King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:2 in the King James Version says “And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in th...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.”

Deuteronomy 10:2 · KJV

Context

1

At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.

2

And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.

3

And I made an ark of shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.

4

And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and the LORD gave them unto me. commandments: Heb. words

Read Deuteronomy 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark. God Himself will write the law again - this is pure grace, as Israel deserved no second chance. The LORD takes responsibility for renewing what human sin destroyed.

The phrase the words that were in the first tables emphasizes continuity - covenant renewal does not mean covenant revision. The same unchanging moral law will be inscribed. God accommodates human failure not by lowering standards but by providing renewed access to His covenant.

The command put them in the ark ensures permanent preservation of God's written revelation. The ark serves as throne, footstool, and archive for God's covenant document. This honored placement demonstrates that God's word deserves careful preservation and honored position among His people.

The broken first tablets testified to covenant violation; the renewed tablets testify to covenant grace. That God provides new tablets despite Israel's unworthiness previews the New Covenant, where God writes His law on hearts (Jeremiah 31:33) rather than tablets.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses ascended Mount Sinai a second time to receive replacement tablets. This second giving of the law occurred after extended intercession and Israel's repentance. The new tablets were eventually placed in the gold-covered ark within the tabernacle's Most Holy Place.

These tablets remained with Israel throughout their history, symbolizing God's abiding covenant relationship despite the nation's ongoing unfaithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's personal writing of the law reveal about its authority and origin?
  2. How does the unchanged content of renewed covenant demonstrate God's unchanging standards?
  3. What is the significance of carefully preserving and honoring God's written word?
  4. How do the renewed tablets preview the New Covenant promise of law written on hearts?
  5. Why is it crucial that covenant renewal comes from God's initiative, not human effort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאֶכְתֹּב֙1 of 14

“And I will write”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל2 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַלֻּחֹ֥ת3 of 14

“on the tables”

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

אֶת4 of 14
H853

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

הַדְּבָרִ֔ים5 of 14

“the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 14
H834

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

הָי֛וּ7 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַל8 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַלֻּחֹ֥ת9 of 14

“on the tables”

H3871

probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים10 of 14

“that were in the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 14
H834

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

שִׁבַּ֑רְתָּ12 of 14

“which thou brakest”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְשַׂמְתָּ֖ם13 of 14

“and thou shalt put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בָּֽאָרֽוֹן׃14 of 14

“them in the ark”

H727

a box

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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:9Deuteronomy 10:5Exodus 25:16-22Hebrews 9:4Exodus 40:20Deuteronomy 4:13

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 10 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes