King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:31 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:31 in the King James Version says “And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.

Deuteronomy 1:31 · KJV


Context

29

Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.

30

The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;

31

And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.

32

Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,

33

Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The image of God bearing Israel 'as a man doth bear his son' reveals divine paternal care and sovereign providence. The Hebrew 'nasa' (carried/bore) conveys sustained support through trial. This metaphor anticipates the New Covenant reality where believers are adopted as sons (Galatians 4:5-7). God's fatherhood is not merely benevolent but covenantal—He commits to preserve His people through the wilderness until reaching the promised inheritance. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Recalls Israel's 40-year wilderness journey from Egypt to Moab (circa 1446-1406 BC). Despite divine provision—manna, water from rock, pillar of cloud/fire—the first generation failed to trust God's promises and died in the wilderness. This verse reflects Moses' reminder to the second generation of their fathers' unbelief at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's fatherly care during Israel's wilderness wandering deepen your understanding of divine providence in trials?
  2. In what ways does this verse challenge you to trust God's sustaining grace rather than your own strength?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבַמִּדְבָּר֙1 of 21

And in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רָאִ֔יתָ3 of 21

where thou hast seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשָּׂא5 of 21

bare

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 21

how that the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ7 of 21

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשָּׂא9 of 21

bare

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אִ֖ישׁ10 of 21

thee as a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת11 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנ֑וֹ12 of 21

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּכָל13 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙14 of 21

in all the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֲלַכְתֶּ֔ם16 of 21

that ye went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עַד17 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּֽאֲכֶ֖ם18 of 21

until ye came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד19 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַמָּק֥וֹם20 of 21

into this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּֽה׃21 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study