King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:10 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:10 in the King James Version says “And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,”

Deuteronomy 31:10 · KJV

Context

8

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

9

And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

10

And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

11

When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

12

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release—the septennial Sabbath year (Deuteronomy 15:1-11) when debts were canceled and land rested. In the feast of tabernacles—the Hebrew chag ha-sukkot (חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת), the autumn harvest festival commemorating wilderness wandering (Leviticus 23:33-43). Moses prescribed public law-reading every seven years during this week-long feast when all Israel assembled.

The timing was strategic: the Sabbath year's debt forgiveness reminded Israel of dependence on God's provision, while Tabernacles recalled wilderness formation when they received the law at Sinai. Reading the law during this convergence annually reinforced that prosperity and land tenure depended on covenant faithfulness. The seven-year cycle ensured every generation heard the complete law read publicly at least once in childhood, creating transgenerational continuity of covenant knowledge.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Commanded circa 1406 BC for implementation after conquest and settlement. The Feast of Tabernacles became the major pilgrimage festival (along with Passover and Pentecost), when Israelite males traveled to the central sanctuary. Archaeological evidence and biblical texts suggest this septennial reading fell into disuse during the monarchy's decline. Nehemiah 8 records a dramatic law-reading revival after the Babylonian exile (444 BC), when Ezra read the law publicly and the people wept, repenting of violations they hadn't known they were committing.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God require regular, public reading of Scripture in gathered assemblies rather than private study alone?
  2. How does the seven-year cycle reflect God's concern for generational transmission of covenant knowledge?
  3. What contemporary practices ensure believers regularly hear the full counsel of God's word, not selective portions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְצַ֥ו1 of 12

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁ֖ה2 of 12

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אוֹתָ֣ם3 of 12
H853

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר4 of 12

“them saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִקֵּ֣ץ׀5 of 12

“At the end”

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

שֶׁ֣בַע6 of 12

“of every seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שְׁנַ֥ת7 of 12

“of the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּמֹעֵ֛ד8 of 12

“in the solemnity”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

שְׁנַ֥ת9 of 12

“of the year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁמִטָּ֖ה10 of 12

“of release”

H8059

remission (of debt) or suspension of labor)

בְּחַ֥ג11 of 12

“in the feast”

H2282

a festival, or a victim therefor

הַסֻּכּֽוֹת׃12 of 12

“of tabernacles”

H5521

a hut or lair

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 31:10 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 31:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:34-43Deuteronomy 15:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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