King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:9 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:9 in the King James Version says “And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Deuteronomy 31:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

7

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

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.

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses wrote this law—the Hebrew vayichtov Moshe et-hatorah hazot (וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת) establishes Moses as the author of the Pentateuchal legal corpus. And delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD—the Levitical priesthood received custody of the written law, connecting legal authority with ark guardianship. And unto all the elders of Israel—both religious (priests) and civil (elders) leaders received the law, ensuring comprehensive societal governance under divine instruction.

This verse documents the transition from oral proclamation (Moses's sermons in Deuteronomy) to written scripture preserved for future generations. The law's placement with the ark (verse 26) physically located God's word at the covenant's heart. The dual delivery to priests and elders ensured both worship and civil life would conform to divine standards. This pattern—written revelation, authorized custodians, communal accessibility—established the biblical principle that God's people are governed by His inscripturated word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa 1406 BC in Moses's final weeks before his death at age 120. The 'law' (torah) likely included Deuteronomy itself and possibly the entire Pentateuch in substantially final form. Ancient Near Eastern treaties were similarly written and deposited in temples, though uniquely Israel's treaty-partner was Yahweh Himself. The Levitical priesthood would maintain this text through Israel's history, though later corruptions required reforms under Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) when the lost book of the law was rediscovered.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God require His revelation in written form rather than merely oral tradition?
  2. How does dual custody (priests and elders) protect against either religious or political corruption of God's word?
  3. What responsibilities accompany receiving and preserving God's written word for Christian leaders today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב1 of 19

“wrote”

H3789

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

מֹשֶׁה֮2 of 19

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 19
H853

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

הַתּוֹרָ֣ה4 of 19

“this law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֹּאת֒5 of 19
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּ6 of 19

“and delivered”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙8 of 19

“it unto the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 19

“the sons”

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

לֵוִ֔י10 of 19

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

הַנֹּ֣שְׂאִ֔ים11 of 19

“which bare”

H5375

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

אֶת12 of 19
H853

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

אֲר֖וֹן13 of 19

“the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִ֣ית14 of 19

“of the covenant”

H1285

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

יְהוָ֑ה15 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְאֶל16 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל17 of 19
H3605

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

זִקְנֵ֖י18 of 19

“and unto all the elders”

H2205

old

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

“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 31:9 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 31:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 4:15Joshua 3:3Daniel 9:13Hosea 4:6Numbers 33:2Mark 12:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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