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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely there shall not one {H376} of these men {H582} of this evil {H7451} generation {H1755} see {H7200} that good {H2896} land {H776}, which I sware {H7650} to give {H5414} unto your fathers {H1},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Not a single one of these people, this whole evil generation, will see the good land I swore to give to your ancestors,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:35 serves as a solemn divine decree, pronouncing that the generation of Israelites who rebelled against God at Kadesh-Barnea would not enter the "good land" promised to their forefathers. This verse, delivered by Moses, underscores the severe consequences of unbelief and disobedience, particularly their failure to trust God's power and promises in the face of daunting challenges. While highlighting divine judgment, it simultaneously reaffirms the unwavering nature of God's covenant oath, which would ultimately be fulfilled through a new, more obedient generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Moses' opening address to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. The book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") functions as a "second law," a masterful recounting and re-explanation of the Law and Israel's wilderness journey, designed to instruct and admonish those who did not experience the Exodus firsthand. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 1](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses' Recounting of Kadesh-Barnea") recounts the pivotal and tragic events at Kadesh-Barnea, where Israel's profound lack of faith led to a forty-year delay in entering Canaan. Moses meticulously details the sending of the twelve spies, the fearful and faithless report of ten of them, and the subsequent rebellion and grumbling of the people, culminating in God's pronouncement that the disbelieving generation would perish in the wilderness. Verse 35 is the direct, emphatic declaration of this severe judgment, clarifying its scope and the reason behind it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is crucial: Israel is on the very cusp of transitioning from a nomadic existence in the wilderness to a settled life in the Promised Land. The generation Moses addresses in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy") comprises those born after the Exodus, or those who were under twenty years old at the time of the Kadesh-Barnea rebellion. The "good land" is Canaan, a fertile and strategic region that God had sworn to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an eternal inheritance for their descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram"), [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Culturally, the fulfillment of such a divine oath was paramount, yet the people's response at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent into Canaan") demonstrated a catastrophic failure of trust in Yahweh's omnipotence and faithfulness to overcome the formidable inhabitants of Canaan. Their rebellion was not merely a tactical error but a direct affront to God's covenant integrity and holiness, necessitating a severe divine response to uphold His character and the sanctity of His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 1:35](/deuteronomy/1-35 "Deuteronomy 1:35 - Consequences of Unbelief") powerfully illuminates several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it starkly illustrates the **consequences of unbelief and disobedience**, demonstrating that while God's promises are steadfast and ultimately guaranteed, their immediate experience and enjoyment can be profoundly hindered by human rebellion. The "evil generation" is defined by its lack of faith, not merely its chronological age. Secondly, it underscores **God's righteous judgment**, affirming that God holds His covenant people accountable for their actions and that sin carries severe, divinely ordained penalties, as seen in [Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26-35 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation"). Thirdly, despite this severe judgment, the verse implicitly points to **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant oath. The land *would* still be given, but to a new generation, ensuring the ultimate fulfillment of His promise to the patriarchs, as exemplified by Caleb's faithfulness in [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Caleb's Faithfulness"). Finally, the "good land" itself serves as a central theme, representing God's **covenant blessings and inheritance**, access to which is profoundly contingent upon a responsive faith and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term (H7451), often translated as "bad" or "wicked," here describes the moral and spiritual disposition of the generation. It's not merely about misfortune or trouble, but about a deep-seated rebellion, a disposition of heart that actively opposes God's will and disbelieves His word. In this context, it specifically refers to their "evil report" ([Numbers 13:32](/numbers/13-32 "Numbers 13:32 - The Evil Report of the Spies")) and their "evil heart of unbelief" ([Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Warning Against Unbelief")). It signifies a state of moral corruption that incurred divine wrath.
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** This word (H1755) refers to a revolution of time, an age, or a generation. Here, it denotes the specific cohort of Israelites who were adults at the time of the Kadesh-Barnea rebellion. The term "evil generation" thus identifies a distinct group characterized by their collective spiritual failure and unbelief, setting them apart from the new generation that would inherit the land.
* **Sware (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** Derived from the root "to swear an oath" (H7650), this word emphasizes the solemn, binding, and irrevocable nature of God's promise to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) regarding the land. God's oath is a divine commitment, a self-malediction if He were to fail to fulfill it. The fact that God "swore" to give the land underscores the absolute certainty of its eventual possession, even if human failure delayed it for a generation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation":** This opening clause delivers an emphatic and absolute pronouncement of judgment. The phrase "not one" highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine decree against the entire adult population (excepting Caleb and Joshua). The term "evil generation" is a severe moral indictment, emphasizing that their exclusion was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their spiritual state—their profound unbelief, rebellion, and persistent grumbling against God and His appointed leaders. It signifies a collective condemnation for their hardened hearts.
* **"see that good land":** "Seeing" the land here is a metonymy for experiencing it, entering it, and possessing it as an inheritance. The "good land" (Hebrew: _ha'aretz hatovah_) refers to Canaan, consistently described elsewhere as a land of abundance, "flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). It represents the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises, a place of rest, blessing, and abundance. The denial of entry is the core punishment for their profound lack of faith and disobedience.
* **"which I sware to give unto your fathers":** This final clause powerfully juxtaposes God's unwavering faithfulness with Israel's unfaithfulness. Despite the current generation's rebellion, God's oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remains inviolable. The land *will* be given, but to their descendants, emphasizing that God's covenant promises are ultimately dependent on His immutable character, not solely on human performance, though human disobedience can indeed delay or alter the *means* of fulfillment for individuals or specific generations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:35 is rich with impactful literary devices. **Irony** is powerfully evident in the stark contrast between God's promise of a "good land" and the "evil generation" that is denied entry; the inherent goodness of the promised inheritance serves to highlight the profound moral and spiritual badness of the people's hearts. **Emphasis** is achieved through the strong negative phrasing, "Surely there shall not one...", which underscores the totality, certainty, and severity of the divine judgment, leaving no room for exceptions (save for Caleb and Joshua, as noted elsewhere). The phrase "evil generation" functions as a potent **metonymy**, where "evil" describes the defining moral and spiritual character of the entire group, rather than just their chronological age. Furthermore, the verse employs **juxtaposition** by placing the "evil generation" directly against the "good land" and God's steadfast, sworn oath, thereby highlighting the profound tension between human failure and divine faithfulness. The entire passage in [Deuteronomy 1](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses' Recounting of Kadesh-Barnea") serves as a prime example of **didactic recounting**, where Moses uses historical narrative to teach crucial theological and practical lessons to the new generation, warning them against the pitfalls of their predecessors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:35 stands as a foundational text for understanding the critical interplay of divine promise, human faith, and the consequences of disobedience in the life of God's covenant people. It profoundly reveals that while God's covenant promises are unconditional in their ultimate, sovereign fulfillment, the experience and enjoyment of their blessings by individuals or generations can be profoundly conditional upon their responsive faith and obedience. The judgment against the "evil generation" underscores God's absolute holiness, His righteous character, and His demand for trust and faithfulness from those with whom He enters into covenant. This event is far more than an ancient historical anecdote; it is a profound theological lesson about the insidious dangers of unbelief and the vital importance of perseverance in faith. It teaches that spiritual inheritance and divine rest are not automatically granted but require a heart that trusts and obeys God, even when circumstances appear daunting or when the path seems difficult.

