Deuteronomy 27:14

KJV

And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Levites {H3881} shall speak {H6030}, and say {H559} unto all the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} with a loud {H7311} voice {H6963},

Complete Jewish Bible

The L'vi'im, speaking loudly, will proclaim to every man of Isra'el:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Levites shall proclaim in a loud voice to every Israelite:

American Standard Version

And the Levites shall answer, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:14 serves as the solemn introduction to a pivotal covenant renewal ceremony, where the Levites are divinely appointed to publicly and authoritatively declare a series of curses to the assembled tribes of Israel. This verse underscores the absolute divine origin and binding nature of the Mosaic Covenant, preparing the entire nation for a collective and public affirmation of their commitment to Yahweh's commands as they stand on the threshold of entering the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Moses' final, impassioned address to the Israelites, as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, serving as a critical precursor to their imminent entry into the land of Canaan. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony at Ebal and Gerizim") outlines an elaborate and highly symbolic covenant renewal ceremony that Moses commands them to perform immediately upon crossing the Jordan River. The chapter details the division of the tribes on [Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal](/deuteronomy/27-12-13 "Deuteronomy 27:12-13 - Tribes on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal") for the pronouncement of blessings and curses, respectively. Verse 14 explicitly designates the Levites as the authoritative heralds who will initiate the declaration of the curses (beginning in [Deuteronomy 27:15](/deuteronomy/27-15 "Deuteronomy 27:15 - The First Curse")), to which the entire assembly is commanded to respond with a resounding "Amen." This entire chapter, alongside the extensive blessings and curses detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"), powerfully emphasizes the solemnity, public nature, and conditional terms of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this profound command is the plains of Moab, a critical juncture just before the Israelites' long-anticipated crossing of the Jordan River into Canaan. This period marks a momentous transition from forty years of nomadic wilderness wandering to a settled national existence in their promised inheritance. The covenant renewal ceremony itself, to be performed between the two prominent mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, was strategically located in the geographical heart of the land, symbolizing the covenant's absolute centrality to their future national identity and well-being. Public declarations and covenant-making ceremonies were common in the ancient Near East, often involving both blessings and curses to legally bind parties to an agreement. However, Israel's covenant was utterly unique in its monotheistic foundation and its demanding ethical framework, establishing a direct and exclusive relationship between the people and their one true God, Yahweh. The Levites, as the divinely appointed priestly tribe, were uniquely positioned as the custodians and authoritative teachers of the Law, making them the natural and indispensable choice for this momentous and binding proclamation.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 27:14 powerfully articulates several foundational themes crucial to Israel's identity and their ongoing relationship with God. It highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Law**, as the Levites are not speaking their own words but serving as God's designated heralds, ensuring His immutable commands are heard and acknowledged by all. This public act also underscores **Public Proclamation and Accountability**, emphasizing that the covenant's stipulations are not secret but openly declared, demanding a public response and holding the entire nation corporately responsible for their adherence. Furthermore, the verse illuminates the **Mediatorial Role of the Priesthood/Levites**, who were set apart for sacred duties and intimate knowledge of the Law, as seen in their duties to teach God's statutes to Israel ([Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites Teaching the Law")) and to minister before the Lord ([Numbers 3:6-7](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-7 - Duties of the Levites")), making them indispensable custodians of the covenant's transmission and enforcement. Finally, this verse is integral to the broader theme of **Covenant Renewal**, serving as a foundational moment for Israel to reaffirm their allegiance to Yahweh before settling in the land, reminding them of the conditions for blessing and the dire consequences of disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lêvîyîy'_ H3881):** This term refers specifically to the descendants of Levi, the tribe consecrated by God for special service to Him. Unlike the other tribes, they received no territorial inheritance but were sustained by tithes and offerings, dedicating their lives entirely to the service of the tabernacle/temple, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and Israel. Their designation here as the authoritative spokesmen underscores their unique position, responsibility, and divine authority as the custodians of God's revealed word, ensuring its accurate and binding transmission to the entire assembly.
* **Speak, and say (Hebrew, _ʿânâh_ H6030, _ʾâmar_ H559):** The KJV phrase "shall speak, and say" translates a combination of two significant Hebrew verbs. _ʿânâh_ (H6030) primarily means "to respond" or "to testify," carrying a sense of formal declaration or answering. _ʾâmar_ (H559) is a more general verb meaning "to say," but in this context, it denotes a formal, deliberate, and authoritative pronouncement. The pairing of these verbs emphasizes the solemnity, clarity, and intentionality of the Levites' proclamation. They are not merely reading or reciting, but formally declaring pre-established divine decrees, acting as God's official voice to the people, demanding a response.
* **Loud voice (Hebrew, _qôwl_ H6963, _rûwm_ H7311):** This phrase, literally "high voice" or "exalted voice," signifies far more than mere audibility; it conveys the immense solemnity, urgency, and undeniable nature of the declaration. _Qôwl_ (H6963) refers to a voice or sound, while _rûwm_ (H7311) means "to be high" or "to raise," here used adverbially to describe the manner of speaking. A "loud voice" ensures that no one present, regardless of their position in the vast assembly, can claim ignorance of the covenant's demands. It implies a public, official, and forceful proclamation, designed to penetrate the consciousness of every individual and the collective conscience of the nation, setting the stage for their subsequent, equally public, "Amen" response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Levites shall speak,":** This clause definitively establishes the identity and inherent authority of the declarers. The Levites, chosen by God for their sacred duties and profound knowledge of the Law, are uniquely positioned to serve as the authoritative voice of God to His people. Their role is not simply to read or recite, but to formally and officially proclaim the divine stipulations, acting as God's designated heralds.
* **"and say unto all the men of Israel":** This highlights both the universal audience and the collective responsibility of the nation. The covenant's stipulations are not intended for a select few or a private group, but for the entire nation. This emphasizes the corporate nature of Israel's relationship with God, where every male Israelite, representing his household and the broader community, is required to be present, to listen attentively, and to acknowledge these foundational declarations.
* **"with a loud voice,":** This specifies the imperative manner of the proclamation, underscoring its profound gravity and inescapable nature. The "loud voice" ensures that the divine message is heard clearly and distinctly by the vast assembly, leaving no room for claims of misunderstanding, mishearing, or ignorance. It imbues the pronouncement with an unmistakable sense of divine authority and solemnity, demanding immediate attention and a definitive, public response from the people.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:14, particularly when viewed as the introduction to the subsequent series of curses and the people's "Amen," employs several powerful literary devices to heighten its impact. The most prominent is **Public Proclamation**, where the very act of speaking "with a loud voice" to "all the men of Israel" serves to underscore the covenant's binding nature and the nation's collective accountability. This act inherently establishes a **Call and Response** pattern, where the Levites' authoritative declaration (the call) anticipates the people's unified and binding "Amen" (the response), creating a deeply liturgical and communal affirmation of the covenant. Furthermore, the directness and solemnity of the Levites' address contribute to a powerful sense of **Divine Immediacy**, as God's word is delivered directly and forcefully to His people through His chosen representatives, making the covenant stipulations feel immediate and personal. While not explicit in this verse alone, the broader context of [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant") extensively utilizes **Antithesis** by presenting stark distinctions between the blessings promised for obedience and the curses threatened for disobedience, thereby making the consequences of covenant adherence or violation profoundly clear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:14 stands as a foundational text for understanding the nature of God's covenant with Israel and the paramount importance of His revealed will. It underscores that divine law is not whispered in secret or reserved for an elite few, but proclaimed openly, demanding a public, conscious, and volitional response from His people. This public declaration establishes undeniable accountability, ensuring that ignorance cannot be claimed as an excuse for disobedience. The Levites' designated role highlights the enduring necessity of authoritative, Spirit-led teaching and faithful preaching within the community of faith, ensuring the accurate and vital transmission of divine truth across generations. The solemnity of this ancient moment foreshadows the gravity of all divine pronouncements, whether of blessing or judgment, emphasizing that God's word is living, active, and always requiring a decisive response from those who hear it, shaping their destiny.

