Deuteronomy 30 14

Deuteronomy 30:14 kjv

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Deuteronomy 30:14 nkjv

But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

Deuteronomy 30:14 niv

No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

Deuteronomy 30:14 esv

But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

Deuteronomy 30:14 nlt

No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.

Deuteronomy 30 verses

Deuteronomy 30 14 Meaning

Deuteronomy 30:14 conveys that God's commandment is not a distant or unattainable mystery, but is inherently accessible to Israel. It resides intimately "in your mouth and in your heart," signifying that it is understandable, speakable, and capable of being internalized by their very being, enabling them to live by it. This proximity eliminates any excuse for disobedience, emphasizing the Law's knowability and practicality for life.

Deuteronomy 30 14 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 30 forms a powerful conclusion to Moses' final discourse, delivered to the Israelites on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. This chapter focuses on the promises of future restoration after exile (verses 1-10) and the inherent accessibility of God's covenant commands (verses 11-14), culminating in a stark choice between life and death (verses 15-20). Verse 14 is specifically nestled within a section that assures Israel that God's law is neither obscure nor impossible to obey. It directly follows Moses explaining that the command is not "too hard" nor "far off" (v. 11), nor "in heaven" (v. 12), nor "beyond the sea" (v. 13). Instead, it is intensely present and ready to be acted upon. The historical context is that of a covenant renewal, reminding a new generation of their foundational obligations to Yahweh, implicitly contrasting Him with pagan deities whose will was often veiled or delivered through specific intermediaries, whereas Yahweh's word was openly proclaimed to the whole community.

Deuteronomy 30 14 Word analysis

• But: (וְכִ֤י / vechi) - Introduces a strong contrast to the preceding denials (not in heaven, not across the sea), emphasizing the reality of the Law's nearness. It marks a transition to an affirmative declaration.
• the word: (הַדָּבָר / ha'davar) - "The word, matter, thing, utterance." In this context, it refers collectively to God's commandments, statutes, and decrees given in the Law (Torah). It represents the full revealed will of God. This term encapsulates God's active, revealed instruction, emphasizing divine communication to humanity.
• is very near you: (קָר֥וֹב אֵלֶ֖יךָ מְאֹֽד / karov eilecha m'od) - "Near to you, exceedingly." "Qarov" denotes physical proximity, ease of access, and readiness. "Me'od" adds intensity, meaning "very, exceedingly," stressing the profound accessibility and tangibility of God's command. This highlights the immediacy and personal availability of God's instruction, dispelling any notion of remoteness.
• in your mouth: (בְּפִ֥יךָ / b'ficha) - "In your mouth." Refers to vocalizing, declaring, teaching, confessing, and speaking forth God's word. It signifies external articulation and open acknowledgment of the commandments. It also implies that the commands are clearly understood, remembered, and ready to be proclaimed or repeated.
• and in your heart: (וּבִלְבָבְךָ֖ / u'vilvavcha) - "And in your heart." The "heart" (לֵבָב / levav) in Hebrew thought encompasses the entire inner person: intellect, will, emotions, and moral core. Having the word "in your heart" means internalizing it deeply, understanding it, loving it, meditating on it, and allowing it to shape one's thoughts, desires, and intentions. It implies not just knowledge but personal conviction and disposition.
• that you may observe it: (לַֽעֲשֹׁתֽוֹ / la'asoto) - "To do it, to make it, to perform it." This is the purpose of the word's accessibility. The knowledge and internalization of God's command are meant to lead directly to obedience and practical living. It underscores the active, responsible aspect of the covenant: God makes His will known, and humans are expected to put it into practice.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But the word is very near you": This phrase directly counters the potential excuses of "too hard" or "far off" from verses 11-13. It emphasizes God's grace in making His divine will so readily available and comprehensible to His people, implying it is not hidden or elusive. This divine accessibility contrasts with the obscure, often demanding, nature of pagan deities and their oracles.
• "in your mouth and in your heart": This pairing indicates both external declaration and internal conviction. The mouth represents audible confession and public instruction (speaking it), while the heart represents the inward embracing and assimilation of the command (knowing and loving it). The sequence implies that internalization leads to articulation, and external articulation reinforces internalization, creating a holistic relationship with God's word. For the ancient Israelite, this meant the Torah was not merely an external code but a guiding principle for their very being.
• "that you may observe it": The ultimate goal of this accessibility and internalization is action. Knowing the word, having it in heart and mouth, is not for passive reception but for active obedience. This highlights the pragmatic and demanding nature of the covenant relationship; knowledge carries the responsibility of performance. This statement signifies the ethical imperative embedded in divine revelation.

Deuteronomy 30 14 Bonus section

The statement that the "word is very near" can also be understood as a theological declaration of God's intimate presence with His people. Unlike other deities, Yahweh reveals His will clearly and directly, enabling a deeply personal and actionable relationship. This passage subtly reinforces the unique nature of Israel's covenant relationship with their God, who desired a people who truly knew and lived by His revealed word, rather than through obscure or ritualistic practices. It also sets the stage for the prophetic theme of a future covenant where God would perfect this "nearness" by writing His law directly onto their hearts, a promise fully realized through Christ and the Spirit.

Deuteronomy 30 14 Commentary

Deuteronomy 30:14 serves as a profound statement on the accessibility and efficacy of God's Law within the covenant. Moses assures the Israelites that the divine commands are neither beyond reach (like searching distant heavens or seas) nor too complex to understand. Instead, the "word" – God's entire revelation of His will – is "very near" them. This nearness is further explicated by its location: "in your mouth and in your heart."

"In your mouth" signifies its speakability and the capacity for verbalization. It implies clear understanding, readiness to confess, and the ability to teach or proclaim. It is a word that can be remembered, discussed, and shared within the community. "In your heart" points to the depth of internalization, affecting the intellect, will, and affections. It is a word to be genuinely believed, cherished, meditated upon, and allowed to shape one's character and intentions. This holistic accessibility—from comprehension to deepest conviction—precludes any legitimate excuse for ignorance or inability to follow.

The ultimate purpose of this proximity and internalization is for practical "observance." God’s word is given not for mere academic study or emotional assent but for diligent application in daily life. This verse beautifully bridges revelation and responsibility: God provides His clear instructions, making them utterly available, and His people are expected to embody those instructions through their actions.

This concept finds its ultimate New Testament fulfillment, particularly in Romans 10. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:14 directly but applies "the word" to the gospel of salvation by faith in Christ. He argues that righteousness through faith does not require arduous tasks (like ascending to heaven or descending to the abyss) because the "word of faith" is now profoundly accessible: confessed with the mouth and believed in the heart, leading to salvation. This reinterpretation shows that Christ perfectly embodies the "nearness" of God's redemptive will, simplifying the means of righteousness from law-keeping to believing the spoken truth of the gospel. In the New Covenant, the Spirit further empowers this, writing God’s laws directly onto the hearts of believers (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10), making internal transformation a living reality.

Practical usage includes:

• Acknowledging the simplicity of the Gospel message: Salvation through faith is not complex or distant.
• Living out faith: True belief (heart) leads to confession (mouth) and obedient action.
• Embracing God's Word: The Bible is not just a book, but a living, accessible guide for life and godliness, intended for both deep contemplation and daily practice.