King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:12 Mean?

“That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: enter: Heb. pass”

Context

Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel,

Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:

That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: enter: Heb. pass

That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Enter **(literally “pass “) **into covenant with the Lord.**—Comp. Ezekiel 20:37 : “I will *cause you to pass *under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of *the covenant” *Rashi illustrates by Jeremiah 34:18, the *passing between *the parts of the divided victim, in order to enter into the covenant. (Comp. Genesis 15:17-18.) But no such ceremony is mentioned here, and therefore we can only say that possibly the practice may have given occasion for this use of the word “pass.” **His oath.**—A word here used for the first time in Deuteronomy. It is rendered “curse” in Deuteronomy 29:19-21. It seems to mean an *imprecation in the name of God *(comp. Leviticus 5:4; Genesis 24:41), which may bring a curse if the thing sworn to is not fulfilled. **Which the Lord thy God maketh with thee.**—Maketh; literally, *cutteth. *The word refers to the “covenant.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 29:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.