* [Deuteronomy 27:15-26](/deuteronomy/27-15-26 "Deuteronomy 27:15-26 - The Curses Proclaimed")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant")
* [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30-35 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Altar on Mount Ebal and Reading of the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:14 serves as a profound and enduring reminder of the critical importance of hearing and actively heeding God's word in every generation. Just as the Levites were commanded to declare the Law "with a loud voice" to all Israel, so too are spiritual leaders today called to faithfully, clearly, and courageously proclaim the unchanging truths of Scripture, ensuring that the message of God's covenant—encompassing both His righteous commands and His boundless grace—is accessible, undeniable, and compelling. For individual believers, this verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of active, intentional listening and humble submission to divine instruction. Our faith is not a passive intellectual assent but an engaged, wholehearted commitment, requiring us to internalize God's standards, allow them to profoundly shape our lives, and respond with a resounding "Amen" of obedience. It highlights that God's expectations are not hidden or ambiguous but clearly communicated, making us accountable for our response to His voice in every area of our lives, from personal ethics and relationships to communal worship and societal engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more intentionally "hear" and apply God's voice through His Word, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding?**
* **How does the public and communal nature of the Levites' proclamation challenge any tendency to view faith as a purely private or individualistic matter?**
* **What is your personal, heartfelt "Amen" response to God's commands, promises, and His call to discipleship in your life today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites specifically chosen to make this proclamation?**

