Deuteronomy 29:14

KJV

Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither with you only do I make {H3772} this covenant {H1285} and this oath {H423};

Complete Jewish Bible

"But I am not making this covenant and this oath only with you.

Berean Standard Bible

I am making this covenant and this oath not only with you,

American Standard Version

Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:14 presents a pivotal declaration by Moses to the assembled Israelites on the plains of Moab, asserting that the solemn covenant being renewed extends far beyond those physically present. This verse profoundly emphasizes the enduring, trans-generational nature of God's relationship with His people, encompassing not only the immediate participants but also their future descendants and all who would subsequently identify with the covenant community. It establishes a foundational principle of continuity for divine commitment and the legacy of faith, underscoring God's expansive and faithful plan for His chosen nation across all generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:14 is situated within Moses' climactic farewell address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This address functions as a profound covenant renewal ceremony, echoing and reaffirming the original covenant established at [Mount Horeb (Sinai)](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). The verses immediately preceding, [Deuteronomy 29:10-13](/deuteronomy/29-10-13 "Deuteronomy 29:10-13 - The Covenant Assembly in Moab"), meticulously detail the diverse composition of the assembly present for this solemn affirmation, including tribal leaders, elders, officers, all men, women, children, and even resident foreigners, from the highest to the lowest. Verse 14 then explicitly broadens the covenant's scope, declaring that it is "Neither with you only," thereby setting the stage for the even more explicit inclusion of "him that is not here with us this day" in [Deuteronomy 29:15](/deuteronomy/29-15 "Deuteronomy 29:15 - Covenant with the Unseen"). This literary progression effectively builds from a specific, present gathering to an all-encompassing, future-oriented divine commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Deuteronomy 29:14 is the plains of Moab, a crucial transitional location for Israel as they stood poised between their forty years of wilderness wandering and the imminent conquest of Canaan. Moses, at the end of his life, is delivering his final instructions, warnings, and blessings. In the ancient Near East, covenants (or treaties) were a common diplomatic and legal instrument, often structured as suzerainty treaties between a powerful king (suzerain) and a lesser people or king (vassal). These treaties typically included a historical prologue, detailed stipulations, blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience, and provisions for their perpetuation. The covenant renewal at Moab, as presented in [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - Covenant Renewal in Moab"), meticulously mirrors this suzerainty treaty format, with Yahweh serving as the divine Suzerain and Israel as His vassal. The emphasis on the covenant extending beyond the immediate generation was paramount for the long-term stability and identity of the nascent nation, ensuring that all future generations would understand themselves as bound by the same divine agreement and its accompanying promises and obligations. This renewal served to solidify their identity as God's chosen people on the threshold of entering their promised inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - Covenant Renewal") and particularly underscored by verse 14 is the **Generational and Enduring Nature of God's Covenant**. This verse emphatically conveys that God's relationship with Israel was not a fleeting agreement but a perpetual bond designed to span countless generations. It highlights God's profound **Faithfulness and Continuity**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people across the sweep of time, even as individual lives and generations pass away. The phrase "Neither with you only" also powerfully conveys a radical **Inclusivity**, indicating that the covenant's reach extends beyond those physically present, embracing both the future generations of Israel and, by broader implication, all who would subsequently be incorporated into the community of faith. This expansive scope ensures that the blessings, responsibilities, and divine expectations of the covenant remain perpetually relevant and binding for all who identify as part of God's covenant people, thereby establishing a profound legacy of divine-human relationship that transcends immediate historical circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **make (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root signifies "to cut (off, down or asunder)." Crucially, in the context of a covenant, it specifically means "to covenant" or "to make an alliance or bargain." This usage derives from the ancient practice of cutting flesh or animals and passing between the pieces to solemnize an agreement (as seen in [Genesis 15:9-18](/genesis/15-9-18 "Genesis 15:9-18 - God's Covenant with Abram")). Thus, "to make a covenant" is literally "to cut a covenant," emphasizing the solemnity, binding nature, and often the sacrificial element inherent in such agreements. Here, it underscores God's active, decisive role in establishing this unbreakable bond.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut" (similar to _kârath_), this term refers to a compact or solemn agreement. In biblical theology, a _bᵉrîyth_ is a divinely initiated bond establishing a relationship with specific stipulations, promises, and consequences. It is far more than a mere contract; it is a sacred, often unilateral, pledge by God that creates a special relationship with His people, obligating them to obedience while guaranteeing His faithfulness and blessings. The presence of this term emphasizes the formal, binding, and relational nature of God's engagement with Israel.
