King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:19 in the King James Version says “Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song ma...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.”

Deuteronomy 31:19 · KJV

Context

17

Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? befall: Heb. find

18

And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.

19

Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

21

And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware. against: Heb. before go: Heb. do

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths—God commanded Moses to compose and disseminate the song recorded in Deuteronomy 32. That this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel—the song would serve as legal testimony in Israel's future covenant lawsuit. The Hebrew le-ed (לְעֵד, 'for a witness') indicates the song's forensic function: documenting Israel's obligations and God's warnings before the predicted rebellion occurred.

Setting theology to music ensured memorability and transmission—songs persist in memory longer than prose. The command to 'put it in their mouths' meant the song should become so familiar that Israelites would spontaneously recall and recite it. When apostasy came, the song's words would echo in memory, providing both explanation for their suffering and hope for restoration. This principle—Scripture memorization through song—continues in church tradition through hymns and worship music that teach theology while shaping affections.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Commanded circa 1406 BC in Moses's final weeks. Deuteronomy 32, the Song of Moses, became a lasting part of Israel's worship and instruction. Its themes—God's faithfulness, Israel's rebellion, divine judgment, eventual restoration—summarized covenant dynamics. Ancient peoples used poetry and song extensively for cultural transmission, recognizing their mnemonic superiority over prose. The song persisted through Israel's history, cited or alluded to by prophets (Isaiah 1:2, Jeremiah 2:32) and referenced in Revelation 15:3 as 'the song of Moses' sung by victorious saints.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God use poetry and song, not merely prose, to convey crucial theology? What unique benefits do songs provide?
  2. How does memorizing Scripture through music shape both doctrine and devotion? What's the relationship?
  3. What criteria should guide selecting worship songs—theological accuracy, memorability, emotional engagement, or what balance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 20
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

כִּתְב֤וּ2 of 20

“Now therefore write”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

לָכֶם֙3 of 20
H0
אֶת4 of 20
H853

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

הַשִּׁירָ֥ה5 of 20

“that this song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

הַזֹּ֔את6 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְלַמְּדָ֥הּ7 of 20

“for you and teach”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אֶת8 of 20
H853

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

בִּבְנֵ֥י9 of 20

“for me against the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃10 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

שִׂימָ֣הּ11 of 20

“put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בְּפִיהֶ֑ם12 of 20

“it in their mouths”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לְמַ֨עַן13 of 20
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תִּֽהְיֶה14 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִּ֜י15 of 20
H0
הַשִּׁירָ֥ה16 of 20

“that this song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

הַזֹּ֛את17 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְעֵ֖ד18 of 20

“may be a witness”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

בִּבְנֵ֥י19 of 20

“for me against the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃20 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 31:19 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 31:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6:7Deuteronomy 31:21-22Deuteronomy 31:26Deuteronomy 31:30-32:45Deuteronomy 11:19Deuteronomy 4:9-10

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

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