Deuteronomy 1 35

Deuteronomy 1:35 kjv

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers.

Deuteronomy 1:35 nkjv

'Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land of which I swore to give to your fathers,

Deuteronomy 1:35 niv

"No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors,

Deuteronomy 1:35 esv

'Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers,

Deuteronomy 1:35 nlt

'Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors,

Deuteronomy 1 verses

Deuteronomy 1 35 Meaning

This verse declares God's solemn judgment that none of the adult Israelites of the disobedient generation who rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea, with the exceptions of Caleb and Joshua, would be permitted to enter and possess the Promised Land. This divine pronouncement stemmed from their profound lack of faith and rebellion against the LORD, despite His covenant promises and mighty acts of deliverance.

Deuteronomy 1 35 Context

Deuteronomy 1 opens Moses' final address to the new generation of Israelites assembled on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. He recounts the journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai), highlighting key events that shaped their national identity and their relationship with God. Verse 35 specifically recalls the critical moment at Kadesh-Barnea (detailed in Numbers 13-14). There, after the spies returned from Canaan, the people, consumed by fear and distrust, grumbled against God and Moses, refusing to go up and take the land. This act of profound unbelief, despite God's previous mighty deliverances and direct commands, provoked God's wrath and led to His solemn decree: this generation, with the specific exceptions of Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness and not enter the land promised to their ancestors. This verse thus establishes the severe consequences of disobedience and unbelief within the covenant relationship.

Deuteronomy 1 35 Word analysis

• Surely not one (לֹא יִרְאֶה - lo yireh): This is a powerful, emphatic negation in Hebrew. It underscores the absolute and undeniable certainty of God's judgment. It conveys not just the physical act of "not seeing," but fundamentally "not experiencing" or "not entering into possession of" the land.
• these men (הָאֲנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה - ha'anashim ha'elleh): Refers to the specific adults aged twenty and above, excluding Caleb and Joshua, who were responsible for the rebellion and murmuring at Kadesh-Barnea. It points to those accountable for the collective sin.
• evil generation (הַדּוֹר הָרָע הַזֶּה - hador hara' hazzeh): The term "evil" (ra') describes their spiritual and moral disposition, characterized by persistent unbelief, obstinacy, complaining, and a hardened heart against God's promises and leading. This reflects a state of spiritual rebellion that negated their covenant standing in practice. This designation serves as a polemic, asserting that God's judgment is not arbitrary but just, rooted in their moral failing.
• shall see (יִרְאֶה - yireh): While literally "to perceive with eyes," in this theological context, it extends to mean "to possess," "to inherit," or "to enjoy the benefits of." They would be denied the experience of dwelling in the land, a bitter consequence.
• the good land (הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה - ha'aretz hattovah): This is Canaan, frequently described in Exodus and Deuteronomy as blessed, fertile, and God-provided ("flowing with milk and honey"). It represents God's lavish blessing and the culmination of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Exclusion from it underscores the gravity of their sin.
• which I swore (נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי - nishbati): Derived from the Hebrew word for "oath," this emphasizes the absolute and unbreakable nature of God's word. Just as God bound Himself by oath to give the land to the patriarchs, He similarly bound Himself by oath to prevent the disobedient generation from entering it. It highlights God's unchangeable character and the certainty of both His promises and His judgments.
• to give to your fathers (לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם - la'avoteikhem): This refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing the land promise within the foundational, ancient covenants (Gen 12, 15, 17, 26, 35). It reaffirms God's enduring faithfulness to His original word, despite the current generation's failure to inherit the immediate benefit of that promise.

Words-group analysis:

• "Surely not one of these men of this evil generation": This powerful opening highlights the widespread nature of the judgment, specifically targeting the morally and spiritually corrupt adult cohort who sinned collectively. It excludes a mere few, emphasizing the almost universal application of divine justice to those who had been shown so much.
• "shall see the good land": This phrase directly states the tragic outcome of their rebellion – the denial of the long-promised blessing and inheritance. It underlines the ultimate cost of unbelief: forfeiting the experience of God's goodness and fulfilled promise.
• "which I swore to give to your fathers": This part maintains the integrity of God's initial promise to the patriarchs. It differentiates between the unwavering divine commitment to provide the land (which was ultimately fulfilled through the next generation) and the specific conditional access for the rebellious generation. It reinforces God's consistent faithfulness even as His immediate plans are affected by human disobedience.

Deuteronomy 1 35 Bonus section

This specific judgment served a crucial purpose in God's redemptive plan beyond merely punishing disobedience. It acted as a necessary period of purification and preparation, cleansing the camp of unbelief and allowing a new generation, raised in greater discipline and awareness of God's commands, to emerge. This new generation would then be fit to inherit the land and represent God among the nations. Furthermore, the exclusion of the older generation underscores God's meticulous care for the integrity of His covenant. It reveals that the fulfillment of a promise does not automatically absolve the need for ongoing human faithfulness, thus establishing a powerful principle of accountability that reverberates throughout biblical history and applies to the spiritual life of believers today.

Deuteronomy 1 35 Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:35 serves as a poignant reminder of the serious consequences of unbelief and disobedience, even for those who are God's chosen people and have witnessed His mighty acts of deliverance. This verse articulates God's just verdict against the generation that came out of Egypt but failed to trust Him at Kadesh-Barnea. It powerfully conveys that while God's foundational promises (like the land covenant to the patriarchs) are unwavering, their immediate enjoyment and fulfillment for specific individuals or generations are contingent on faith and obedience. The "evil generation" was characterized not by isolated acts but by a sustained spirit of rebellion and unbelief that rendered them unfit for the blessing God intended.

God's "sworn" word signifies the absolute certainty of His decree; His character ensures He upholds both His promises and His judgments. The exceptions of Caleb and Joshua highlight that individual faith, even amidst widespread apostasy, secures divine favor and blessing. This account emphasizes a vital spiritual truth for all believers: inheriting God's full "rest" or promises requires persistent faith and responsive obedience, avoiding the hardening of hearts seen in the wilderness generation. It is a cautionary tale that God demands trust and submission from His people, reminding us that salvation from sin does not license subsequent disobedience to divine commands.