* **oath (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** This word denotes an imprecation or a solemn declaration, often invoking a divine witness and implying a curse or dire consequence for its violation. The inclusion of "this oath" alongside "this covenant" serves to reinforce the extreme solemnity and unbreakable nature of the divine commitment. It signifies that the covenant is not merely an agreement but one sealed by a divine pledge, carrying with it profound implications of blessing for faithfulness and severe repercussions (curses) for disobedience. It underscores the gravity of Israel's responsibilities and the certainty of God's enforcement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither with you only":** This opening phrase, employing a strong negative particle ("neither") combined with an exclusionary adverb ("only"), immediately expands the scope of the covenant beyond the immediate audience. It directly negates the idea that the covenant's validity or application is restricted to the generation physically standing before Moses on the plains of Moab. This sets a tone of broad, inclusive reach, signaling that the divine-human relationship being affirmed transcends the present moment and specific individuals, encompassing a much wider temporal and communal dimension.
* **"do I make this covenant":** This clause emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereignty ("I make"). It is Yahweh Himself who is actively establishing and renewing this sacred agreement, not Moses or the people. The phrase "this covenant" refers specifically to the comprehensive stipulations, laws, and promises outlined throughout the book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a re-statement and re-affirmation of the Mosaic covenant. It underscores the active, sovereign role of God in initiating and sustaining His unique relationship with Israel, a relationship founded on His gracious choice and unwavering commitment.
* **"and this oath;":** The conjunction "and" links the "oath" directly to the "covenant," profoundly reinforcing its solemnity, binding nature, and divine enforceability. The oath signifies God's own solemn commitment to uphold the covenant, but it also unequivocally implies the solemn obligations placed upon Israel and the potential curses that would befall them should they violate its terms. It elevates the covenant from a mere agreement to a divinely sworn, unbreakable bond, emphasizing the profound seriousness of Israel's commitment and the certain consequences of their faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and enduring message. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through negation and contrast, as the opening phrase "Neither with you only" immediately draws the listener's attention to the expansive and inclusive nature of the covenant. By explicitly stating what the covenant is *not* limited to, Moses powerfully underscores its true, broader scope. This also functions as a form of **Anticipation**, preparing the audience for the even more explicit declaration in the very next verse ([Deuteronomy 29:15](/deuteronomy/29-15 "Deuteronomy 29:15 - Covenant with the Unseen")) that the covenant includes "him that is not here with us this day." Furthermore, the consistent **Repetition** of the terms "covenant" and "oath" throughout this chapter and the broader book of Deuteronomy serves to reinforce the solemnity, binding nature, and central importance of God's agreement with Israel. The deliberate and frequent use of these terms imbues the text with a profound sense of gravity and divine authority, ensuring the audience fully grasps the immense weight of their obligations and the unwavering certainty of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:14 serves as a theological cornerstone for understanding the enduring and trans-generational nature of God's covenantal faithfulness. It reveals that God's redemptive plan is not confined to a single generation or a specific historical moment, but is a continuous, unfolding narrative that encompasses all of human history. This verse establishes a crucial theological precedent for the concept of a "corporate identity" for God's people, where the blessings, responsibilities, and divine expectations of the covenant are inherited and passed down through successive generations. It powerfully speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when human generations may falter, highlighting His steadfast love, long-term vision, and ultimate purpose for humanity's reconciliation with Him. This principle of trans-generational covenant forms the bedrock for understanding all subsequent divine interactions, culminating in the ultimate New Covenant.

