King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 9:27 Mean?

Deuteronomy 9:27 in the King James Version says “Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:”

Deuteronomy 9:27 · KJV

Context

25

Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said he would destroy you.

26

I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

27

Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:

28

Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.

29

Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.

Read Deuteronomy 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin. Moses appeals to the patriarchal promises as basis for Israel's preservation. This demonstrates covenant theology - God's promises to the fathers obligate Him to the children regardless of the children's merit.

The command Remember thy servants does not imply God has forgotten, but uses covenant language requesting God to act consistently with His promises. Remembering in biblical usage means acting in accordance with prior commitments. Moses asks God to fulfill His sworn oath to the patriarchs.

Moses explicitly requests God look not unto Israel's actual character - their stubbornness, wickedness, and sin. This is crucial theology - preservation comes not from Israel's worthiness but from God's covenant faithfulness. If God judges by what Israel deserves, they merit destruction; only if God acts by His promises can they be saved.

Reformed theology sees here the principle that salvation depends entirely on God's sovereign grace and covenant promises, not on human merit or achievement. The covenant of grace rests on God's commitment, not human performance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God made unconditional promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would become a great nation, possess the land of Canaan, and bring blessing to all nations. These promises, confirmed by divine oath, could not fail despite Israel's unworthiness.

Paul later argues (Romans 11:28-29) that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable - His covenant with the patriarchs ensures Israel's ultimate preservation and restoration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the patriarchal promises demonstrate the unconditional nature of God's covenant grace?
  2. What does it mean to ask God to 'remember' His promises?
  3. Why is it crucial that salvation depends on God's faithfulness rather than human worthiness?
  4. How should awareness of our own stubbornness and sin drive us to depend on God's covenant promises?
  5. In what sense are Christians recipients of the Abrahamic promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
זְכֹר֙1 of 15

“Remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

לַֽעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ2 of 15

“thy servants”

H5650

a servant

לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם3 of 15

“Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

לְיִצְחָ֖ק4 of 15

“Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וּֽלְיַעֲקֹ֑ב5 of 15

“and Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

אַל6 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּ֗פֶן7 of 15

“look”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קְשִׁי֙9 of 15

“not unto the stubbornness”

H7190

obstinacy

הָעָ֣ם10 of 15

“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

הַזֶּ֔ה11 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְאֶל12 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רִשְׁע֖וֹ13 of 15

“nor to their wickedness”

H7562

a wrong (especially moral)

וְאֶל14 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חַטָּאתֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“nor to their sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:21Micah 7:18-19Proverbs 21:12Exodus 32:31-32Exodus 32:13Exodus 13:5

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