King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:1 in the King James Version says “These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of M...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.”

Deuteronomy 29:1 · KJV

Context

1

These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.

2

And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land;

3

The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:

Read Deuteronomy 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. This verse introduces covenant renewal - a second covenant beside the covenant...in Horeb (Sinai). This is not replacement but reaffirmation and expansion of the original covenant for the generation entering Canaan.

The location in the land of Moab situates this renewal just before Jordan crossing. The first generation received the law at Sinai; the second generation receives renewed covenant at Moab. Each generation must personally commit, not merely inherit parents' relationship with God.

Moses serves as mediator - the LORD commanded Moses to make - demonstrating the prophetic role of communicating God's word and establishing covenant relationship between God and people. This foreshadows Christ's superior mediation of the New Covenant.

The distinction between Horeb covenant and Moab covenant teaches that while God's law is unchanging, His relationship with His people requires ongoing renewal and fresh commitment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Horeb (Sinai) covenant was given after the exodus, establishing Israel as theocratic nation. The Moab covenant renewed and expanded these terms forty years later as Israel prepared to enter Canaan.

Deuteronomy as whole functions as extended covenant renewal ceremony, with Moses preaching the law to the new generation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does covenant renewal teach about each generation needing personal commitment?
  2. How does the Moab covenant relate to the Horeb covenant - replacement or renewal?
  3. Why is Moses' mediatorial role significant in foreshadowing Christ?
  4. What does the need for ongoing covenant renewal teach about relationship with God?
  5. How should each generation of believers personally embrace faith rather than merely inheriting it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֵלֶּה֩1 of 20
H428

these or those

דִבְרֵ֨י2 of 20

“These are the words”

H1697

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

הַבְּרִ֔ית3 of 20

“beside the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 20
H834

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

צִוָּ֧ה5 of 20

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 20

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת7 of 20
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֗ה8 of 20

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כָּרַ֥ת9 of 20

“to make”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת10 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 20

“with the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל12 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ13 of 20

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מוֹאָ֑ב14 of 20

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

מִלְּבַ֣ד15 of 20
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

הַבְּרִ֔ית16 of 20

“beside the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁר17 of 20
H834

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

כָּרַ֥ת18 of 20

“to make”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אִתָּ֖ם19 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּחֹרֵֽב׃20 of 20

“with them in Horeb”

H2722

choreb, a (generic) name for the sinaitic mountains

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 29:1 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 29:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 5:2-3Hebrews 8:9Jeremiah 31:32Exodus 24:2-82 Kings 23:3Acts 3:25

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
Mount HorebMountain · Modern: Jebel Musa · 28.54°N, 33.97°E17 verses across 6 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 29 →

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