King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:25 in the King James Version says “That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

Deuteronomy 31:25 · KJV


Context

23

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

24

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

25

That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

26

Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

27

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying—Moses addressed the specific Levitical clan responsible for transporting the ark (descendants of Kohath, Numbers 3:27-32). These Levites had the sacred duty of carrying the ark during Israel's travels and tending it when stationary. Entrusting them with the law-book connected Scripture's authority with the covenant's physical symbol, the ark containing the Ten Commandments tablets.

The Levites' role as Scripture custodians established a pattern of dedicated persons responsible for preserving and teaching God's word. This wasn't democratized access where everyone kept personal copies (impractical given pre-printing technology and literacy rates) but centralized preservation ensuring textual integrity. Yet the preservation served democratized access—the Levites were to read it publicly (31:11) and teach it comprehensively (Leviticus 10:11, Nehemiah 8:7-8). The pattern continues: church leaders preserve orthodox teaching while ensuring all believers access Scripture.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Commanded circa 1406 BC as Moses prepared for death. The Kohathite Levites who carried the ark would soon cross Jordan (Joshua 3-4, where priests bearing the ark stopped in the riverbed until all Israel crossed). After conquest, the ark resided at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1), then moved through various locations until Solomon placed it in Jerusalem's temple (1 Kings 8:3-9). The law-book remained beside the ark, symbolically uniting God's covenant (ark contents: Ten Commandments tablets, Aaron's rod, manna pot) with His comprehensive revelation (the law-book).

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the relationship between preserving Scripture's integrity (specialized custodians) and democratizing access (public reading)?
  2. How does placing the law-book beside the ark symbolize the unity of covenant and comprehensive revelation?
  3. What safeguards prevent either hoarding Scripture (restricting access) or corrupting it (everyone creating their own version)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיְצַ֤ו1 of 9

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 9

That Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 9
H853

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

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם4 of 9

the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

נֹֽשְׂאֵ֛י5 of 9

which bare

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֲר֥וֹן6 of 9

the ark

H727

a box

בְּרִית7 of 9

of the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 9

of the LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹֽר׃9 of 9

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 31:25 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 31:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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