Deuteronomy 22:7
Deuteronomy 22:7 in Multiple Translations
You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.
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.
thou shalt surely let the dam go, but the young thou mayest take unto thyself; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
See that you let the mother bird go, but the young ones you may take; so it will be well for you and your life will be long.
You may take the young, but make sure you let the mother go, so that you will do well and have a good long life.
But shalt in any wise let the damme go, and take the yong to thee, that thou mayest prosper and prolong thy dayes.
thou dost certainly send away the mother, and the young ones dost take to thyself, so that it is well with thee, and thou hast prolonged days.
You shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.
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.
But shalt let her go, keeping the young which thou hast caught: that it may be well with thee, and thou mayst live a long time.
You are permitted to take the baby birds, but you must allow the mother bird to fly away. Do this in order that things will go well for you and that you will live for a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 22:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שַׁלֵּ֤חַ
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
אֶת
הָ/אֵ֔ם
וְ/אֶת
הַ/בָּנִ֖ים
תִּֽקַּֽח
לָ֑/ךְ
לְמַ֨עַן֙
יִ֣יטַב
לָ֔/ךְ
וְ/הַאֲרַכְתָּ֖
יָמִֽים
שַׁלֵּ֤חַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Ptc
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֵ֔ם
ʼêm
H517
mother
Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
son
Art | N-mp
תִּֽקַּֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
לְמַ֨עַן֙
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
יִ֣יטַב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ/הַאֲרַכְתָּ֖
ʼârak
H748
to prolong
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:7
שַׁלֵּ֤חַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Ptc
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
תְּשַׁלַּח֙
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֵ֔ם
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בָּנִ֖ים
bên
H1121
"son"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
תִּֽקַּֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
לְמַ֨עַן֙
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יִ֣יטַב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/הַאֲרַכְתָּ֖
ʼârak
H748
"to prolong"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
This verb means to prolong or make something long, whether it's a physical object, a period of time, or a person's life, as seen in the book of Genesis where God prolongs the lives of the patriarchs. In Exodus, it describes the lengthening of the Israelites' stay in Egypt.
Definition: 1) to be long, prolong 1a) (Qal) to be long 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to prolong (days) 1b2) to make long (tent cords) 1b3) to grow long, continue long Aramaic equivalent: a.rakh (אֲרִיךְ "be proper" H0749)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: defer, draw out, lengthen, (be, become, make, pro-) long, [phrase] (out-, over-) live, tarry (long). See also: Genesis 26:8; 1 Kings 3:14; Psalms 129:3.
יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 22:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:7
Context — Various Laws
5A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD your God.
6If you come across a bird’s nest with chicks or eggs, either in a tree or on the ground along the road, and the mother is sitting on the chicks or eggs, you must not take the mother along with the young.
7You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.
8If you build a new house, you are to construct a railing around your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if someone falls from it. 9Do not plant your vineyard with two types of seed; if you do, the entire harvest will be defiled —both the crop you plant and the fruit of your vineyard.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:40 | Keep His statutes and commandments, which I am giving you today, so that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time. |
| 2 | Proverbs 22:4 | The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life. |
Deuteronomy 22:7 Summary
Deuteronomy 22:7 teaches us to care for creation and trust in God's provision. When we come across a bird's nest with eggs or chicks, we should take the young but let the mother go, so that it may be well with us and we may prolong our days. This shows that God values compassion and care for all creation, as seen in Psalm 104:10-31. By following this command, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and care for us, as mentioned in Matthew 6:26.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main principle behind Deuteronomy 22:7?
The main principle is to show compassion and care for God's creation, in this case, the mother bird, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:7, and to trust in God's provision, as mentioned in Psalm 37:3-5 and Matthew 6:26.
Is this verse only about birds, or is there a deeper meaning?
While the verse specifically mentions birds, the underlying principle of caring for creation and trusting in God's provision can be applied to other areas of life, as seen in Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 24:1.
How does letting the mother bird go relate to prolonging our days?
