King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 29:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 29:5 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 29:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God.

7

And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:

Read Deuteronomy 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. God's supernatural preservation during wilderness wandering demonstrated His continual care. Clothes and shoes that did not wear out despite forty years of use showed obvious divine provision transcending natural processes.

The phrase I have led you emphasizes personal divine guidance. God did not merely allow Israel to wander but actively led them through the wilderness journey. Every step occurred under divine providence and purpose.

The miracle of non-wearing clothes illustrated that God provides for basic needs in ways transcending normal means. While Israel expected natural provision (agriculture), God demonstrated supernatural provision (manna, durable clothing) to teach dependence on Him.

This pattern continues - God provides for His people's needs, sometimes naturally, sometimes supernaturally, always faithfully. The means vary but the Provider remains constant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Forty years of constant wear would naturally destroy clothing and sandals. That they remained intact was obvious miracle testifying to God's continual care.

This detail appears only in Deuteronomy, Moses' farewell address emphasizing God's faithfulness throughout the wilderness journey.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does supernatural preservation of clothing teach about God's comprehensive care?
  2. How does personal divine guidance differ from impersonal providence?
  3. Why did God provide supernaturally rather than enabling normal agricultural provision?
  4. What does this teach about God's faithfulness in providing for needs?
  5. How should remembering past provision strengthen confidence in God's future care?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וָֽאוֹלֵ֥ךְ1 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶתְכֶ֛ם2 of 14
H853

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

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים3 of 14

“you forty”

H705

forty

שָׁנָ֖ה4 of 14

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר5 of 14

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

לֹֽא6 of 14
H3808

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

בָלְתָ֖ה7 of 14

“are not waxen old”

H1086

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

שַׂלְמֹֽתֵיכֶם֙8 of 14

“your clothes”

H8008

a dress

מֵֽעֲלֵיכֶ֔ם9 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְנַֽעַלְךָ֥10 of 14

“upon you and thy shoe”

H5275

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

לֹֽא11 of 14
H3808

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

בָלְתָ֖ה12 of 14

“are not waxen old”

H1086

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

מֵעַ֥ל13 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רַגְלֶֽךָ׃14 of 14

“upon thy foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 29:5 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 29:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 8:4Nehemiah 9:21Deuteronomy 8:2Matthew 6:31-32Matthew 10:10Deuteronomy 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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