King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 34:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 34:7 in the King James Version says “And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. natural: ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. natural: Heb. moisture abated: Heb. fled”

Deuteronomy 34:7 · KJV

Context

5

So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

6

And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

7

And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. natural: Heb. moisture abated: Heb. fled

8

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

9

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Read Deuteronomy 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. The phrase lo-khahah eno (his eye was not dim) and lo-nas lekho (his vigor/moisture had not fled) emphasize Moses' supernatural preservation despite advanced age. The 120 years divide neatly into three 40-year periods: Egyptian prince, Midianite shepherd, and Israel's deliverer—each phase preparing him for the next in God's providence.

This vigorous health at death highlights that Moses died by divine appointment, not natural decline. His unimpaired faculties meant he could have continued leading, but God's timing is sovereign—removal from leadership comes not from incapacity but from God's purposes. The contrast between Moses' physical vitality and his exclusion from Canaan underscores that spiritual consequences transcend physical circumstances. His strength served Israel to the very end, yet sin's consequences remained.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 120-year lifespan became proverbial (Genesis 6:3), though not a strict limit. Moses' three 40-year periods parallel Israel's testing periods. His vigor at death contrasts sharply with Isaac's blindness (Genesis 27:1) and Jacob's frailty (Genesis 48:10), emphasizing that God sustained Moses uniquely for his unique calling. Ancient Near Eastern literature sometimes attributed exceptional longevity to heroes, but Moses' account is presented as straightforward history, not legend.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sustaining of Moses' strength throughout his service encourage you to trust Him for the resources needed for your calling?
  2. What does Moses' removal while still vigorous teach about God's sovereignty over timing in leadership transitions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמֹשֶׁ֗ה1 of 12

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בֶּן2 of 12

“old”

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

מֵאָ֧ה3 of 12

“was an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים4 of 12

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֖ה5 of 12

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְּמֹת֑וֹ6 of 12

“when he died”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

לֹֽא7 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כָהֲתָ֥ה8 of 12

“was not dim”

H3543

to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull

עֵינ֖וֹ9 of 12

“his eye”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְלֹא10 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָ֥ס11 of 12

“abated”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

לֵחֹֽה׃12 of 12

“nor his natural force”

H3893

freshness, i.e., vigor

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 34:7 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 34:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31:2Joshua 14:10-11Genesis 48:10Genesis 27:1Acts 7:36Acts 7:30

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 34 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 34 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes