King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:21 in the King James Version says “He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

Deuteronomy 10:21 · KJV


Context

19

Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

20

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

21

He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

22

Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He is thy praise—The Hebrew construction makes God Himself the substance and object of Israel's worship. Not merely the One who receives praise, Yahweh is the content—His character, deeds, and glory are what Israel boasts in. This anticipates Paul's 'He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord' (1 Corinthians 1:31, quoting Jeremiah 9:23-24). God's excellence is Israel's sole ground of confidence.

That hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen—Moses appeals to eyewitness testimony of God's mighty acts: the plagues, Red Sea crossing, Sinai theophany, wilderness provision. Nora'ot (terrible things) refers to awe-inspiring demonstrations of divine power. This verse links worship to remembrance—rehearsing God's redemptive history fuels praise. For Christians, Christ's cross and resurrection are the 'great and terrible things' that become our testimony and the substance of our praise (1 Peter 2:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses spoke to the generation born in the wilderness who witnessed the water from the rock, manna, quail, and God's judgments. Their parents saw the exodus; they saw God's faithfulness during 40 years of wandering. This living memory was to fuel perpetual worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'great and terrible things' has God done in your life that should fuel daily worship?
  2. How does making God Himself (not His blessings) your 'praise' guard against consumer Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
ה֥וּא1 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

תְהִלָּֽתְךָ֖2 of 15

He is thy praise

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

וְה֣וּא3 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ4 of 15

and he is 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

אֲשֶׁר5 of 15
H834

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

עָשָׂ֣ה6 of 15

that hath done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אִתְּךָ֗7 of 15
H853

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

אֶת8 of 15
H853

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

הַגְּדֹלֹ֤ת9 of 15

for thee these great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְאֶת10 of 15
H853

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

הַנּֽוֹרָאֹת֙11 of 15

and terrible things

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הָאֵ֔לֶּה12 of 15
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

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

רָא֖וּ14 of 15

have seen

H7200

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

עֵינֶֽיךָ׃15 of 15

which thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)


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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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