Deuteronomy 29:29

KJV

The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

KJV (with Strong's)

The secret {H5641} things belong unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}: but those things which are revealed {H1540} belong unto us and to our children {H1121} for {H5704} ever {H5769}, that we may do {H6213} all the words {H1697} of this law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Things which are hidden belong to ADONAI our God. But the things that have been revealed belong to us and our children forever, so that we can observe all the words of this Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.

American Standard Version

The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:29 stands as a foundational declaration on the nature of divine knowledge and human responsibility. It delineates a crucial distinction between the "secret things" that reside solely within God's sovereign wisdom and the "revealed things" that He has graciously disclosed to humanity. This verse serves as a profound theological touchstone, guiding believers to embrace humility regarding God's unsearchable mysteries while diligently applying the truths He has made known for the purpose of obedient living, not only for themselves but for future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:29 is strategically positioned towards the conclusion of Moses' final, pivotal address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This address, spanning chapters 29 and 30, serves as a solemn renewal of the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Horeb. Moses has just recounted Israel's history, reiterated the Law, and presented the stark choice between covenant blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. Specifically, this verse follows a stern warning against hidden idolatry and the devastating national consequences of turning away from the Lord (Deuteronomy 29:16-28). Moses is preparing the people for a future where God's judgments might seem inscrutable, yet their immediate and enduring duty remains clear: to live by the revealed Law. The verse thus acts as a theological anchor, grounding the people's focus on their present and future obedience despite any uncertainties about God's broader, hidden providential plans. It reinforces the idea that while God's ultimate ways are beyond full human comprehension, His explicit commands are entirely sufficient for their conduct and well-being in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the brink of a monumental transition for Israel: leaving the wilderness generation behind and entering Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers. This period demanded a profound re-commitment to the covenant, as the Israelites were about to encounter new cultures, gods, and challenges. The concept of a covenant with a sovereign God, who both reveals and conceals, was central to their identity as a distinct nation. In the ancient Near East, divine will was often perceived as capricious or entirely hidden, accessible only through omens or diviners. Deuteronomy 29:29, however, presents a unique perspective: God *has* revealed His will clearly in the Torah, making it accessible and binding for all. This revelation was not for a select few, but "unto us and to our children for ever," emphasizing the communal and generational nature of their covenant responsibilities. The "law" (`Torah`) was not merely a set of rules but the very instruction for life, designed to shape their society, worship, and individual conduct in the land God was giving them.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 29:29 encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Mystery**, acknowledging that there are aspects of God's wisdom, His future plans, and the full reasons for His actions that remain beyond human comprehension, calling for profound humility and trust in His ultimate control, a concept echoed in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Human Responsibility**, underscoring that God has graciously disclosed sufficient truth for humanity's understanding and ethical living. This revealed truth, primarily the Law in this context, is not merely for intellectual assent but demands practical application and accountability, as seen in the call to hear and obey in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema and Love for God"). Thirdly, the verse explicitly states that the **Purpose of Revelation is Obedience**, emphasizing that knowledge of God's will is given not for information alone but for transformation and action, a principle consistently reinforced throughout Scripture, such as in [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Obedience as a Sign of Love"). Finally, the phrase "belong unto us and to our children for ever" underscores the **Generational Legacy** of God's revealed word, portraying it as an enduring heritage to be cherished, taught, and faithfully transmitted through successive generations, ensuring that future generations also have the means to live righteously and maintain their covenant relationship with God (cf. [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Teaching God's Works to Future Generations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **secret (Hebrew, _nis·tā·rōṯ'_):** This word, derived from the root `satar` (to hide, conceal), refers to things that are hidden, concealed, or kept secret. In this context, it denotes aspects of divine knowledge, plans, or reasons that God has chosen to keep to Himself, beyond human discovery or comprehension. It emphasizes God's inscrutable wisdom and His prerogative to withhold certain information.
* **revealed (Hebrew, _niḡ·lōṯ'_):** This word, from the root `galah` (to uncover, reveal), signifies things that have been made plain, uncovered, or disclosed. It stands in direct antithesis to `nistarot`, highlighting God's gracious act of making His will, commands, and principles known to humanity. These are truths that are accessible, understandable, and intended for human engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God:"** This opening clause establishes God's absolute sovereignty over all knowledge. There are realms of divine wisdom, future events, and the full rationale behind His providential acts that remain hidden in His counsel. This is not a deficiency on God's part, but a reflection of His infinite, unsearchable nature, which transcends human capacity to fully grasp. It calls for humility and reverence before the divine mystery.
* **"but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever,"** In stark contrast to the hidden things, this clause emphasizes God's gracious condescension to reveal a substantial body of truth. This revealed truth, primarily the Law (`Torah`) in this context, is given not exclusively to a priestly class or a select few, but to the entire community ("us") and is intended to be a perpetual heritage ("to our children for ever"). This highlights the accessibility, sufficiency, and enduring nature of God's public revelation. It is a gift and a trust, passed down through generations.
* **"that [we] may do all the words of this law."** This concluding phrase articulates the ultimate purpose of God's revelation. Knowledge is not an end in itself, nor is it given for mere intellectual contemplation or theological debate. Its explicit and singular goal is practical obedience. The revealed "words of this law" are given as a guide for righteous living, shaping the conduct, relationships, and worship of God's people. This clause underscores the ethical and practical imperative inherent in receiving divine truth, making obedience the proper response to God's self-disclosure.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:29 is a masterclass in concise theological declaration, primarily employing **Antithesis**. The verse is structured around a powerful contrast between "secret things" and "revealed things," directly opposing what is God's exclusive domain of knowledge with what He has graciously disclosed to humanity. This sharp juxtaposition highlights both God's transcendence and His immanence, His hiddenness and His self-disclosure. Furthermore, the verse carries a strong **Didactic Tone**, characteristic of Deuteronomy as a whole. It is not merely stating a fact but delivering an instruction, guiding the people's understanding of their relationship with divine knowledge and their subsequent responsibility. The final clause, "that we may do all the words of this law," serves as a clear **Teleological Statement**, explicitly stating the purpose or end goal of the preceding declaration, emphasizing the practical, obedience-oriented nature of God's revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:29 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, humanity, and divine revelation. It establishes a crucial balance: while acknowledging God's infinite, unsearchable wisdom and His right to keep certain matters hidden, it simultaneously affirms His benevolent act of revealing sufficient truth for human salvation and sanctification. This verse teaches humility before God's mystery, warns against speculative curiosity regarding unrevealed matters, and redirects human energy towards diligent study and faithful obedience to what God has clearly communicated. The enduring nature of this revealed truth, passed down "to our children for ever," underscores the intergenerational responsibility to preserve and transmit God's word, ensuring that each generation has the necessary guidance for a life pleasing to Him.

* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "The Depth of God's Riches and Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 2:7-10](/1_corinthians/2-7 "God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "The Profitability and Sufficiency of Scripture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:29 provides invaluable guidance for believers navigating the complexities of faith in a world full of unanswered questions. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, recognizing that our finite minds cannot fully grasp the infinite wisdom and sovereign plans of God. Instead of expending energy on speculative inquiries into matters God has chosen to keep hidden, our primary focus and spiritual discipline should be directed towards diligently studying, understanding, and, most importantly, obeying the truths He *has* revealed in His Word. This verse reminds us that God has provided all that is necessary for life and godliness, and our responsibility lies in living out these revealed truths. True faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, joyful obedience, demonstrating our love and trust in the God who has graciously made Himself known. Furthermore, the generational aspect of this verse challenges us to be faithful stewards of God's Word, ensuring that these vital truths are not only lived out in our own lives but are also diligently taught and passed on to future generations, securing a legacy of faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's "secret things" foster humility and trust in my personal walk with Him, especially when facing unexplained circumstances?**
* **What specific areas of God's revealed Word (the Bible) am I called to apply more diligently in my daily life and relationships?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure that the revealed truths of God are passed on effectively to the next generation in my family or community?**
* **How does my active obedience to God's revealed will demonstrate my love and commitment to Him, rather than just my intellectual understanding?**

### FAQ
**What are some examples of "secret things" that God has not revealed to humanity?**

Answer: The "secret things" refer to aspects of God's knowledge, plans, and reasons that He has chosen to keep in His own counsel, beyond human comprehension or discovery. Examples include the exact timing of Christ's second coming ([Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "Acts 1:7 - Times and Seasons are the Father's Authority")), the full reasons behind every specific providential event (e.g., suffering, natural disasters), the precise details of certain aspects of the afterlife, or the complete scope of His eternal decrees. While God reveals what is necessary for salvation and godly living, He retains ultimate sovereignty over all knowledge, inviting us to trust His wisdom rather than demand full understanding.

**How does Deuteronomy 29:29 relate to the concept of progressive revelation in the Bible?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 29:29 aligns perfectly with the concept of progressive revelation. It establishes the principle that God reveals truth to humanity, but this revelation is not exhaustive at any single point in time. While the "law" was the complete and sufficient revelation for the Israelites at that moment, God's self-disclosure continued to unfold throughout redemptive history. The Old Testament built upon earlier revelations, and the New Testament brought the ultimate and definitive revelation in the person of Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Thus, the "revealed things" of Deuteronomy 29:29 are not static but expand as God continues to unveil His character, will, and redemptive plan across the biblical narrative, culminating in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:29 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "revealed thing" of God, the very embodiment of divine truth made accessible to humanity. Where the Law provided a written revelation, Christ is the living Word, the perfect image of the invisible God who makes Him known ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No one has seen God, but Jesus reveals Him"); [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). Furthermore, through Christ, many of God's "secret things"—the mysteries of His redemptive plan, hidden for ages—have now been gloriously revealed. The inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, the nature of the church, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit were once veiled but are now made known through the gospel of Christ ([Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery Revealed Through Christ")). The purpose of God's revelation, "that we may do all the words of this law," is also fulfilled in Christ. He perfectly fulfilled the Law on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and through His Spirit, He empowers believers to obey God's revealed will from the heart, not out of legalistic compulsion but out of love and gratitude ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us by the Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, we find both the ultimate revelation of God and the divine enablement to live in obedience to all that He has made known.

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 2:22

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Romans 11:34

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Job 11:6

And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that [they are] double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee [less] than thine iniquity [deserveth].

Job 11:7

¶ Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?