Old Testament
Deuteronomy 8:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And you say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand have gained me this wealth.'
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And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
What Deuteronomy 8:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker reflects on a common mindset that can lead to pride and self-reliance. When people achieve success or accumulate wealth, they might mistakenly believe it is solely due to their own efforts and abilities. This attitude can create a false sense of security, making them forget the role of external factors, such as opportunities, support from others, or even luck. It’s easy to overlook the bigger picture and the contributions of others in our lives. This verse serves as a reminder to remain humble and recognize that our achievements are not just the result of our hard work. Instead, we should acknowledge the various influences that help us along the way. By doing so, we cultivate gratitude and a deeper understanding of our place in the world. This perspective encourages us to share our blessings and support others, fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness. Ultimately, it challenges us to reflect on our attitudes toward success and wealth.
How to apply Deuteronomy 8:17 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on your achievements and consider the people and circumstances that contributed to your success. Practice gratitude by acknowledging those influences in your life. Share your wealth and resources with others to foster a sense of community and support. Remember, you are not alone in your journey to success. Appreciate the help you receive along the way. This will help you stay grounded and connected to others.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 8:17 mean?
Deuteronomy 8:17 warns against pride and self-reliance, highlighting the tendency to attribute personal success and wealth solely to one's own efforts. It encourages humility and recognition of the various factors that contribute to our achievements.
What is the meaning of 'my power and the strength of my hand' in Deuteronomy 8:17?
The phrase 'my power and the strength of my hand' refers to an individual's belief that their own abilities and hard work are the sole reasons for their success and wealth, which can lead to a lack of gratitude and awareness of external influences.
How can I apply Deuteronomy 8:17 in my life?
To apply Deuteronomy 8:17, reflect on your achievements and recognize the people and circumstances that helped you succeed. Practice gratitude and share your resources with others to foster community and interconnectedness.
What themes are present in Deuteronomy 8:17?
The themes in Deuteronomy 8:17 include humility, gratitude, self-reliance, community, and interconnectedness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of others in our lives.
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