you shall certainly let the mother go, but the young you may take for yourself, in order that it may go well for you and that you may prolong your days.
Parallel translations
- WEB 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.
- 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.
- BSB 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.
- 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.
- NLT You may take the young, but let the mother go, so that you may prosper and enjoy a long life.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Letting the mother bird go brings the promise that it may go well with you and your days be prolonged. Small acts of mercy carry covenant blessing.
Overview
This is one of the few laws attached to a promise of blessing and long life, echoing the fifth commandment. It teaches that even minor acts of restraint and mercy please God and are tied to flourishing under His covenant. The principle that mercy is rewarded reflects God's own gracious character toward His people.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 2
- Deut 4:40You shall keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh your God gives you, forever.
- Prov 22:4The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
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Christ at the center
Moses promised a Prophet like himself to whom Israel must listen (18:15); Jesus is that Prophet, the one who keeps the covenant we broke and becomes the curse for us by hanging on a tree (Gal 3:13).
How Deuteronomy 22:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.