Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that the "word" isn't just abstract knowledge, but something meant to be lived out. It's placed "in your mouth" and "in your heart" to signify it should be spoken and deeply understood, leading directly to the purpose: "so that you can do it." This highlights that God's commands are meant to be practical and actionable in our daily lives.
Moses is painting a vivid picture of the choices laid before Israel: life or death, blessing or curse. He's just explained that obeying God’s commands leads to life, and disobedience to destruction. This verse emphasizes that God's instructions aren't impossibly distant or hidden, but readily available to be understood and put into practice.
Ever feel like God's commands are too complicated or out of reach? Moses tackles that head-on.
Moses declares God's commandment isn't hidden in some distant, unknowable place. It's not like a secret code only a select few can decipher.
Clear and Present
It's one thing to know God's Word, another to live it. What makes the difference?
Moses doesn't just say the word is near; he explains its placement and purpose: 'in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.'
Internalized and Spoken
Understand the original words
dabar · Hebrew Noun
The divine revelation of God’s will, often referring to His utterances, promises, or the body of revealed truth in Scripture. It signifies God's personal communication to humanity that requires a response of faith and obedience.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The core of human personality, encompassing the mind, will, affections, and conscience. It is the seat of moral decision-making and the place where God’s law must be internalized for true obedience.
This verse speaks to the accessibility of God's Word, not just in Moses' time but also as Paul later applies it to the Gospel. The Law, and later the message of Christ, isn't a distant, hidden secret, but something readily available to be understood, spoken, and internalized.
c. 1400 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God gives the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing the covenant relationship with Israel and outlining their responsibilities.
c. 1400 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Following the giving of the Law, the Israelites spend 40 years in the wilderness, during which time the Law was regularly taught and reinforced.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
After Moses' death, Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land, where the Law continues to be the basis of their national life.
c. 1400 BC - 400 BC
Period of the Judges and Monarchy
Israel lives under the covenant, with cycles of faithfulness and unfaithfulness to the Law, and periods of prophetic guidance.
c. 1400 BC
The Apostle Paul directly quotes and applies this passage to the Gospel, highlighting that the 'word' of faith is not something distant or unattainable but readily available through belief in Christ's resurrection.
Psalm 119:11This psalm emphasizes the internalizing of God's word, 'I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you,' which parallels Deuteronomy's emphasis on the word being 'in your heart' for the purpose of obedience.
Jeremiah 31:33This prophetic passage describes the New Covenant where God's law will be written on His people's hearts, echoing the intimacy and internalization presented in Deuteronomy 30:14 and pointing to a deeper fulfillment.
Matthew 12:34Jesus states, 'For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,' connecting the inner disposition ('heart') with outward expression ('mouth'), mirroring the structure of Deuteronomy 30:14 where the word resides in both.
calvinDeuteronomy 30:11-14: "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off."
- For this commandment, which I command thee. This declaration is like the preceding, and tends to the same end; for Moses commends in it the Law, on account of its easiness; because God does not propound to us obscure enigmas to keep our minds in suspense, and to torment us with difficulties, but teaches familiarly whatever is necessary, according to the capacity, an…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 30:14: "But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it."
14 . But the word is very nigh unto thee] So of God Himself, Deuteronomy 4:7 , q.v. , explained by what follows, in thy mouth and in thy heart (cp. Deuteronomy 6:6 f., Deuteronomy 11:18 f.), articulate, understood and familiar (especially after so much exposition of it!). The speaker does not add that it is ‘easy,’ but more justly and finely that it carries with it the conscience an…
The verse emphasizes that the "word" isn't just abstract knowledge, but something meant to be lived out. It's placed "in your mouth" and "in your heart" to signify it should be spoken and deeply understood, leading directly to the purpose: "so that you can do it." This highlights that God's commands are meant to be practical and actionable in our daily lives.
Moses is painting a vivid picture of the choices laid before Israel: life or death, blessing or curse. He's just explained that obeying God’s commands leads to life, and disobedience to destruction. This verse emphasizes that God's instructions aren't impossibly distant or hidden, but readily available to be understood and put into practice.
Moses is painting a vivid picture of the choices laid before Israel: life or death, blessing or curse. He's just explained that obeying God’s commands leads to life, and disobedience to destruction. This verse emphasizes that God's instructions aren't impossibly distant or hidden, but readily available to be understood and put into practice.
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Moses' Farewell Address
Moses delivers his final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, reiterating the Law and its consequences.
"But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it." — The verse emphasizes that the "word" isn't just abstract knowledge, but something meant to be lived out. It's placed "in your mouth" and "in your heart" to signify it should be spoken and deeply unde…