* [Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26-35 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")
* [Psalm 95:7-11](/psalm/95-7-11 "Psalm 95:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:35 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all who claim to follow God, whether as individuals or as a community of faith. It compels us to deeply examine the state of our own hearts, prompting us to ask whether we truly trust God's promises and obey His commands, especially when faced with daunting challenges, prolonged delays, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The "good land" for us may not be a physical territory, but the spiritual blessings, profound peace, and promised rest that God intends for us to experience in Christ. Unbelief, like a pervasive spiritual cancer, can tragically prevent us from entering into the fullness of God's provision, causing us to wander in spiritual wildernesses of our own making, disconnected from the abundant life He offers. This verse calls us to cultivate a vibrant spirit of unwavering faith and steadfast perseverance, diligently learning from the costly mistakes of the past generation, so that we may not fall short of the spiritual inheritance God has graciously prepared for those who believe and obey Him. It powerfully reminds us that while God's grace is boundless and His promises are sure, His grace does not nullify the essential need for our responsive faith and obedient trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be exhibiting an "evil heart of unbelief" that is preventing me from experiencing God's full blessings and rest?**
* **How do I typically respond when God's promises seem delayed, or when the challenges to their fulfillment appear overwhelming and impossible?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can I take today to cultivate a deeper, more robust trust in God's Word and a more consistent, joyful obedience to His commands?**
* **How does the stark example of the disobedient generation in Deuteronomy inform and deepen my understanding of the critical importance of spiritual perseverance in my own faith journey?**