Answer: The Levites were chosen due to their unique, divinely appointed role as the consecrated tribe dedicated entirely to the service of God and the preservation of His Law. Unlike other tribes, they had no land inheritance but were set apart to minister in the Tabernacle/Temple, teach the statutes of the Lord to Israel, and carry out various priestly duties. Their intimate knowledge of the covenant, coupled with their divine appointment, made them the authoritative, trustworthy, and indispensable spokesmen for God's commands. This specialized role is consistent with their broader duties outlined in passages like [Numbers 3:6-7](/numbers/3-6-7 "Numbers 3:6-7 - Levites' Service") and their responsibility to teach the Law to Israel, as mentioned in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites Teaching the Law").

**What is the significance of the phrase "with a loud voice"?**

Answer: The phrase "with a loud voice" (Hebrew: _bəqôl gādôl_, literally "with a great voice" or "high voice") emphasizes the public, solemn, and undeniable nature of the proclamation. It ensured that every individual present, from the youngest to the oldest, could hear, comprehend, and be fully aware of the covenant's stipulations. This was not a casual reading or a quiet instruction but a forceful, authoritative declaration designed to leave absolutely no room for claims of ignorance, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation. It underscored the profound gravity of the covenant and the collective accountability of the entire nation, powerfully preparing them for their unified "Amen" response to each curse, as seen in the subsequent verses of [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony at Ebal and Gerizim").

**How does this verse relate to the broader covenant ceremony in Deuteronomy 27?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 27:14 serves as the critical and dramatic introduction to the solemn covenant renewal ceremony that was to be performed upon Israel's entry into the Promised Land. It sets the stage for the strategic division of the tribes on [Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal](/deuteronomy/27-12-13 "Deuteronomy 27:12-13 - Tribes on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal"), where blessings would be pronounced from Gerizim and curses from Ebal. This verse specifically designates the Levites as the ones who will initiate the pronouncement of the curses (beginning in [Deuteronomy 27:15](/deuteronomy/27-15 "Deuteronomy 27:15 - First Curse")), to which the people are to respond with a resounding "Amen." It underscores the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where faithful obedience leads to abundant blessing and disobedience to severe curses, a theme extensively developed and expounded upon in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:14, with its emphasis on the public, authoritative proclamation of God's word and the people's required response, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While the Levites proclaimed the Law that revealed sin and brought a curse for disobedience, Jesus, the true and greater Prophet, came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it in every detail ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the ultimate "loud voice" of God, declaring the good news of the Kingdom, embodying not merely commands but the very grace and truth of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ absorbed the curse of the Law for all who believe ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")) and inaugurated a New Covenant, "enacted on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). The "loud voice" of the Levites, demanding an "Amen" to curses, is profoundly transformed into the joyful, life-giving proclamation of the Gospel by the apostles and the Church, calling all people to repent and believe in the One who offers forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Repent and Be Baptized"), [Romans 10:14-17](/romans/10-14-17 "Romans 10:14-17 - Hearing the Word of Christ")). Thus, the public declaration of God's will continues, but now it is the transformative message of salvation through Christ, to which believers respond with a heartfelt "Amen" of faith, worship, and obedient discipleship.

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

Daniel 9:11

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Deuteronomy 33:9

Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

Deuteronomy 33:10

They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.

Nehemiah 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Nehemiah 8:8

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.

Joshua 8:33

And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.