Letting the mother bird go demonstrates obedience to God's command, which is connected to living a long and blessed life, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 22:7 and supported by Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2-3.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character?
This verse reveals God's care for all creation, including animals, and His desire for humans to live in harmony with nature, as seen in Psalm 104:10-31 and Isaiah 11:6-9.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of caring for creation in my daily life, and what are some ways I can demonstrate compassion and care for the world around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- In what ways can I show obedience to God's commands, and how can I trust that this obedience will lead to a blessed and long life?
- How does my treatment of creation reflect my relationship with God, and what changes can I make to better care for the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:7
But thou shall in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee,.... Or "in letting go, let go", or "in sending, send away" (a); that is, willingly, certainly, entirely, frequently, always; so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:7
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. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
Let the dam go; partly for the bird’ s sake, which suffered enough by the loss of its young; for God would not have cruelty exercised towards the brute creatures; and partly for men’ s sake, to restrain their greediness and covetousness, that they should not monopolize all to themselves, but might leave the hopes of a future seed for others.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
Deuteronomy 22:7 [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.Ver. 7. And that thou mayest prolong, &c.] They were commanded to spare the dam, because she represented the parents in bringing up of her young ones; and if their days should be for that prolonged, much more for this. The Hebrews reckon this commandment for the least of all in Moses’ s law; and yet such a promise is annexed thereunto.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
Verse 7. Thou shalt - let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee] This passage may be understood literally. If they destroyed both young and old, must not the breed soon fail, and would it not in the end be ill with them; and by thus cutting off the means of their continual support, must not their days be shortened on the land? But we may look for a humane precept in this law. The young never knew the sweets of liberty; the dam did: they might be taken and used for any lawful purpose, but the dam must not be brought into a state of captivity. They who can act otherwise must be either very inconsiderate or devoid of feeling; and such persons can never be objects of God's peculiar care and attention, and therefore need not expect that it shall be well with them, or that they shall prolong their days on the earth. Every thing contrary to the spirit of mercy and kindness the ever blessed God has in utter abhorrence. And we should remember a fact, that he who can exercise cruelty towards a sparrow or a wren, will, when circumstances are favourable, be cruel to his fellow creatures. The poet Phocylides has a maxim in his admonitory poem very similar to that in the sacred text: - Μηδετιςορυιθαςκαλιηςἁμαπανταςἑλεσθω· Μητεραδ' εκπρολιπῃς, ἱν' εχῃςπαλιτησδενεοττους. PHOCYL. ΠοιημαΝουθετ., ver. 80.
"Nor from a nest take all the birds away; The mother spare, she'll breed a future day."
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:7
6, 7. Of Sparing the Mother-bird. Peculiar to D. No reason of ritual such as we found from Deuteronomy 14:21 is traceable here. The motive may be prudence; had it been kindness to animals (as in Deuteronomy 25:4, and H. Leviticus 22:27 f.) we should have expected an injunction not to take the whole brood. Either D or possibly a later editor has in Deuteronomy 22:7 added the same inducement which is attached to the Fifth Commandment, as if reverence for motherhood were the motive. Steuern.’s idea that this was suggested by Deuteronomy 24:16 is far-fetched. Cp. Luke 12:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:7
6, 7. A bird’s nest — Comp. Leviticus 22:28.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns |
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Cross Talk Show 1 - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that all success and accomplishments come from God. It highlights the need to focus on knowing and loving Jesus ab |
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Draw Yourself a Circle Around Your Life by Steve Hill | Steve Hill shares his personal journey of being a drug addict saved by grace and emphasizes the importance of humility and approaching God with reverence. He delves into the biblic |
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Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the ne |
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Humility Indeed by Jason Bellard | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in our worship, highlighting the need to align our hearts with our actions. It challenges the congregation to examin |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisd |
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(Sermon Clip) Having True Humility That Pleases God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that true humility is recognizing God's greatness and our own insignificance. It discusses the process of |