King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 4:45 Mean?

Deuteronomy 4:45 in the King James Version says “These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after the...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,”

Deuteronomy 4:45 · KJV

Context

43

Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

44

And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:

45

These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

46

On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:

47

And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising ;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt.

Moses identifies three categories of divine instruction: edot (עֵדֹת, 'testimonies') are declarations that bear witness to God's character and requirements; chuqqim (חֻקִּים, 'statutes') are fixed ordinances and regulations; mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, 'judgments') are case laws and judicial decisions. Together they comprehensively order Israel's relationship with God and neighbor.

The timing is significant: betseitam miMitsrayim (בְּצֵאתָם מִמִּצְרָיִם, 'after they came forth out of Egypt'). Law follows redemption, not vice versa. Israel was not delivered because they obeyed; they were instructed how to live because they were delivered. Grace precedes law; redemption creates the context for obedience. This sequence—redemption then instruction—pervades Scripture and reaches climax in the gospel, where we obey not to be saved but because we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-10).

These categories of law address different aspects of covenant life. Testimonies remind Israel of God's saving acts and character. Statutes provide structure for worship and daily life. Judgments resolve disputes and establish justice. Together they form a comprehensive vision for human flourishing under divine authority—what it looks like when the redeemed live as God's people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses identifies the content of his teaching as testimonies, statutes, and judgments delivered to Israel after the Exodus. Having left Egypt approximately 40 years earlier and conquered the trans-Jordan territory, Israel now stood ready to enter Canaan. This legal instruction was essential preparation for establishing a society under God's rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sequence of redemption before law shape your understanding of the relationship between grace and obedience?
  2. What role do 'testimonies' (reminders of what God has done) play in motivating your own obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֵ֚לֶּה1 of 12
H428

these or those

הָֽעֵדֹ֔ת2 of 12

“These are the testimonies”

H5713

testimony

וְהַֽחֻקִּ֖ים3 of 12

“and the statutes”

H2706

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

וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים4 of 12

“and the judgments”

H4941

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 12
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֤ר6 of 12

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁה֙7 of 12

“which Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל8 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 12

“unto the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל10 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

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

בְּצֵאתָ֖ם11 of 12

“after they came forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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 4:45 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 4:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 6:17Psalms 119:5Psalms 119:22Psalms 119:14Deuteronomy 6:20Psalms 119:7

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 4 →

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