King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:3 in the King James Version says “The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 29:3 · 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:

4

Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

5

And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles. The great temptations (or trials/testings) refer to the plagues - called temptations because they tested both Egypt (forcing recognition of God's power) and Israel (testing their faith and trust). These divine acts functioned as both judgment and demonstration.

The signs and great miracles describe the supernatural character of God's acts. These were not natural phenomena but obvious divine interventions that defied natural explanation. The plagues' timing, intensity, and selectivity (affecting Egyptians but not Israelites) demonstrated intentional divine action.

Repeating thine eyes have seen personalizes the appeal. Moses addresses people who personally witnessed these events, not merely those who heard reports. Direct observation creates stronger conviction than second-hand testimony.

Jesus later says blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed (John 20:29), indicating that faith based on testimony and Scripture is as valid as faith from direct observation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ten plagues progressively demonstrated God's power over Egyptian deities and nature - the Nile (water to blood), frogs, livestock, darkness, etc. Each plague targeted an aspect of Egyptian religion or life.

The final plague - death of firstborn - was the ultimate demonstration leading to Israel's release and Egypt's devastation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did the plagues function as both judgment and demonstration?
  2. What made these miracles obviously supernatural rather than merely natural events?
  3. Why does personal eyewitness create stronger conviction than reports?
  4. How does Jesus' blessing on those who believe without seeing apply to believers today?
  5. What role do signs and miracles play in establishing faith versus maintaining faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הַמַּסּוֹת֙1 of 9

temptations

H4531

a testing, of men (judicial) or of god (querulous)

הַגְּדֹלִ֖ים2 of 9

The great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 9
H834

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

רָא֖וּ4 of 9

have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵינֶ֑יךָ5 of 9

which thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָֽאֹתֹ֧ת6 of 9

the signs

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וְהַמֹּֽפְתִ֛ים7 of 9

miracles

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

הַגְּדֹלִ֖ים8 of 9

The great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הָהֵֽם׃9 of 9
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 29:3 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 29:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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