King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:14 in the King James Version says “Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 29:14 · KJV

Context

12

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

13

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.

14

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

15

But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day:

16

(For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by;

Read Deuteronomy 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath. The covenant extends beyond those physically present - neither with you only indicates additional parties to the covenant. This anticipates verse 15's inclusion of future generations not yet born.

This demonstrates that covenant relationship involves not just individual decision but corporate identity spanning generations. God's covenant with Israel included their descendants, creating ongoing obligation and blessing across time.

This principle operates in New Covenant church context - believers' children are included in covenant community (Acts 2:39), receiving covenant signs and blessings while growing into personal faith commitment.

The generational nature of covenant teaches that God works through families and communities, not merely isolated individuals. Faith is transmitted through covenant community's teaching and example.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Including future generations in covenant assembly created continuity of obligation. Each generation inherited both blessing and responsibility from parents' covenant commitment.

This parallels circumcision given to eight-day-old infants who could not consciously consent but were included in covenant community by birth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does including absent parties teach about covenant's corporate nature?
  2. How does generational covenant operate in creating ongoing obligation?
  3. What is the relationship between infant inclusion and later personal faith commitment?
  4. How does God work through families and communities to transmit faith?
  5. What does this teach about children's status in covenant community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלֹ֥א1 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אִתְּכֶ֖ם2 of 11
H854

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

לְבַדְּכֶ֑ם3 of 11
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

אָֽנֹכִ֗י4 of 11
H595

i

כֹּרֵת֙5 of 11

“Neither with you only do I 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

אֶת6 of 11
H853

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

הַבְּרִ֣ית7 of 11

“this covenant”

H1285

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

הַזֹּ֔את8 of 11
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְאֶת9 of 11
H853

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

הָֽאָלָ֖ה10 of 11

“and this oath”

H423

an imprecation

הַזֹּֽאת׃11 of 11
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 29:14 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 29:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 8:7-12Jeremiah 31:31-34

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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