King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:9 in the King James Version says “And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 27:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The joint address by Moses and the priests the Levites demonstrates unified leadership - both civil and religious authorities corporately call Israel to covenant commitment. This models the integration of all societal spheres under God's authority.

The exhortation take heed, and hearken demands attentive listening with intent to obey. Hearing God's word requires focused attention and responsive action, not casual listening without application.

The declaration this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God marks covenant renewal as decisive moment. Israel's corporate identity is redefined - they belong to God as His special possession, which creates obligation to reflect His character.

This covenant formation language echoes the Sinai covenant while marking renewal for the second generation. Each generation must personally embrace covenant relationship, not merely inherit it passively.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This address occurred on the plains of Moab as final preparation before entering Canaan. The first generation died in wilderness judgment; this second generation needed to personally commit to covenant faithfulness their fathers violated.

The emphasis on 'this day' created decisive moment for corporate commitment paralleling individual conversion experiences.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does unified civil and religious leadership teach about comprehensive submission to God?
  2. How does 'take heed and hearken' define proper response to God's word?
  3. What does belonging to God as His people obligate believers to do?
  4. Why must each generation personally embrace covenant relationship rather than inherit it passively?
  5. How does corporate identity as God's people shape individual behavior?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר1 of 17

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 17

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים3 of 17

and the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם4 of 17

the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אֶ֥ל5 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל6 of 17
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 17

O Israel

H3478

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר8 of 17

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַסְכֵּ֤ת׀9 of 17

Take heed

H5535

by implication, to observe quietly

וּשְׁמַע֙10 of 17

and hearken

H8085

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 17

O Israel

H3478

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

הַיּ֤וֹם12 of 17

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

הַזֶּה֙13 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

נִֽהְיֵ֣יתָֽ14 of 17

thou art become

H1961

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

לְעָ֔ם15 of 17

the people

H5971

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

לַֽיהוָ֖ה16 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃17 of 17

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


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 27:9 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 27:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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