Deuteronomy 29:3

KJV

The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles:

KJV (with Strong's)

The great {H1419} temptations {H4531} which thine eyes {H5869} have seen {H7200}, the signs {H226}, and those great {H1419} miracles {H4159}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the great testings which you saw with your own eyes, and the signs and those great wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

You saw with your own eyes the great trials, and those miraculous signs and wonders.

American Standard Version

the great trials which thine eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:3 stands as a powerful declaration within Moses' final covenant renewal speech on the plains of Moab. It serves as a stark reminder to the second generation of Israelites of the undeniable, firsthand evidence they had witnessed concerning God's mighty acts. Moses recounts the "great temptations" (trials), "signs," and "great miracles" God performed, particularly during the Exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wilderness journey, emphasizing the irrefutable display of divine power, judgment, and faithfulness that should compel their obedience to the covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:3 is situated within Moses' third major discourse to Israel, delivered just before they enter the Promised Land. This particular chapter initiates a solemn covenant renewal ceremony on the plains of Moab, distinct from the covenant made at Sinai. Moses addresses "all Israel" (Deuteronomy 29:2), including those who were not present at Sinai but had experienced the wilderness journey. The verse immediately precedes a profound and somewhat paradoxical statement in [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - Israel's Unresponsive Heart"), where Moses laments that despite witnessing these overwhelming proofs, the Lord had not given them "a heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear" until that very day. This sets up the subsequent warnings about covenant curses and the call to choose life and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, circa 1406 BC, forty years after the Exodus. The generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea had largely died off, and a new generation, born in the wilderness, was poised to inherit the land. Moses is preparing them for a new phase of their national life, transitioning from nomadic existence to settled life in Canaan. Culturally, covenant ceremonies were common in the ancient Near East, often involving a historical prologue recounting the benevolent acts of the suzerain (God) to establish the basis for the vassals' (Israel's) obligations. Moses' speech here mirrors this pattern, grounding the covenant obligations in God's demonstrated power and faithfulness. The "temptations," "signs," and "miracles" refer directly to the plagues in Egypt, the Red Sea crossing ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")), the provision of manna ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna from Heaven")), and the defeat of enemies, all of which were public, undeniable displays of Yahweh's unique power over all other gods and nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes pervasive in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation through Mighty Acts**, emphasizing that God does not remain hidden but actively intervenes in history to make Himself known. The "signs" and "miracles" are not mere wonders but purposeful demonstrations of His sovereignty and fidelity to His covenant promises, serving as irrefutable evidence of His reality and power. Secondly, the theme of **Eyewitness Testimony and Accountability** is central; Moses repeatedly stresses that "thine eyes have seen," placing the onus of responsibility on the Israelites to respond in obedience to what they personally witnessed. This firsthand experience leaves them without excuse. Finally, the "great temptations" introduce the theme of **God's Testing and Judgment**, where trials are not temptations to sin but rather opportunities for Israel's faith to be proven and for God's power to be displayed against His enemies, as seen in the plagues against Egypt ([Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The First Plague") - [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Tenth Plague")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Temptations (Hebrew, _massot'_):** The KJV translation "temptations" can be misleading in modern English, often implying enticement to sin. However, the Hebrew term מַסּוֹת (_massot_), derived from the root נָסָה (_nasah_), primarily means "tests," "trials," or "proofs." In this context, it refers to the challenging circumstances, divine judgments, and proving grounds God orchestrated, particularly in Egypt and the wilderness, to demonstrate His power, to test Israel's obedience, and to reveal His character. These were not designed to make Israel fall, but to reveal God's might and Israel's heart.
* **Signs (Hebrew, _'otot'_):** The Hebrew word אֹתֹת (_'otot_), often paired with "miracles," refers to supernatural phenomena that serve as a mark, token, or indicator of divine presence, power, or purpose. These are acts that defy natural explanation and point beyond themselves to a divine agent. In the context of the Exodus, these "signs" were the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, which authenticated Moses' message and demonstrated Yahweh's supremacy over the gods of Egypt.
* **Miracles (Hebrew, _mof'tim'_):** The Hebrew term מֹפְתִים (_mof'tim_) denotes wonders, portents, or extraordinary events that evoke awe and astonishment. These are often acts of power that are unusual, startling, and serve to confirm a message or messenger. When paired with "signs," "miracles" emphasize the awe-inspiring, supernatural nature of God's interventions, designed to produce conviction and reverence in the witnesses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The great temptations":** This phrase refers to the severe trials and tests Israel experienced or witnessed, particularly the ten plagues inflicted upon Egypt and the challenges of the wilderness journey. These events were not merely hardships but divinely orchestrated proving grounds where God demonstrated His power and judgment, both against Pharaoh and for the sake of His people. They were "great" in their intensity, scope, and the profound impact they had on both Egypt and Israel.
* **"which thine eyes have seen":** This crucial clause emphasizes the eyewitness nature of the Israelites' experience. Moses is speaking directly to a generation that had personally observed these events, either as children or adults. This direct observation served as irrefutable evidence of God's active involvement in their history, underscoring their accountability and removing any excuse for ignorance or forgetfulness. It highlights the tangible, historical reality of God's revelation.
* **"the signs, and those great miracles":** This final phrase elaborates on the nature of the "temptations," specifying them as supernatural displays of divine power. The "signs" (e.g., the turning of the Nile to blood, the pillar of cloud and fire) were indicators of God's presence and authority, while the "miracles" (e.g., the Red Sea crossing, manna from heaven) were awe-inspiring wonders that defied natural explanation. These were not random occurrences but purposeful acts designed to reveal God's character, His sovereignty over creation, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, leaving an indelible impression on those who witnessed them.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:3 effectively employs several literary devices to impress its message upon the audience. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the emphatic "great" (Hebrew: גְּדֹלִים, _g'dolim_) used for both "temptations" and "miracles," which underscores the magnitude and significance of God's acts. This repetition amplifies the awe-inspiring nature of what Israel witnessed. **Direct Address** ("thine eyes have seen") immediately engages the audience, making the message personal and unavoidable, emphasizing their direct culpability and responsibility. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Recapitulation**, summarizing the historical prologue of God's mighty deeds, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern covenant treaties, reminding the vassals of the suzerain's benevolence and power before outlining their obligations. This serves as a powerful rhetorical foundation for the covenant renewal that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:3 serves as a foundational text for understanding God's method of revelation and His expectation of human response. It asserts that God reveals Himself not merely through abstract concepts but through concrete, historical acts of power and judgment. These "signs" and "miracles" are not ends in themselves, but pedagogical tools designed to teach Israel about Yahweh's unique identity as the sovereign Lord, His covenant faithfulness, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience. The emphasis on "thine eyes have seen" highlights the principle of eyewitness testimony as a basis for faith and accountability, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history. It underscores that divine revelation demands a response, and that those who have personally witnessed God's mighty works bear a greater responsibility to remember and obey. This verse sets the stage for the crucial choice presented to Israel: to remember God's past faithfulness and choose life by obeying His commands, or to forget and face the consequences.