### FAQ

**What does "evil generation" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "evil generation" (Hebrew: _dor ra'ah_) in Deuteronomy 1:35 refers not merely to a chronological age group but specifically to the moral and spiritual condition of the Israelites who rebelled against God at Kadesh-Barnea. Their "evil" was characterized by profound unbelief, a pervasive lack of trust in God's power and promises, and outright disobedience to His clear commands. They chose to believe the fearful and faithless report of the ten spies over God's explicit assurance and the encouraging words of Caleb and Joshua, thereby demonstrating a hardened heart and a rebellious spirit that was deeply offensive to God ([Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - How long will this people despise me?")).

**Why were Caleb and Joshua the only exceptions?**

Answer: Caleb and Joshua were the only two adult spies who brought back a positive and faith-filled report from Canaan, expressing unwavering confidence in God's ability to deliver the land into Israel's hands. [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Caleb's Faithfulness") explicitly states that Caleb would see the land "because he has wholly followed the Lord." [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Spirit") further elaborates that Caleb had "a different spirit" and "followed the Lord fully." Their unwavering faith, courageous obedience, and singular devotion to God distinguished them profoundly from the rest of the rebellious generation, making them the only ones of that age group permitted to enter and inherit the Promised Land.

**Does this verse imply that God's promises are conditional?**

Answer: This verse highlights a crucial and often misunderstood tension in biblical theology: God's covenant promises are ultimately unconditional in their divine guarantee and sovereign fulfillment (e.g., the land would *eventually* be given, as God "sware" it to the patriarchs). However, the *experience* and *enjoyment* of those promises by individuals or specific generations can indeed be conditional upon their faith and obedience. The land was promised to Abraham's descendants unconditionally, but the generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea forfeited their personal opportunity to enter it due to their profound unbelief and disobedience. This demonstrates that while God remains absolutely faithful to His word and His overarching plan, human disobedience has real and severe consequences, directly affecting the timing and the immediate recipients of His blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:35, while a severe judgment upon an unbelieving generation, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the denial of a physical land, but in the glorious spiritual rest and eternal inheritance offered exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ. The "good land" promised to Israel served as a powerful Old Testament type, prefiguring the true, ultimate rest and eternal inheritance that God offers to His people in Christ. The generation that perished in the wilderness due to their unbelief stands as a potent Old Testament warning, urging New Testament believers to guard against a similar spiritual failure. The author of Hebrews draws a direct and compelling parallel, urging us to "strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience" ([Hebrews 4:11](/hebrews/4-11 "Hebrews 4:11 - Strive to Enter That Rest")). Jesus is the greater Joshua, the true leader who leads His people into the ultimate spiritual Promised Land, the "Sabbath-rest that remains for the people of God" ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest")). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and victorious resurrection, Christ has opened the way to a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Unlike the old covenant generation, whose access to the physical land was conditioned on their obedience, our access to eternal life, spiritual blessings, and divine rest is secured by Christ's perfect obedience and our trusting faith in Him alone. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's sworn promise, bringing us into a relationship and a future far greater than any earthly inheritance, a glorious rest from our labors and an eternal dwelling in the very presence of God forever ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 95:11

Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.