King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:10 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.”

Deuteronomy 27:10 · KJV

Context

8

And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

9

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.

10

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

11

And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,

12

These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. The word therefore connects obedience to identity - because you are God's people, you must obey His voice. Identity determines behavior; what we are shapes how we act. Gospel indicative precedes gospel imperative.

Obeying the voice of the LORD personalizes the relationship - this is not merely following abstract rules but hearing and responding to God's personal address. The law expresses God's will for His covenant people.

The distinction between commandments (specific directives) and statutes (general principles) indicates comprehensive obedience encompasses both particular duties and overall lifestyle. Both explicit commands and broad ethical norms govern covenant life.

The phrase this day creates urgency - obedience begins immediately. There is no grace period or delayed implementation. God's commands require present-tense response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This formula - because you are God's people, therefore obey - pervades Deuteronomy and shapes biblical ethics generally. Behavior flows from identity; what God has done for us obligates how we live for Him.

This ethical pattern continues in New Testament - because you are in Christ, therefore live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does identity as God's people provide motivation for obedience?
  2. What does it mean to obey God's voice rather than merely following rules?
  3. Why is comprehensive obedience required encompassing both specific commands and general principles?
  4. How does 'this day' urgency prevent delayed obedience?
  5. How does New Testament ethics follow the same pattern of identity determining behavior?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְשָׁ֣מַעְתָּ֔1 of 13

“Thou shalt therefore obey”

H8085

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

בְּק֖וֹל2 of 13

“the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ4 of 13

“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

וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ5 of 13

“and do”

H6213

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

אֶת6 of 13
H853

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

מִצְוֹתָו֙7 of 13

“his commandments”

H4687

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

וְאֶת8 of 13
H853

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

חֻקָּ֔יו9 of 13

“and his statutes”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר10 of 13
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֥י11 of 13
H595

i

מְצַוְּךָ֖12 of 13

“which I command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

הַיּֽוֹם׃13 of 13

“thee 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 27:10 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 27:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 1:14-16Deuteronomy 11:1Matthew 5:48Micah 6:8Deuteronomy 11:7-81 Peter 4:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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