King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:1 in the King James Version says “And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears t... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. keep: Heb. keep to do them

Deuteronomy 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. keep: Heb. keep to do them

2

The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.

3

The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses summons 'all Israel' to hear the statutes and judgments, emphasizing communal responsibility and covenant unity. The command to 'hear, O Israel' (Shema Yisrael) becomes central to Jewish identity. The threefold imperative—'hear,' 'learn,' 'keep and do'—establishes the proper sequence: reception of God's word, understanding through study, and obedient application. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep/observe) implies careful guarding and preserving, while 'asah' (do) means active performance. Hearing without doing is covenant violation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse introduces Moses' recitation of the Ten Commandments to the second generation (Deuteronomy 5:6-21). While the first generation heard the commandments directly at Sinai (Exodus 20), this generation needs instruction as they prepare to enter Canaan. Moses' rehearsal of covenant law establishes intergenerational continuity and emphasizes that covenant obligations don't expire with the original recipients but continue across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the progression from hearing to learning to doing shape your approach to Scripture?
  2. What does Moses' rehearsal of the law to a new generation teach about passing faith to the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 22

called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁה֮2 of 22

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל4 of 22
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 22

O Israel

H3478

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 22

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֗ם7 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמַ֤ע8 of 22

unto them Hear

H8085

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙9 of 22

O Israel

H3478

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

אֶת10 of 22
H853

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

הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים11 of 22

the statutes

H2706

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

וְאֶת12 of 22
H853

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

הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים13 of 22

and judgments

H4941

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

אֲשֶׁ֧ר14 of 22
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֛י15 of 22
H595

i

דֹּבֵ֥ר16 of 22

which I speak

H1696

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

בְּאָזְנֵיכֶ֖ם17 of 22

in your ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

הַיּ֑וֹם18 of 22

this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם19 of 22

that ye may learn

H3925

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

אֹתָ֔ם20 of 22
H853

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

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם21 of 22

them and keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לַֽעֲשֹׂתָֽם׃22 of 22

and do

H6213

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


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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study