Deuteronomy 30:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 30:14 stands as a profound declaration within Moses' final address to Israel, assuring them that God's covenant commands are neither distant nor incomprehensible, but intimately accessible. This verse emphasizes that the divine word is "very nigh" to the people, dwelling "in thy mouth, and in thy heart," thereby empowering them to live in faithful obedience. It underscores the immediate availability of God's revealed will, contrasting it with any notion of an unattainable or hidden truth, and powerfully links internal conviction with external action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 30:14 is situated within Moses' concluding exhortations to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. Chapters 29-30 constitute a climactic renewal of the covenant, reiterating the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Specifically, verses 1-10 describe a future restoration after exile, predicated on repentance and a return to the Lord. Verses 11-14 then pivot to emphasize the present accessibility of the covenant requirements. Moses explicitly states that the commandment is "not too hard for you, nor is it far off" [Deuteronomy 30:11](/deuteronomy/30-11 "Deuteronomy 30:11 - Not Too Hard"), nor is it "in heaven" or "beyond the sea" [Deuteronomy 30:12](/deuteronomy/30-12 "Deuteronomy 30:12 - Not in Heaven") or requiring a messenger [Deuteronomy 30:13](/deuteronomy/30-13 "Deuteronomy 30:13 - Not Beyond the Sea"). Verse 14 serves as the triumphant conclusion to this argument, affirming the immanence and proximity of God's word. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) present the stark choice between "life and good, or death and evil" [Deuteronomy 30:15](/deuteronomy/30-15 "Deuteronomy 30:15 - Life or Death"), urging Israel to "choose life" [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life") through loving and obeying the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy itself is structured as a series of Moses' farewell speeches, delivered to a new generation of Israelites who had not experienced the Exodus firsthand. They stood on the cusp of inheriting the land promised to their ancestors, but also faced the immense challenges of establishing a new society governed by God's laws. The cultural context was one where oral tradition and communal recitation of laws were paramount. The emphasis on the "mouth" and "heart" reflects a Hebraic understanding of human engagement, where speech and inner disposition were intrinsically linked to action. Unlike pagan deities whose wills were often shrouded in mystery, requiring complex rituals or diviners to ascertain, Yahweh's will was clearly revealed and made accessible to His people. This accessibility was a hallmark of the Mosaic covenant, distinguishing it from the esoteric practices of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 30:14 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **accessibility of divine revelation**. God's commands are not hidden or beyond human grasp; they are clearly communicated and understandable, contrasting sharply with the obscure or burdensome demands of other ancient Near Eastern religions. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **internalization and transformation**. The word is to be "in thy mouth, and in thy heart," signifying a deep personal appropriation that transcends mere intellectual assent or external compliance. This internal dwelling of the word is foundational for genuine obedience, echoing the broader Deuteronomic call for a "circumcision of the heart" [Deuteronomy 30:6](/deuteronomy/30-6 "Deuteronomy 30:6 - Circumcision of the Heart"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **practical obedience as the goal of knowledge**. The purpose of the word being nigh and internalized is "that thou mayest do it." This theme of active obedience, rooted in love for God and expressed through adherence to His statutes, permeates the entire Deuteronomic law and serves as the ultimate measure of Israel's covenant faithfulness, as seen in Moses' concluding charge to "walk in His ways" [Deuteronomy 30:16](/deuteronomy/30-16 "Deuteronomy 30:16 - Walk in His Ways").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (דָּבָר, _davar_):** This Hebrew term is rich in meaning, encompassing not just a spoken utterance, but also a matter, an affair, a thing, a command, or a divine decree. In this context, _davar_ refers comprehensively to the totality of God's revealed will, specifically the Torah—the covenant stipulations, laws, and instructions given to Israel. It signifies the authoritative, living communication from God that shapes Israel's identity and destiny.
* **Nigh (קָרוֹב, _qarov_):** This adjective denotes proximity, closeness, or accessibility. It conveys the idea that something is at hand, within reach, or easily attainable. Here, it emphasizes that God's commands are not remote, difficult to find, or impossible to comprehend. They are directly revealed and presented to the people, requiring no arduous journey or mystical quest to discover.
* **Heart (לֵבָב, _levav_):** In Hebrew thought, the _levav_ (heart) is not merely the seat of emotions but the very core of a person's being—the center of intellect, will, decision-making, and moral character. To have the word "in thy heart" means to understand it, believe it, embrace it deeply, and allow it to shape one's inner disposition and motivations. It signifies an internal transformation, not just an external adherence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the word [is] very nigh unto thee":** This opening clause serves as a powerful affirmation, directly refuting any notion that God's commands are obscure, unattainable, or beyond human capacity to grasp. Moses asserts that the divine word, the Torah, is immediately present and accessible to every Israelite. It is not hidden in the heavens or across the sea, but clearly revealed and within their reach, requiring no extraordinary effort or intermediary to discover.
* **"in thy mouth":** This phrase indicates that God's word is meant to be spoken, declared, confessed, and taught. It implies that the word should be a part of their public discourse, their daily conversations, and their instruction to future generations. It signifies the outward expression and articulation of the covenant, making it a living reality within the community.
* **"and in thy heart":** Complementing "in thy mouth," this clause emphasizes the internal appropriation of God's word. It must penetrate beyond mere intellectual understanding to reside in the innermost being—the seat of thought, will, and emotion. This suggests a deep, personal embrace of the truth, leading to conviction, affection, and a transformed inner disposition that aligns with God's will.
* **"that thou mayest do it":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose of the word's accessibility and internalization. The goal is not merely knowledge or sentiment, but active obedience. The word is given to be performed, to be lived out in daily actions, choices, and relationships. It underscores the practical, transformative power of God's truth, leading to righteous living and covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 30:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the pairing of "mouth" and "heart." This figure of speech uses two contrasting or complementary parts to represent a whole, signifying the totality of human engagement. Here, it implies that the word is to be embraced both outwardly (through speech, confession, teaching) and inwardly (through belief, understanding, and affection), encompassing the entire person. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through its declarative structure and the strong affirmation of "very nigh unto thee," underscoring the immediate and undeniable accessibility of God's commands. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the scenarios presented in the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 30:11-13), where the word is described as "not too hard," "not far off," "not in heaven," and "not beyond the sea." This contrast highlights the gracious nature of God's revelation, making His will knowable and actionable, unlike the elusive truths of human philosophy or pagan religion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 30:14 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates the accessibility and purpose of divine revelation under the Old Covenant, yet its theological resonance extends far beyond its original context. It articulates a fundamental principle: God's commands are not burdensome or remote, but are given for human flourishing and are within reach of those who genuinely seek to obey. This verse lays the groundwork for the concept of God's law being internalized, moving from external stipulations to an inner disposition, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant. It highlights God's desire for a relationship with His people built on knowable truth and willing obedience, rather than obscure mystery. The emphasis on "mouth" and "heart" signifies a holistic engagement with God's word—both intellectual and volitional, leading to practical action.

* [Psalm 119:11](/psalm/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant and the Law on the Heart")
* [Romans 10:6-8](/romans/10-6 "Romans 10:6-8 - The Righteousness of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 30:14 offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for believers today. It assures us that God's will is not a hidden enigma, reserved for a select few, but is revealed and accessible to all who seek Him. This means we are without excuse if we fail to live by His truth, for it is "very nigh unto us." The call to have the word "in thy mouth, and in thy heart" challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture. It demands not just intellectual understanding, but a deep, heartfelt internalization that transforms our desires, thoughts, and affections. When God's word truly dwells within us, it naturally flows out in our speech—in our worship, our witness, and our teaching—and manifests in our actions, leading to a life of genuine obedience. This verse reminds us that the purpose of knowing God's word is always to *do* it, bridging the gap between belief and behavior, and empowering us to live a life that honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I treat God's word as "far off" or "too hard" in my daily life?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate God's word "in my mouth" through my speech and conversations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to allow God's word to dwell more deeply "in my heart," influencing my thoughts and desires?**
* **Am I consistently translating my knowledge of God's word into tangible obedience, or is there a disconnect between what I know and what I do?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the word to be "very nigh unto thee"?**

Answer: For the word to be "very nigh unto thee" means that God's revealed will, particularly His commands and covenant stipulations, is not distant, obscure, or difficult to access. Moses emphasizes that it does not require an arduous journey to heaven or across the sea to retrieve, nor is it so complex that it's beyond human comprehension. Instead, it is immediately present, clearly communicated, and readily available to the people of Israel. This highlights God's graciousness in making His truth knowable and actionable, contrasting with the often mysterious and demanding deities of surrounding cultures. It implies that the responsibility for obedience rests squarely on the people, as the means to obey have been placed directly within their reach.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 30:14 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the living Word of God made flesh. While Moses spoke of the accessibility of the written Torah, the New Testament reveals that God's ultimate "word" to humanity is His Son, Jesus, through whom He has "spoken to us by His Son" [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son"). The Apostle Paul, in [Romans 10:6-8](/romans/10-6 "Romans 10:6-8 - The Righteousness of Faith"), directly quotes and reinterprets Deuteronomy 30:14 to explain the righteousness that comes by faith, contrasting it with the unattainable righteousness of the Law. Paul declares that "the word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"—that is, the "word of faith that we proclaim" [Romans 10:8](/romans/10-8 "Romans 10:8 - The Word of Faith"). This "word of faith" is the gospel message of Christ's death and resurrection, accessible to all who believe and confess Him as Lord [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess and Believe"). Thus, the "doing" of the word transitions from perfect adherence to the Law to a radical trust in Christ's finished work. Furthermore, the promise of the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"), where God's law is written not on tablets of stone but on the "hearts" of His people, is fulfilled through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to genuinely desire and "do" God's will, transforming their inner being and enabling them to walk in obedience, not by their own strength, but by divine enablement, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - Spirit Enables Obedience"). In Christ, the word is not just nigh, but intimately present within us, making true obedience possible through faith and the power of the Spirit.

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

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.