King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:28 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:28 in the King James Version says “And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

Deuteronomy 5:28 · KJV


Context

26

For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

27

Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

28

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

29

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

30

Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's approval 'I have heard the voice of the people...they have well said' commends Israel's appropriate fear and commitment to obedience. God Himself validates the need for mediation—He doesn't rebuke their request for Moses to intercede. This demonstrates that God establishes the means (mediation) by which covenant relationship functions. The phrase 'they have well said' shows that initial covenant profession pleased God, though subsequent unfaithfulness proved their need for heart transformation. This verse illustrates that right theology (understanding need for mediation, committing to obedience) without heart renewal produces mere external religion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

God's approval of Israel's request established the pattern of mediated revelation continuing throughout redemptive history. Prophets delivered God's Word; priests offered sacrifices and interceded; kings governed as God's representatives. This mediatorial structure pointed forward to Christ who perfectly fulfills all three offices—Prophet, Priest, and King. Yet even with proper structure and initial commitment, Israel repeatedly violated covenant, demonstrating that external religion without regeneration fails.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's approval of Israel's request for mediation demonstrate that He ordains the means by which His people approach Him?
  2. What does the tension between God's approval of their words and knowledge of their future unfaithfulness reveal about the insufficiency of external religion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
שָׁ֠מַעְתִּי1 of 23

heard

H8085

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

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 23

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת3 of 23
H853

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

ק֨וֹל4 of 23

the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

דִּבְרֵ֜י5 of 23

of the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

דִּבֵּֽרוּ׃6 of 23

said all that they have spoken

H1696

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

אֵלָ֑י7 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר8 of 23

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה9 of 23

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֵלַ֗י10 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁ֠מַעְתִּי11 of 23

heard

H8085

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

אֶת12 of 23
H853

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

ק֨וֹל13 of 23

the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

דִּבְרֵ֜י14 of 23

of the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָעָ֤ם15 of 23

of this people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּה֙16 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 23
H834

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

דִּבֵּֽרוּ׃18 of 23

said all that they have spoken

H1696

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

אֵלֶ֔יךָ19 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֵיטִ֖יבוּ20 of 23

unto thee they have well

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

כָּל21 of 23
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר22 of 23
H834

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

דִּבֵּֽרוּ׃23 of 23

said all that they have spoken

H1696

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


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 5:28 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 5:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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