King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:8 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 27:8 · KJV

Context

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:

7

And thou shalt offer peace offerings, and shalt eat there, and rejoice before the LORD thy God.

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.

Read Deuteronomy 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly. The requirement very plainly (Hebrew ba'er heitev - make very clear) emphasizes accessibility. God's law must be clearly written so all can read and understand - no deliberate obscurity or elite knowledge reserving truth for privileged few.

That all the words of this law must be inscribed indicates comprehensive disclosure. God does not hide His requirements but makes them fully known. Humans are accountable because the standards have been clearly revealed.

Public inscription creates corporate witness - the entire nation sees the law and cannot claim ignorance. Clear public declaration of God's requirements establishes accountability for the community.

Reformed theology affirms clarity of Scripture - God's word is sufficiently clear in essential matters so ordinary believers can understand saving truth. While some passages are difficult, core gospel message is accessible to all.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Clearly inscribed law on public monuments made God's requirements accessible in largely illiterate society. Those who could read could teach others, and even the illiterate knew the law existed publicly in written form.

This contrasted with some ancient religions reserving sacred knowledge for priestly elite, keeping common people dependent on intermediaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement for clear writing teach about God's desire to be understood?
  2. How does public accessibility create corporate accountability?
  3. Why is it important that God's law be comprehensive and clear rather than obscure?
  4. What does the clarity of Scripture principle teach about biblical interpretation?
  5. How should the church ensure God's word remains accessible to all people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְכָֽתַבְתָּ֣1 of 10

“And thou shalt write”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל2 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָֽאֲבָנִ֗ים3 of 10

“upon the stones”

H68

a stone

אֶֽת4 of 10
H853

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

כָּל5 of 10
H3605

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

דִּבְרֵ֛י6 of 10

“all the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַתּוֹרָ֥ה7 of 10

“of this law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּ֖את8 of 10
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בַּאֵ֥ר9 of 10

“plainly”

H874

to dig; by analogy, to engrave; figuratively, to explain

הֵיטֵֽב׃10 of 10

“very”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

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 27:8 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 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:2John 16:252 Corinthians 3:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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