Deuteronomy 30:11

KJV

¶ For this commandment which I command thee this day, it [is] not hidden from thee, neither [is] it far off.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this commandment {H4687} which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}, it is not hidden {H6381} from thee, neither is it far off {H7350}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this mitzvah which I am giving you today is not too hard for you, it is not beyond your reach.

Berean Standard Bible

For this commandment I give you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.

American Standard Version

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not too hard for thee, neither is it far off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 30:11, delivered by Moses on the plains of Moab, stands as a profound declaration of the divine instructions' clarity and accessibility. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses reiterated the covenant's terms, emphasizing that God's expectations were neither mysterious nor beyond their grasp, but rather clearly revealed and within their capacity to understand and obey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' climactic final discourse to the Israelites, often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code, specifically within the concluding chapters (Deuteronomy 29-30) that detail the covenant renewal ceremony. These chapters present a stark choice between blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, culminating in a passionate call to "choose life" [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life"). Immediately preceding [Deuteronomy 30:11](/deuteronomy/30-11 "Deuteronomy 30:11 - The Commandment is Not Hidden"), Moses outlines a future scenario of national repentance and restoration following a period of exile, promising God's compassionate return of His people to the land [Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Restoration and Repentance"). The verses directly following [Deuteronomy 30:11](/deuteronomy/30-11 "Deuteronomy 30:11 - The Commandment is Not Hidden") further elaborate on the commandment's profound accessibility, explicitly stating that it is "not in heaven...neither is it beyond the sea...But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it" [Deuteronomy 30:12-14](/deuteronomy/30-12 "Deuteronomy 30:12-14 - The Word is Near"). This immediate literary context reinforces the idea that God's will is not an esoteric secret but a tangible reality for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses' address takes place on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan, marking a pivotal transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in the Promised Land. This setting imbues the message with urgency and finality. The structure of Deuteronomy often mirrors ancient Near Eastern suzerain-vassal treaties, where a great king (Suzerain) establishes terms with a lesser king or people (Vassal), outlining obligations, blessings for fidelity, and curses for rebellion. In this framework, the clarity of the "commandment" is paramount, as it forms the basis of the covenant relationship and the people's accountability. Culturally, the emphasis on hearing and remembering was vital in an oral society, underscoring the importance of the law being clearly articulated and internalized by every individual, not just a priestly elite. The very act of Moses speaking these words to the entire assembly signifies the public and accessible nature of God's demands.

