Deuteronomy 27 8

Deuteronomy 27:8 kjv

And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

Deuteronomy 27:8 nkjv

And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law."

Deuteronomy 27:8 niv

And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up."

Deuteronomy 27:8 esv

And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly."

Deuteronomy 27:8 nlt

You must clearly write all these instructions on the stones coated with plaster."

Deuteronomy 27 verses

Deuteronomy 27 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 27:8 commands the Israelites, upon their entry into the Promised Land, to inscribe the entirety of God's revealed law on large, plastered stones. This inscription was to be made in a distinctly clear and legible manner. This pivotal act was part of a sacred covenant renewal ceremony on Mount Ebal, ensuring the Law's public accessibility, its enduring nature, and its undeniable plainness for all generations and inhabitants. It underscored that God's word was meant to be seen, read, and understood by everyone.

Deuteronomy 27 8 Context

Deuteronomy 27 details Moses' instructions for a critical covenant renewal ceremony to be enacted immediately after Israel's entry into the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deut 27:1-7) command the Israelites to set up large, plastered stones on Mount Ebal, build an altar, and offer sacrifices there. Verse 8 then provides the specific method for inscribing the law onto these stones. This public display of the law, along with the subsequent recitation of blessings and curses on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (Deut 27:11-26), formed a solemn, national recommitment to the Mosaic covenant. Historically, inscribing treaties and laws on public monuments was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, solidifying agreements and making them widely accessible. This command reinforced the divine authority of the Law, its public and permanent nature, and its vital importance as the foundational constitution for the nation entering a new land, whose prosperity depended upon its obedience to these clear divine instructions.

Deuteronomy 27 8 Word analysis

• And you shall write:
  • U-khatavta (וְכָתַבְתָּ), from the root katab (כָּתַב), meaning "to write," "to engrave."
  • Signifies a direct, imperative command, indicating an active responsibility.
  • The act is enduring, implying permanence, rather than temporary record-keeping.
• on the stones:
  • Al ha'avanim (עַל־הָאֲבָנִים), plural of even (אֶבֶן), meaning "stone."
  • Refers to the large stones to be covered with plaster, as specified in Deut 27:2.
  • Stones convey durability, strength, and a public display medium.
  • Echoes God's own act of writing the commandments on stone tablets.
• all the words:
  • Kol dibrei (כָּל־דִּבְרֵי). Kol (כָּל) means "all" or "entirety." Dibreh (דִּבְרֵי), from dabar (דָּבָר), signifies "word," "utterance," "matter," or "command."
  • Emphasizes the completeness of the divine instruction; no part was to be omitted.
  • Signifies the totality and comprehensiveness of the covenantal law.
• of this law:
  • Ha'torah hazot (הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת). Torah (תּוֹרָה) is God's "instruction" or "teaching," encompassing more than mere legal statutes.
  • Hazot (הַזֹּאת) means "this," pointing to the entire corpus of God's instruction revealed through Moses, particularly as reiterated in Deuteronomy.
  • Stresses the divine origin and authoritative nature of the instruction.
• very plainly:
  • Ba'er hetev (בָּאֵר הֵיטֵב).
  • Ba'er (בָּאֵר) means "to make clear," "to engrave distinctly," "to elucidate."
  • Heteve (הֵיטֵב) means "well," "thoroughly," "perfectly," or "distinctly."
  • This critical phrase demands utmost clarity, legibility, and full comprehension.
  • The law was not to be obscure but openly legible and understandable to all who could read.

Words-Group by words-group analysis:

• "And you shall write on the stones all the words...": This powerful opening command sets the tone for a momentous act. The chosen medium, "stones," underlines the intended permanence and durability of the Law. The scope, "all the words," highlights its totality; the entire revealed instruction, not just a selection, was to be formally recorded and made publicly available. This establishes an enduring physical testament to the full breadth of the covenant.
• "...all the words of this law...": This grouping further specifies the content, identifying it as the comprehensive divine "instruction" (Torah), given directly by God through Moses. It distinguishes it from any human law or custom. The emphasis on "all" ensures that no part of God's foundational truth for the nation would be neglected or seen as optional, but rather that the entire corpus was binding.
• "...very plainly.": This vital concluding phrase addresses the manner of inscription. Ba'er hetev goes beyond mere legibility; it implies distinctness, intelligibility, and lucidity. The Law was not to be kept obscure or accessible only to a select few. Rather, it was to be presented with such clarity that any literate person could read and grasp its meaning. This reflects God's character as One who desires His truth to be openly known and understood by all His people.

Deuteronomy 27 8 Bonus section

• The plastering over stone provided a smooth surface that allowed for more detailed and extensive writing than direct carving into rough stone, enhancing the "plainly" aspect by improving legibility and capacity for "all the words."
• The deliberate placement of this inscription on Mount Ebal, known as the mountain of curses (Deut 27:13-26), underscores the seriousness and binding nature of the Law, serving as a solemn public reminder of the consequences of disobedience, in stark juxtaposition with the altar built there for peace offerings.
• The phrase "very plainly" (bā’ēr hēṭēv) also carried the nuance of "expounding clearly," hinting at the subsequent necessity of teaching and interpreting the written word so that the people not only read it but also understood its implications for their daily lives (cf. Neh 8:8).
• The fulfillment of this command by Joshua in Josh 8:32-34 immediately after crossing the Jordan emphasizes the imperative nature of this command and its importance as one of the first acts of covenant ratification in the Promised Land.
• This command to physically write the law served as a type or foreshadowing of the New Covenant promise where God's law would not just be externally inscribed on stone, but internally written upon the hearts of His people through the work of the Holy Spirit (Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10).

Deuteronomy 27 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:8 encapsulates God's foundational desire for His revealed will to be widely known, thoroughly understood, and consistently obeyed by His people. The command to inscribe "all the words of this law" "very plainly" on large plastered stones on Mount Ebal was both a solemn covenant ritual and a practical directive. It ensured the Law's public visibility, leaving no doubt about the terms of Israel's relationship with God. This public display made the covenant terms inescapable and provided a tangible point of reference for all generations. It affirmed that God's truth is not obscure but inherently accessible and meant for the guidance and transformation of the entire community. The act stood as a permanent witness, fostering accountability and serving as an essential educational text for future generations to learn and transmit God's enduring commands. This clarity stands in stark contrast to pagan practices where divine or secret knowledge might be restricted to an elite few; God's word is for all His people.