* [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "Genesis 17:7 - The Everlasting Covenant with Abraham") - God's covenant with Abraham is explicitly stated to be "an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."
* [Psalm 105:8](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8 - God's Everlasting Remembrance of His Covenant") - "He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations."
* [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The Promise of the New Covenant") - Prophesies a "new covenant" that God will make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, indicating a future, renewed, and even more profound covenantal relationship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:14 offers a profound spiritual anchor for believers today, reminding us that we are direct beneficiaries of an ancient, enduring covenant relationship with God. Our personal faith is not an isolated, individualistic pursuit but is deeply rooted in a divine legacy that spans millennia, connecting us to a vast "cloud of witnesses." This verse calls us to recognize our privileged place within a continuous stream of God's people, inheriting the promises, responsibilities, and wisdom passed down through generations of faith. It challenges us to consider our active role in perpetuating this sacred legacy, not only for our own spiritual well-being but, crucially, for those who will come after us. Just as God included those not physically present in Moab in His covenant, so too does His boundless grace, through Christ, extend to all who believe, regardless of their time or place in history. We are therefore called to live out our faith with intentionality, honoring this rich heritage and actively participating in its transmission, ensuring that the knowledge of God's covenant faithfulness continues to thrive and transform lives within our families, communities, and the broader world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the trans-generational nature of God's covenant impact your sense of belonging within the broader story of faith and redemption?**
* **What specific responsibilities do you feel you have to pass on your faith and understanding of God's covenant to future generations, both within your family and community?**
* **In what ways does the enduring nature of God's promises, as highlighted in this verse, provide comfort, stability, or challenge in your personal walk with Him today?**

### FAQ
**What does "Neither with you only" truly mean in the context of this covenant?**

Answer: The phrase "Neither with you only" is a crucial and expansive declaration of the covenant's scope. It means that the solemn covenant God is establishing and renewing through Moses is not limited solely to the individuals physically present at that momentous assembly on the plains of Moab. Instead, it explicitly includes all future generations of Israelites—those yet unborn, those who would come after them—and, by theological implication, all who would later be incorporated into the people of God through faith. This ensures the continuity, permanence, and enduring relevance of the covenant, making it a foundational agreement for the entire nation across the sweep of history, rather than a temporary pact with a single generation. It profoundly emphasizes God's long-term redemptive plan and His desire for an enduring, perpetual relationship with His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:14, with its profound emphasis on an enduring, trans-generational covenant, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, while foundational and revelatory, was inherently limited by its reliance on human obedience and its specific focus on the nation of Israel. However, the promise embedded in "neither with you only" perfectly foreshadows the radical inclusivity and eternal nature of the New Covenant. Through Christ's perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection, a new and better covenant was inaugurated, one "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers" ([Hebrews 8:8-13](/hebrews/8-8-13 "Hebrews 8:8-13 - The New Covenant is Superior")). This New Covenant, ratified by the precious blood of Jesus, extends God's saving grace and covenant relationship to all who believe, regardless of their ethnic background, social status, or historical proximity to the original Sinai event ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Jesus, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfills the law and the prophets, becoming the sole mediator of a covenant that is truly everlasting and universally accessible ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant")). Thus, the "not with you only" of Deuteronomy 29:14 finds its glorious culmination in the global, spiritual family of God, united in Christ, who inherit the promises of Abraham through faith ([Galatians 3:7-9](/galatians/3-7-9 "Galatians 3:7-9 - Heirs of Abraham through Faith")) and are now part of God's eternal redemptive plan.

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

Jeremiah 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Hebrews 8:7

For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

Hebrews 8:12

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.