King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 4:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 4:1 in the King James Version says “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye ma... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Deuteronomy 4:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

3

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' exhortation 'Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments' calls for attentive obedience to God's law. The dual purpose—'that ye may live, and go in and possess the land'—links obedience with life and blessing. Obedience isn't legalism but the pathway to experiencing God's good purposes. The phrase 'which I teach you' establishes Moses as authoritative mediator of divine revelation, a role ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This introduces Moses' second discourse in Deuteronomy (chapters 4-11), reviewing the law before entering Canaan. The new generation, born in the wilderness, needed thorough instruction in God's covenant requirements. Moses grounds their future success in understanding and obeying the statutes given at Sinai.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing obedience as pathway to life rather than burdensome duty change your attitude toward God's commands?
  2. What statutes is God calling you to renewed attention and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה1 of 24
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל2 of 24

O Israel

H3478

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

שְׁמַ֤ע3 of 24

Now therefore hearken

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל4 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽחֻקִּים֙5 of 24

unto the statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְאֶל6 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים7 of 24

and unto the judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֲשֶׁ֧ר8 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָֽנֹכִ֛י9 of 24
H595

i

מְלַמֵּ֥ד10 of 24

which I teach

H3925

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

אֶתְכֶ֖ם11 of 24
H853

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֑וֹת12 of 24

you for to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְמַ֣עַן13 of 24
H4616

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

תִּֽחְי֗וּ14 of 24

them that ye may live

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וּבָאתֶם֙15 of 24

and go in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֣ם16 of 24

and possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת17 of 24
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ18 of 24

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר19 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְהוָ֛ה20 of 24

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֥י21 of 24

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

אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֖ם22 of 24

of your fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

נֹתֵ֥ן23 of 24

giveth

H5414

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

לָכֶֽם׃24 of 24
H0

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 4:1 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 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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