King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:11 in the King James Version says “And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,”

Deuteronomy 27:11 · KJV

Context

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:

13

And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. to curse: Heb. for a cursing

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses charged the people the same day, saying—The Hebrew vayetsav Moshe et-ha-am ba-yom ha-hu lemor ("and Moses commanded the people on that day, saying") introduces the dramatic covenant renewal ceremony at Mounts Gerizim and Ebal. Tsavah (commanded/charged) indicates authoritative instruction with binding force. Ba-yom ha-hu ("on that day") refers to Moses' final addresses before Israel crosses the Jordan.

This verse begins the liturgical instructions for the Shechem covenant ceremony (verses 11-26), where Israel will publicly affirm covenant blessings and curses upon entering the land. Six tribes will stand on Mount Gerizim to bless, six on Mount Ebal to curse (verses 12-13). The Levites will pronounce twelve curses covering covenant violations (verses 15-26), and the people will respond "Amen" to each.

This ceremony was fulfilled in Joshua 8:30-35, where Joshua built an altar on Ebal, wrote the law on stones, and read all the blessings and curses with Israel assembled between the two mountains. The geographical setting—Gerizim (blessing) and Ebal (curse)—dramatized the two covenant paths before Israel: obedience leading to blessing, disobedience to curse (chapter 28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal stand opposite each other in central Canaan near ancient Shechem (modern Nablus), creating a natural amphitheater. Gerizim rises south of the valley, Ebal to the north. The site's acoustics allow voices to carry across the valley. Shechem held deep patriarchal significance—Abraham built an altar there (Genesis 12:6-7), Jacob purchased land there (Genesis 33:18-20), and Joseph's bones were later buried there (Joshua 24:32). Choosing this location for covenant renewal connected Israel's present to their ancestral past. Archaeological excavations on Mount Ebal have uncovered what some scholars identify as Joshua's altar, though this remains debated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the public, dramatic nature of the Gerizim-Ebal covenant ceremony teach us about the necessity of open commitment and corporate accountability in covenant relationship with God?
  2. What does Moses' instruction on "the same day" reveal about the urgency of preparing God's people for covenant faithfulness before entering seasons of new opportunity and challenge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְצַ֤ו1 of 7

“charged”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 7

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 7
H853

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

הָעָ֔ם4 of 7

“the people”

H5971

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

בַּיּ֥וֹם5 of 7

“the same 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

הַה֖וּא6 of 7
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

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 27:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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