King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:43 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:43 in the King James Version says “So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. went: Heb. ye were presumptuous, and went up”

Deuteronomy 1:43 · KJV

Context

41

Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the LORD, we will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill.

42

And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

43

So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. went: Heb. ye were presumptuous, and went up

44

And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.

45

And ye returned and wept before the LORD; but the LORD would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's persistent rebellion—'ye would not hear, but rebelled'—demonstrates the pattern of covenant violation. The Hebrew 'tamaradu' (rebelled) indicates willful defiance of divine authority. Having rejected God's command to advance in faith, they now reject His command to refrain. This double rebellion reveals the human heart's natural enmity against God (Romans 8:7). Their presumption in going up 'presumptuously' (Hebrew 'zidu') without authorization illustrates that disobedience takes many forms—both refusal to act in faith and unauthorized religious zeal stem from the same root of self-will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Describes Israel's reckless military campaign circa 1445 BC despite Moses' explicit warning. They advanced into the hill country without the Ark of the Covenant, without Moses' leadership, and crucially, without God's presence or blessing. This unauthorized offensive against the Amalekites and Canaanites ended in catastrophic defeat (Numbers 14:45).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Israel's pattern of double rebellion (refusing to go when commanded, going when forbidden) reveal the human heart's fundamental self-will?
  2. What does 'going up presumptuously' teach about the danger of religious activity undertaken in disobedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וָֽאֲדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 11

“So I spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם2 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְלֹ֣א3 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם4 of 11

“unto you and ye would not hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וַתַּמְרוּ֙5 of 11

“but rebelled”

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אֶת6 of 11
H853

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

פִּ֣י7 of 11

“against the commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַתָּזִ֖דוּ9 of 11

“presumptuously”

H2102

to seethe; figuratively, to be insolent

וַתַּֽעֲל֥וּ10 of 11

“and went”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הָהָֽרָה׃11 of 11

“into the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 1:43 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 1:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 14:44Romans 8:7-8Acts 7:51Isaiah 63:10

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