* [Psalm 78:12](/psalms/78-12 "Psalm 78:12 - God's Wonders in Egypt")
* [Joshua 24:7](/joshua/24-7 "Joshua 24:7 - God's Deliverance at the Red Sea")
* [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:3 compels contemporary believers to reflect deeply on the nature of God's revelation and our response to it. Just as the Israelites were called to remember and respond to the undeniable proofs of God's power in their history, so too are we called to acknowledge and respond to God's ongoing work in the world and in our personal lives. The "great temptations" or trials we face today, though different in form from the plagues of Egypt, can still serve as proving grounds where God demonstrates His faithfulness, refines our character, and reveals His sovereignty. We are invited to cultivate a spiritual memory, intentionally recalling God's past faithfulness—both in the grand narrative of Scripture and in our own testimonies—to strengthen our faith in the present and future. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's existence and power, urging us toward a responsive heart that translates knowledge into deeper understanding, trust, and obedient living. Our spiritual journey is not just about what we believe, but about how our beliefs are shaped and deepened by what we have "seen" of God's mighty hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great temptations," "signs," or "miracles" has God allowed you to witness in your own life or in the lives of those around you?**
* **How do these past experiences of God's power and faithfulness inform your trust in Him during current challenges or uncertainties?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Israelites, sometimes fail to truly "perceive" or "understand" God's works, even when they are clearly before our eyes?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more responsive heart that translates observation of God's acts into deeper obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV use "temptations" when it refers to God's actions, which typically do not involve tempting people to sin?**

Answer: The KJV's use of "temptations" in Deuteronomy 29:3, while potentially confusing to modern readers, reflects an older English meaning of the word. In 17th-century English, "temptation" could refer to a "test" or "trial" without the negative connotation of enticement to evil. The original Hebrew word, _massot_ (מַסּוֹת), is best understood as "tests," "trials," or "proofs." These were challenging circumstances or events orchestrated by God, such as the plagues in Egypt or the hardships in the wilderness, designed to prove His power, demonstrate His character, or test the faith and obedience of His people. For example, God "tested" Abraham in [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - God Tests Abraham"), not to make him sin, but to reveal the depth of his faith. Similarly, the "great temptations" in Deuteronomy 29:3 were God's powerful demonstrations intended to reveal His might and Israel's heart, not to lure them into sin. Modern translations often render this as "trials," "tests," or "great deeds."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:3, with its emphasis on God's "great temptations," "signs," and "miracles" witnessed by Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's miraculous displays were powerful, yet they were but shadows pointing to the unparalleled revelation of God in the Incarnation. Jesus, the Son of God, performed "signs" and "wonders" that far surpassed those of the Exodus, demonstrating His divine authority over creation, sickness, and death itself, as seen in His healing miracles ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Heals Many")), His calming of the storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), and His raising of the dead ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus Raised")). These were not merely impressive feats but "signs" pointing to His identity as the promised Messiah and the very presence of God's Kingdom among humanity ([Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - Kingdom of God Has Come")). The greatest "temptation" or test, in the sense of a proving ground for humanity, was not the wilderness but the cross, where Christ endured the ultimate trial of God's wrath against sin, emerging victorious through His resurrection ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification")). Just as Israel was called to remember what their "eyes had seen," so too are believers called to fix their "eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), for in Him, the greatest signs and miracles of God's love, power, and salvation have been fully revealed, offering a new covenant grounded in His finished work ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")).

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

Deuteronomy 7:18

Thou shalt not be afraid of them: [but] shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Deuteronomy 7:19

The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid.

Deuteronomy 4:32

For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and [ask] from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been [any such thing] as this great thing [is], or hath been heard like it?

Deuteronomy 4:35

Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he [is] God; [there is] none else beside him.

Nehemiah 9:9

And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

Nehemiah 9:11

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.