King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 30:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 30:13 in the King James Version says “Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we m...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?”

Deuteronomy 30:13 · KJV

Context

11

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.

12

It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?

13

Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?

14

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

15

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

Read Deuteronomy 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? The second rhetorical question eliminates the geographic distance excuse. God's law is not beyond the sea requiring impossible ocean voyages to retrieve. It is present among the covenant community.

Ancient peoples viewed seas as mysterious, dangerous barriers. This imagery suggests that God's requirements are not hidden in inaccessible places requiring extraordinary exploration. He has made His will locally available.

Together with verse 12, this establishes that God's law is neither too high (in heaven) nor too far (beyond the sea). Vertical and horizontal accessibility are both assured - no direction requires impossible journeys to find God's will.

Paul's application extends this to the gospel - the word of faith is near, not requiring someone to bring Christ up from the dead (Romans 10:7-8). Accessibility of revelation becomes accessibility of salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient times, crossing seas required dangerous journeys with high mortality rates. Distant lands across oceans were largely unknown and inaccessible to common people.

God's placement of His word within Israel's reach demonstrated His gracious condescension, making salvation and covenant requirements accessible to all, not just heroic adventurers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What excuse does geographic inaccessibility eliminate?
  2. How do vertical (heaven) and horizontal (sea) barriers combine to picture total accessibility?
  3. What does God's local provision of His word teach about His character?
  4. How does Paul extend this principle to gospel accessibility?
  5. Why is it crucial that salvation and God's requirements be accessible to common people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 16
H3808

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

עֵ֤בֶר2 of 16

“Neither is it beyond”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיָּם֙3 of 16

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הִ֑וא4 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵאמֹ֗ר5 of 16

“that thou shouldest say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֣י6 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יַֽעֲבָר7 of 16

“Who shall go”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

לָ֜נוּ8 of 16
H0
אֶל9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵ֤בֶר10 of 16

“Neither is it beyond”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיָּם֙11 of 16

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְיִקָּחֶ֣הָ12 of 16

“for us and bring”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָּ֔נוּ13 of 16
H0
וְיַשְׁמִעֵ֥נוּ14 of 16

“it unto us that we may hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֹתָ֖הּ15 of 16
H853

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

וְנַֽעֲשֶֽׂנָּה׃16 of 16

“it and do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 30:13 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 30:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:27Matthew 12:42Proverbs 3:13-18Proverbs 2:1-5Acts 10:33Proverbs 16:6

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