King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:4 in the King James Version says “Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in m...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.”

Deuteronomy 27:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.

5

And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.

6

Thou shalt build the altar of the LORD thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD thy God:

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister. Mount Ebal's designation as the location for the law inscription is significant - this mountain would bear the curses (verse 13), while Mount Gerizim would bear the blessings. Writing the law on the curse mountain emphasizes that law reveals sin and brings curse to violators.

The repetition which I command you this day creates urgency and personal responsibility. This is not optional tradition but divine command requiring immediate obedience upon entry to the land.

The double mention of plastering emphasizes the importance of creating proper surface for clear inscription. God's word deserves careful preparation and presentation, not hasty, sloppy treatment.

Placing the law on Mount Ebal where curses would be pronounced demonstrates that the law's primary function is revealing sin and pronouncing judgment on violators. Only Christ's fulfillment transforms curse into blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim form natural amphitheater with valley between, near Shechem. This geography enabled the blessing-cursing ceremony where half the tribes stood on each mountain responding antiphonally.

Joshua 8:30-35 records the fulfillment, with the entire law read to the assembly - blessings and curses pronounced from the respective mountains.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of placing the law on the mountain designated for curses?
  2. How does this demonstrate the law's function in revealing sin and pronouncing judgment?
  3. Why does careful preparation for presenting God's word matter?
  4. What does the curse-mountain location teach about the law's effect on violators?
  5. How does Christ transform the curse of the law into blessing for believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהָיָה֮1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּעָבְרְכֶ֣ם2 of 18

“Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת3 of 18
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּן֒4 of 18

“Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

תָּקִ֜ימוּ5 of 18

“that ye shall set up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת6 of 18
H853

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

הָֽאֲבָנִ֣ים7 of 18

“these stones”

H68

a stone

הָאֵ֗לֶּה8 of 18
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 18
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֜י10 of 18
H595

i

מְצַוֶּ֥ה11 of 18

“which I command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֛ם12 of 18
H853

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

הַיּ֖וֹם13 of 18

“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

בְּהַ֣ר14 of 18

“in mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

עֵיבָ֑ל15 of 18

“Ebal”

H5858

ebal, a mountain of palestine

בַּשִּֽׂיד׃16 of 18

“them with plaister”

H7874

to plaster

אוֹתָ֖ם17 of 18
H853

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

בַּשִּֽׂיד׃18 of 18

“them with plaister”

H7874

to plaster

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 27:4 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 27:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 11:29-30Joshua 8:30-33

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
Mount EbalMountain · Modern: Mount Ebal · 32.23°N, 35.27°E5 verses across 2 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 27 →

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