Deuteronomy 30:14

But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

But the word {H1697} is very {H3966} nigh {H7138} unto thee, in thy mouth {H6310}, and in thy heart {H3824}, that thou mayest do {H6213} it.

On the contrary, the word is very close to you - in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore, you can do it!

But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may obey it.

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 30:14 is found within Moses' final exhortation to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Chapter 30 specifically addresses the covenant God made with His people, emphasizing the choices set before them: life and prosperity through obedience, or death and curses through disobedience. Moses assures them that God's commands are not burdensome or impossible to keep, contrasting them with things "hidden from thee" or "beyond the sea" (Deuteronomy 30:11-13). This verse highlights the accessibility and immediacy of God's word.

Key Themes

  • Accessibility of God's Word: The phrase "very nigh unto thee" emphasizes that God's commandments are not mysterious, distant, or requiring extraordinary effort to discover. They are clearly revealed and understandable to the people.
  • Internalization: "In thy mouth, and in thy heart" points to the necessity of internalizing God's truth. It's not merely an external code of conduct but something to be spoken, remembered, and deeply cherished in one's inner being. This suggests a transformation of thought and desire, not just outward conformity.
  • Purpose of Obedience: The ultimate goal is "that thou mayest do it." Knowing and internalizing God's word is meant to lead to practical obedience and righteous living.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nigh" (qarov) signifies proximity, closeness, or accessibility. The repetition of "in thy mouth, and in thy heart" is a Hebrew idiom emphasizing complete internalization and readiness. The "mouth" signifies declaration, confession, and teaching, while the "heart" (levav) refers to the intellect, will, and emotions—the core of one's being. The combination implies that the word should be both confessed and believed, ready for action.

Significance and Application

While originally spoken to Israel under the Old Covenant, this verse carries profound implications for all who seek to live according to God's will. The Apostle Paul famously quotes and reinterprets this passage in Romans 10:6-8 to explain the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. Paul uses the accessibility of "the word of faith" to contrast it with the impossibility of achieving righteousness through perfect adherence to the Law. For believers today, this means that God's truth is not hidden but revealed in Jesus Christ and through His written Word, made accessible by the Holy Spirit.

This verse reminds us that God's commands are not impossible burdens but are given for our good and are knowable. It encourages us to meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119:11), to speak God's truth, and to allow it to transform our innermost being, leading to genuine obedience. The promise of God writing His law on our hearts, as seen in the New Covenant prophecy in Jeremiah 31:33, further deepens the meaning of internalization.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Deuteronomy 30:14 is a powerful reminder of the accessibility of God's Word and the Holy Spirit's role in making it alive within us. It calls us not just to intellectual understanding, but to a heartfelt embrace and active application of biblical truth. We are encouraged to:

  • Engage with Scripture: Regularly read, study, and memorize God's Word, allowing it to dwell richly within us.
  • Confess and Declare: Speak God's truths aloud, confessing His promises and principles.
  • Live it Out: Translate what we know and believe into daily actions, demonstrating our love for God through obedience (John 14:15).

The verse assures us that God's path is clear and within reach for those who genuinely seek to follow Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 10:8

    But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

  • Romans 10:10

    For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  • Jeremiah 12:2

    Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

  • John 5:46

    For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

  • Matthew 7:21

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

  • Ezekiel 33:31

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Ezekiel 2:5

    And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they [are] a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
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