Deuteronomy 31 1

Deuteronomy 31:1 kjv

And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:1 nkjv

Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:1 niv

Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel:

Deuteronomy 31:1 esv

So Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel.

Deuteronomy 31:1 nlt

When Moses had finished giving these instructions to all the people of Israel,

Deuteronomy 31 verses

Deuteronomy 31 1 Meaning

Moses, at the culmination of his prophetic and leadership ministry, proactively presented his final divine discourse to the entire assembled nation of Israel. This action served as the formal transmission of God's renewed covenant and commands, ensuring that every member of the community received his ultimate admonitions and instructions before he departed.

Deuteronomy 31 1 Context

Deuteronomy 31:1 introduces a new and poignant segment in Moses' farewell to Israel, transitioning from the extensive exposition of the Law in the preceding thirty chapters. Moses, now 120 years old and having been informed by God that he would not enter the Promised Land, embarks on his final acts of leadership. The context immediately before this verse (Deut 30:19-20) includes Moses' powerful challenge to Israel to "choose life" through covenant obedience. Therefore, Deuteronomy 31:1 marks the shift from Moses' detailed sermon to his practical arrangements for leadership transition, the preservation of the Law, and final exhortations as the nation prepares to cross the Jordan without him. This historical moment is set on the plains of Moab, overlooking the land of Canaan, creating a highly significant and emotional backdrop for Moses' concluding words and deeds.

Deuteronomy 31 1 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֵּלֶךְ, va-yelech): This Hebrew word literally translates to "and he went." It's a waw-consecutive followed by a perfect verb form, signaling a sequential narrative progression. It suggests Moses taking a deliberate, purposeful action, shifting from the seated position of discourse to active preparation for his departure and the next stage for Israel. It conveys initiative and solemn movement.
• Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh): The divinely appointed leader, lawgiver, and prophet of Israel, central to the Pentateuch. At this juncture, Moses is nearing the end of his life's ministry, making his every action profoundly significant as he prepares to pass the mantle of leadership and ensure the continuation of God's covenant with Israel. His continued dedication at 120 years old demonstrates remarkable faithfulness.
• went (וַיֵּלֶךְ, va-yelech): See "Then." It signifies physical movement, not just speaking from a fixed place. This "going" implies a solemn gathering or a purposeful movement to ensure his words reached the collective ear of the nation. It highlights Moses' personal involvement and commitment in delivering this final crucial message to all the people.
• and spoke (וַיְדַבֵּר, va-yedabber): From the Hebrew root dabar (to speak, declare), this form implies a formal, authoritative address. It suggests that Moses delivered not just casual remarks, but a deliberate and impactful communication. As God's prophet, these words carried divine authority and represented Yahweh's direct instructions and warnings to His people.
• these words (אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, et-ha-devarim ha-elleh): This critical phrase serves as a literary bridge, directly referencing the vast theological and legal discourse that comprises the first thirty chapters of Deuteronomy. The Hebrew word davar often means "word" or "matter," but here, in the plural (devarim), it encompasses the entirety of Moses' previous sermons, commands, stipulations of the covenant, blessings, and curses. It reinforces that the foundation for Israel's future is the comprehensive divine instruction previously delivered.
• to all Israel (אֶל־כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל, el-kol-Yisra'el): The inclusion of "all" (kol) is crucial. It underscores that the message and the covenant applied without exception to every member of the community—each tribe, family, man, woman, and child. This emphasized corporate responsibility, collective accountability, and ensured no one could claim ignorance. It suggests a formal assembly where the nation collectively received these foundational words for their life in the land.

Deuteronomy 31 1 Bonus section

The verb "went" (הָלַךְ, halak) suggests a deliberate act of seeking out or assembling the people for a crucial final communication, underscoring Moses' commitment to his duty until his final moments. This contrasts with previous sections where he "spoke" from his vantage point. The precise Hebrew wording highlights the careful organization and importance of the transition that follows, preparing both the people and Joshua. This public declaration to "all Israel" made it clear that the covenant was a communal agreement, binding every individual and future generation. This act by Moses laid the groundwork for future practices like the public reading of the Law every seven years, emphasizing continuous instruction and remembrance of God's commands.

Deuteronomy 31 1 Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:1 is a pivotal opening that sets the stage for the dramatic concluding acts of Moses' ministry. It portrays a faithful Moses, even at 120 years of age, actively engaging the entire Israelite nation for one final, monumental discourse. "Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel" highlights Moses' unwavering commitment to his God-given role, demonstrating his initiative to physically present himself and formally deliver the final iteration of the divine covenant ("these words") to every individual of the collective community ("all Israel"). This public address reinforced the comprehensiveness and universal applicability of the Law, ensuring that the covenant remained the central guiding principle as leadership transitioned and the new generation prepared to enter the Promised Land. It underlines the enduring importance of God's Word being heard and internalized by the entire congregation for their well-being and covenant faithfulness.