King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:30 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:30 in the King James Version says “Go say to them, Get you into your tents again. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 5:30 · KJV


Context

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.

31

But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

32

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's directive 'Go say to them, Get you into your tents again' dismisses the congregation while retaining Moses for further instruction. This establishes the pattern: God reveals to His chosen mediator, who then instructs the people. The people return to ordinary life while Moses remains in God's presence—illustrating that covenant relationship requires both mediator and revelation. The Reformed understanding of church authority follows this pattern: ordained ministers expound Scripture to the congregation. God doesn't reveal directly to every individual but through appointed means (ministry of the Word).

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Historical & Cultural Context

After the Sinai theophany and covenant commitment, the people returned to their tents while Moses ascended Sinai to receive detailed law (Exodus 20-24). This pattern repeated throughout Israel's history: prophets received God's Word privately, then publicly proclaimed it. The congregation gathered for instruction but relied on ordained mediators. This prefigures the New Testament pattern where Christ called and commissioned apostles who established churches through Word and sacrament ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this pattern of mediated revelation establish the principle of ordained ministry as God's appointed means of instructing His people?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between private devotion and corporate worship, individual study and public preaching?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לֵ֖ךְ1 of 6
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֱמֹ֣ר2 of 6

say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֑ם3 of 6
H0
שׁ֥וּבוּ4 of 6

again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לָכֶ֖ם5 of 6
H0
לְאָֽהֳלֵיכֶֽם׃6 of 6

you into your tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)


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 5:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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