King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:15 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:15 in the King James Version says “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 thi... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Deuteronomy 29:15 · KJV


Context

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;

17

And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:) idols: Heb. dungy gods


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The covenant binds both present generation (standeth here with us) and future generations (not here with us this day). This creates perpetual covenant obligation across time.

Future generations who were not present at the covenant ceremony are nevertheless bound by it. This demonstrates the corporate, generational nature of covenant - children inherit their parents' covenant status, both blessings and obligations.

This principle has profound implications - God's covenant faithfulness to ancestors creates obligation for descendants. We stand in continuity with those who came before, receiving both benefits and responsibilities of covenant relationship.

For Christians, this explains why we are included in Abraham's covenant (Galatians 3:29) despite living millennia after him. Covenant transcends time, binding all who participate in the covenant community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage explains how later generations were held accountable to Mosaic covenant though not present at its establishment. Children inherited both covenant blessings and curses based on obedience or disobedience.

Prophets later appealed to this principle when calling Israel back to covenant faithfulness their fathers swore.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does binding future generations demonstrate covenant's corporate nature?
  2. What does inheriting covenant status teach about continuity across generations?
  3. How are descendants both blessed and obligated by ancestors' covenant commitment?
  4. What does this teach about our connection to past saints and patriarchs?
  5. How does this principle explain Christians' inclusion in Abrahamic covenant?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּי֩1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶת2 of 17
H854

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 17
H834

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

יֶשְׁנ֜וֹ4 of 17

here with us this

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

פֹּ֗ה5 of 17
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

עִמָּ֙נוּ֙6 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

עֹמֵ֣ד7 of 17

But with him that standeth

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

הַיּֽוֹם׃8 of 17

and also with him that is not here with us 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

לִפְנֵ֖י9 of 17

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֣ה10 of 17

the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ11 of 17

our 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

וְאֵ֨ת12 of 17
H854

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 17
H834

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

אֵינֶ֛נּוּ14 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

פֹּ֖ה15 of 17
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

עִמָּ֥נוּ16 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַיּֽוֹם׃17 of 17

and also with him that is not here with us 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


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 29:15 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 29:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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