King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:26 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:26 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 31:26 · KJV

Context

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?

28

Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God—the law-book was placed beside, not inside, the ark (which contained only the Ten Commandments tablets, Hebrews 9:4). The Hebrew mi-tzad (מִצַּד) means 'on the side of' or 'beside.' That it may be there for a witness against thee—the book functioned as legal testimony in the covenant lawsuit between Yahweh and Israel. Its presence ensured Israel couldn't claim ignorance of covenant stipulations when judgment came.

The law-book's placement beside the ark symbolized several truths: (1) comprehensive revelation accompanies foundational covenant (Ten Commandments); (2) Scripture's authority derives from proximity to God's presence (the ark's mercy seat was God's throne); (3) covenant relationship creates accountability—the witness-document testified continuously. The phrase 'against thee' suggests prosecutorial function—Scripture exposes sin and establishes guilt. Yet paradoxically, the same Scripture that condemns offers grace, pointing to the mercy seat atop the ark where blood atonement was made (Leviticus 16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Implemented circa 1406 BC, just before Moses's death. The ark's construction followed the Sinai covenant (Exodus 25:10-22); now Moses placed his completed written law beside it. This arrangement continued through Israel's history. When Josiah's reforms led to temple renovation (622 BC), the rediscovered 'Book of the Law' was apparently this very scroll placed beside the ark (2 Kings 22:8). Its recovery sparked national repentance, demonstrating Scripture's power when accessed and obeyed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Scripture function as 'witness against' humanity—exposing sin, establishing guilt, preventing excuse?
  2. Why is the law-book beside (not inside) the ark significant? What's the relationship between Ten Commandments and comprehensive law?
  3. How does Scripture's dual function (condemning sin, offering grace) resolve in Christ and the Gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
לָקֹ֗חַ1 of 16

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֣ת2 of 16
H853

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

סֵ֤פֶר3 of 16

“this book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

הַתּוֹרָה֙4 of 16

“of the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֶּ֔ה5 of 16
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְשַׂמְתֶּ֣ם6 of 16

“and put”

H7760

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

אֹת֔וֹ7 of 16
H853

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

מִצַּ֛ד8 of 16

“it in the side”

H6654

a side; figuratively, an adversary

אֲר֥וֹן9 of 16

“of the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִית10 of 16

“of the covenant”

H1285

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

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם12 of 16

“your 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

וְהָֽיָה13 of 16
H1961

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

שָׁ֥ם14 of 16
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בְּךָ֖15 of 16
H0
לְעֵֽד׃16 of 16

“that it may be there for a witness”

H5707

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

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 31:26 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 31:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31:192 Kings 22:13-191 Kings 8:92 Kings 22:8-112 Chronicles 34:14-15Galatians 2:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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