King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:14 in the King James Version says “And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,”

Deuteronomy 27:14 · KJV

Context

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

14

And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,

15

Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

16

Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice—The Levites functioned as covenant mediators, positioned between the two mountains to proclaim God's standards to kol-ish Yisrael (all the men of Israel). The instruction qol ram (with a loud voice) wasn't merely practical acoustics but liturgical solemnity—these pronouncements carried divine authority requiring clear, public declaration.

The Levites' role anticipates their ongoing function as teachers of the law (Deuteronomy 33:10, 2 Chronicles 17:7-9) and proclaimers of God's word. They stand as both members of the covenant community (positioned on Gerizim in verse 12) and as mediators between God and people. This dual role foreshadows Christ's perfect mediation—fully human, fully divine, both victim and priest.

The phrase all the men of Israel emphasizes universal accountability. Every member of the covenant community, regardless of tribal affiliation or social status, stood under these covenant sanctions. No one was exempt from God's law or immune to its curses for disobedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Levites' mediatorial role was established at Sinai after the golden calf incident, when they alone remained faithful to God (Exodus 32:26-29). Their assignment to proclaim curses demonstrates that faithful ministry sometimes requires denouncing sin, not just announcing comfort. The ancient Near East had no equivalent to this dramatic public covenant ceremony—other nations' religious rituals focused on appeasing deities through offerings, not on moral accountability before a righteous God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the Levites' role in proclaiming both blessing and curse inform Christian preaching and teaching today?
  2. What does the requirement for 'loud voice' public declaration suggest about the Church's responsibility to speak clearly on sin and judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְעָנ֣וּ1 of 9

“shall speak”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

הַלְוִיִּ֗ם2 of 9

“And the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְאָֽמְר֛וּ3 of 9

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל4 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל5 of 9
H3605

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

אִ֥ישׁ6 of 9

“unto all the men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 9

“of Israel”

H3478

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

ק֥וֹל8 of 9

“voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

רָֽם׃9 of 9

“with a loud”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

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 27:14 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 27:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:11Deuteronomy 33:9-10Nehemiah 8:7-8Malachi 2:7-9Joshua 8:33

Test Your Knowledge

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

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