King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:1 in the King James Version says “And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.

Deuteronomy 27:1 · KJV


Context

1

And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.

2

And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:

3

And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. Moses and the elders jointly command comprehensive obedience - Keep all the commandments, not selective compliance with preferred portions. Covenant faithfulness requires complete submission to God's revealed will.

The involvement of elders of Israel alongside Moses demonstrates shared responsibility for teaching and enforcing the law. Leadership must corporately uphold God's standards and call the people to obedience.

The phrase this day creates urgency - obedience begins immediately, not at some future convenient time. God's commands require present-tense response, not deferred compliance.

This comprehensive call to covenant obedience introduces the altar-building and blessing-cursing ceremonies that follow. Before Israel enters the land, they must commit to full obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This address occurred on the plains of Moab shortly before Israel crossed Jordan into Canaan. Moses was preparing the second generation for conquest and settlement, emphasizing that success depended on covenant faithfulness.

The elders' involvement ensured continuity of leadership after Moses' death - Joshua and the tribal leaders would carry forward responsibility for maintaining covenant obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the call to keep 'all' commandments teach about comprehensive obedience?
  2. How does shared leadership responsibility promote accountability for covenant faithfulness?
  3. Why is immediate obedience important rather than deferred compliance?
  4. What does Moses' final emphasis on complete obedience teach about priorities for God's people?
  5. How should church leadership corporately uphold and teach God's standards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
מְצַוֶּ֥ה1 of 16

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 16

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְזִקְנֵ֣י3 of 16

with the elders

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל4 of 16

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת5 of 16
H853

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

הָעָ֖ם6 of 16

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁמֹר֙8 of 16

Keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת9 of 16
H853

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

כָּל10 of 16
H3605

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

הַמִּצְוָ֔ה11 of 16

all the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר12 of 16
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֛י13 of 16
H595

i

מְצַוֶּ֥ה14 of 16

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֖ם15 of 16
H853

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

הַיּֽוֹם׃16 of 16

you this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso


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 27:1 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 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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