King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:11 in the King James Version says “When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law b...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 31:11 · KJV

Context

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:

13

And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose—the central sanctuary (later Jerusalem) during the pilgrimage feast. Thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing—public oral reading to the assembled nation. The Hebrew tiqra et-hatorah hazot (תִּקְרָא אֶת־הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת) emphasizes proclamation, not silent reading. The entire law was to be heard audibly by everyone present.

This command presumes most Israelites couldn't read—literacy was limited to scribes, priests, and aristocrats. Oral reading democratized access to God's word, ensuring the illiterate majority could know divine requirements. The practice also created communal experience—hearing together bound Israel as covenant people. Ezra's later reading (Nehemiah 8:1-8) took hours, with Levites circulating to explain meanings. Public Scripture reading remains essential in Christian worship (1 Timothy 4:13), continuing this pattern of gathered believers hearing God's word proclaimed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prescribed circa 1406 BC, anticipating centralized worship 'in the place which he shall choose' (ultimately Jerusalem's temple). Before Solomon's temple (960 BC), the tabernacle at Shiloh and other locations served this function. The requirement for all Israel to hear presupposed pilgrimage feasts drawing crowds from across the nation. Jesus Himself participated in this tradition, hearing Scripture read in synagogues (Luke 4:16-21) and teaching at Jerusalem during festivals.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does public reading of Scripture differ in effect from private reading? What's lost when we abandon corporate reading?
  2. Why was oral hearing the primary means of Scripture transmission, and what does this teach about accessibility?
  3. How should churches balance exposition (explaining Scripture) with simple reading (letting Scripture speak)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
בְּב֣וֹא1 of 19

“is come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָל2 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל3 of 19

“When all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵֽרָאוֹת֙4 of 19

“to appear”

H7200

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

אֶת5 of 19
H853

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

פְּנֵי֙6 of 19

“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

יְהוָ֣ה7 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ8 of 19

“thy 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

בַּמָּק֖וֹם9 of 19

“in the place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 19
H834

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

יִבְחָ֑ר11 of 19

“which he shall choose”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

תִּקְרָ֞א12 of 19

“thou shalt read”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת13 of 19
H853

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

הַתּוֹרָ֥ה14 of 19

“this law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּ֛את15 of 19
H2063

this (often used adverb)

נֶ֥גֶד16 of 19
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

כָּל17 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל18 of 19

“When all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּאָזְנֵיהֶֽם׃19 of 19

“in their hearing”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 23:2Joshua 8:34-35Deuteronomy 16:16-17Nehemiah 8:1-8Exodus 34:24Deuteronomy 12:5

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

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