King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 5:31 Mean?

Deuteronomy 5:31 in the King James Version says “But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgm... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 5:31 · KJV


Context

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.

33

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to Moses 'stand thou here by me' grants privileged proximity and continued revelation. The promise 'I will speak unto thee all the commandments, statutes, and judgments, which thou shalt teach them' establishes Moses as covenant mediator receiving comprehensive divine instruction. The purpose clause 'that they may do them in the land' connects obedience to inheritance. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine of the ministry of the Word: God speaks through ordained servants who faithfully teach Scripture. Moses' special calling prefigures Christ's unique role as the Prophet who reveals God perfectly (John 1:18, Hebrews 1:1-2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses spent 40 days on Sinai receiving detailed law covering worship, festivals, sacrifices, civil justice, and moral conduct (Exodus 20-24, 34). He faithfully taught these statutes to Israel throughout the wilderness wanderings. Moses' unique intimacy with God—speaking 'face to face' (Exodus 33:11)—authenticated his prophetic authority. Yet even Moses was a servant; Christ the Son possesses superior authority (Hebrews 3:5-6). Moses' mediation typified Christ's perfect revelation of the Father.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' unique proximity to God and role as mediator prefigure Christ's superior revelation of the Father (John 1:18)?
  2. What does this pattern of receiving revelation to teach others establish about the importance of faithful biblical instruction in the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְאַתָּ֗ה1 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

פֹּה֮2 of 20
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

עֲמֹ֣ד3 of 20

But as for thee stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עִמָּדִי֒4 of 20

thou here by me

H5978

along with

וַֽאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה5 of 20

and I will speak

H1696

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

אֵלֶ֗יךָ6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֧ת7 of 20
H853

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

כָּל8 of 20
H3605

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

הַמִּצְוָ֛ה9 of 20

unto thee all the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וְהַֽחֻקִּ֥ים10 of 20

and the statutes

H2706

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

וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֖ים11 of 20

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 20
H834

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

תְּלַמְּדֵ֑ם13 of 20

which thou shalt teach

H3925

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

וְעָשׂ֣וּ14 of 20

them that they may do

H6213

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

בָאָ֔רֶץ15 of 20

them in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר16 of 20
H834

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

אָֽנֹכִ֛י17 of 20
H595

i

נֹתֵ֥ן18 of 20

which I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֖ם19 of 20
H0
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃20 of 20

them 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 5:31 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 5:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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