King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 4:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 4:14 in the King James Version says “And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.”

Deuteronomy 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. only: Heb. save a voice

13

And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.

14

And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

15

Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:

16

Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

Read Deuteronomy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commanded Moses to 'teach you statutes and judgments' for life in the land—grounding Israel's entire civil and ceremonial code in divine authority. The purpose clause 'that ye might do them' emphasizes that law requires obedience, not merely intellectual assent. The geographical specificity ('in the land whither ye go') demonstrates that biblical law applies to concrete historical situations, not abstract principles alone. This verse establishes the pattern of covenant administration: divine revelation through chosen mediators (Moses, prophets, ultimately Christ) to be obeyed by the covenant community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These expanded statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 12-26) go beyond the Ten Commandments, addressing specific situations Israel would encounter in Canaan: worship, sacrifices, festivals, kings, priests, prophets, warfare, property, marriage, and justice. Moses delivered these laws on Moab's plains circa 1406 BC as Israel prepared to cross Jordan. These ordinances would govern Israel's theocratic society for centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' role as covenant mediator prefigure Christ's superior mediation of the New Covenant?
  2. What does the connection between law and land possession teach about obedience as the pathway to covenant blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֹתִ֞י1 of 17
H853

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

צִוָּ֤ה2 of 17

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָה֙3 of 17

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּעֵ֣ת4 of 17

“me at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔וא5 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לְלַמֵּ֣ד6 of 17

“to teach”

H3925

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

אֶתְכֶ֔ם7 of 17
H853

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

חֻקִּ֖ים8 of 17

“you statutes”

H2706

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

וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים9 of 17

“and judgments”

H4941

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

לַעֲשֹֽׂתְכֶ֣ם10 of 17

“that ye might do”

H6213

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

אֹתָ֔ם11 of 17
H853

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

בָּאָ֕רֶץ12 of 17

“them in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 17
H834

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

אַתֶּ֛ם14 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹֽבְרִ֥ים15 of 17

“whither ye go over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

שָׁ֖מָּה16 of 17
H8033

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

לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃17 of 17

“to 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

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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 21:1-23Psalms 105:44-45

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 4 →

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