* **Key Themes:** The central message of [Deuteronomy 30:11](/deuteronomy/30-11 "Deuteronomy 30:11 - The Commandment is Not Hidden") powerfully underscores the **Accessibility of God's Will**. It refutes any notion that God's commandments are obscure, mysterious, or difficult to understand, asserting instead that they are openly revealed and within the reach of the people. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Clarity**: God desires His people to know His will plainly, dispelling any idea that obedience is impossible due to hidden requirements or complex spiritual knowledge reserved for a select few. Because the law is not "hidden" or "far off," the Israelites bear the profound **Personal Responsibility** to hear, understand, and obey it. There is no legitimate excuse for ignorance or inability to comply. Finally, the clarity of the commandments highlights the nature of God's **Covenant Relationship** with Israel—a relationship built on clear communication and mutual understanding, not on enigmatic demands or an arbitrary divine will. This theme resonates throughout the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law"), which repeatedly calls Israel to remember, obey, and love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and might [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hidden (Hebrew, _niphla'_):** This term (נִפְלָא) carries the connotation of something extraordinary, incomprehensible, or difficult to discern. It is often used to describe God's miraculous acts or things beyond human understanding. In this context, Moses emphatically denies that the commandment is a divine mystery or an unfathomable secret, implying that its meaning is not obscured by divine intent or human limitation.
* **far off (Hebrew, _rachoq'_):** The word (רָחוֹק) literally means "distant" or "remote," referring to something physically or geographically unattainable. Here, it is used metaphorically to signify that the commandment is not an impossible standard or an unreachable ideal, requiring extraordinary effort or journey to acquire. It is not beyond the people's reach, intellectually, spiritually, or practically.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this commandment which I command thee this day":** Moses emphasizes the immediate and present relevance of the divine instruction. "This day" highlights the urgency of the covenant renewal and the contemporary application of God's timeless word to the generation standing before him. It underscores Moses' role as the authoritative mediator of God's revealed will.
* **"it [is] not hidden from thee":** This clause asserts the absolute transparency and comprehensibility of God's law. It is not veiled in mystery, nor is it a secret knowledge accessible only to a select few. God has revealed His will plainly to all of Israel, making it knowable and understandable to the common person.
* **"neither [is] it far off":** This phrase complements the previous one by emphasizing the commandment's proximity and attainability. It is not geographically distant, requiring a perilous journey to acquire, nor is it intellectually or spiritually beyond the grasp of the people. It is within their reach, ready to be embraced and lived out.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 30:11 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Negation**, seen in the repeated use of "not" and "neither." By explicitly denying that the commandment is "hidden" or "far off," Moses powerfully affirms its opposite: clarity and proximity. This creates a strong sense of **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, setting up the implied reality of the commandment being "near" (as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 30:14](/deuteronomy/30-14 "Deuteronomy 30:14 - The Word is Very Nigh")) against the rejected notions of obscurity and distance. The direct address, "I command thee this day," is a form of **Direct Address**, making the message personal and urgent for each individual Israelite. This rhetorical choice fosters a sense of immediate responsibility and engagement, ensuring the audience understands that the message is for them, personally, and not merely a general decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 30:11 encapsulates a fundamental theological truth about God's character and His relationship with humanity: He is a God who reveals, not conceals. Unlike the enigmatic deities of surrounding pagan cultures, the God of Israel makes His will, His expectations, and the path to a flourishing life abundantly clear. This clarity is foundational to the covenant, establishing a basis for genuine relationship, informed obedience, and righteous accountability. It underscores that God desires a people who willingly and knowingly walk in His ways, rather than stumbling in ignorance or being burdened by impossible demands. The accessibility of the "commandment" reflects God's grace and His desire for His people to succeed in their covenant responsibilities, providing them with all the necessary guidance.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Teach Your Children")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Your Word is a Lamp")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 30:11 holds enduring relevance for believers today, serving as a profound assurance that God's will for our lives is not an elusive secret, hidden behind complex theological concepts or reserved for a select few. Through His written Word, the Bible, and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, God continues to make His expectations abundantly clear and accessible to all who seek Him. This verse calls us to diligently engage with Scripture, not as an academic exercise, but as a direct encounter with God's revealed truth, seeking to understand and live by His divine principles. It encourages us that the path to a vibrant relationship with God and a life pleasing to Him is not convoluted or exclusive, but rather a clear invitation to walk in His ways, empowered by His grace. Just as God's word was near to Israel, so it is near to us, ready to be received, internalized, and acted upon, removing any excuse for spiritual apathy or ignorance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the accessibility of God's Word, as declared in this verse, challenge any excuses for disobedience or spiritual apathy in my life?**
* **In what practical ways do I actively seek to understand and apply God's "commandment" (His revealed will) in my daily walk?**
* **How does the truth that God's will is "not hidden" or "far off" encourage me in moments of spiritual uncertainty or doubt?**

### FAQ
**What is "this commandment" referring to in Deuteronomy 30:11?**

Answer: In the context of Deuteronomy, "this commandment" (or "this law," "this word") refers not to a single, specific instruction, but to the entirety of the covenant law and God's revealed will given to Israel through Moses. It encompasses the moral, civil, and ceremonial laws, representing the comprehensive body of divine instructions that governed their relationship with God and their life as a holy nation. It is the sum total of God's expectations for their covenant fidelity and flourishing.

**How does Paul use this verse in Romans 10:6-8?**

Answer: The Apostle Paul famously quotes and reinterprets [Deuteronomy 30:11-14](/deuteronomy/30-11 "Deuteronomy 30:11-14 - The Word is Near") in [Romans 10:6-8](/romans/10-6 "Romans 10:6-8 - The Righteousness of Faith") to illustrate the accessibility of righteousness that comes by faith in Christ, contrasting it with the perceived difficulty and impossibility of achieving righteousness through strict adherence to the Law. Paul adapts Moses' words, saying, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down) or 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." He then concludes, "But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach)." Paul applies the principle of the commandment's proximity and clarity to the gospel message, emphasizing that salvation is not attained by human effort (like ascending to heaven or crossing the sea) but by believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth the easily accessible "word of faith" concerning Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 30:11 declares the accessibility of the Mosaic Law, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant law, though clear and near, could not ultimately grant righteousness or the power to perfectly obey, as human hearts remained prone to wander [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law Weakened by the Flesh"). Christ, however, is the very embodiment and ultimate revelation of God's accessible will. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law and through whom God has made Himself fully known [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God"). In Christ, the "commandment" is not just "not hidden" or "far off," but is brought into the very heart of the believer through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who writes God's laws on our hearts and minds [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant"). Jesus himself declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life")", signifying that the path to God and His will is no longer a set of external commands but a living Person. Through faith in Him, the righteousness that the Law demanded is freely given [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law"), and the power to live according to God's accessible will is provided by the Spirit, whom Christ sends [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper"). Thus, the accessibility promised in Deuteronomy finds its glorious reality in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, making God's will not just near, but intimately present within us.

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 147:19

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.

Psalms 147:20

He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

Isaiah 45:19

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Colossians 1:26

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: