserving life and ensuring the continuity of species, thereby promoting sustainable living and responsible interaction with the natural world.

The accompanying promise of "that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days" ties this seemingly minor regulation directly to the major covenant blessings found throughout Deuteronomy. This mirrors the promise given to those who honor their parents (Deut 5:16, Exod 20:12), elevating the principle of caring for God's creation to a foundational act of obedience. It suggests that such acts of everyday godliness are not trivial but contribute significantly to a person's and the nation's well-being and their longevity in the land of blessing. This verse underscores that ethical behavior in all spheres, including interaction with the environment, is vital for a life blessed by God and that true piety extends beyond ritual to practical compassion and good stewardship.

Examples of practical application might include: practicing ethical hunting or fishing that ensures reproductive populations remain, avoiding unnecessary harm to animals, and supporting conservation efforts for biodiversity.