Deuteronomy 30:15

KJV

¶ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

KJV (with Strong's)

See {H7200}, I have set {H5414} before {H6440} thee this day {H3117} life {H2416} and good {H2896}, and death {H4194} and evil {H7451};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil -

Berean Standard Bible

See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster.

American Standard Version

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 30:15 presents the Israelites with a profound and stark choice, delivered by Moses on the cusp of their entry into the Promised Land. It encapsulates the essence of the Mosaic covenant, declaring that God has explicitly laid out two paths before them: one leading to "life and good" through obedience and faithfulness, and the other to "death and evil" as a consequence of disobedience and rebellion. This verse underscores the foundational biblical principle of moral agency and the direct correlation between human choices and their divine consequences, setting the stage for the exhortation to "choose life" that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 30:15 is situated within Moses' final, extensive discourse to the generation poised to enter Canaan. It immediately follows a comprehensive section (chapters 28-29) detailing the comprehensive blessings for covenant obedience and the dire curses for disobedience, including the terrifying prospect of exile from the land. Chapter 30 then pivots from the warnings of judgment to offer a message of hope and restoration, promising that even after exile, if the people genuinely repent and return to the Lord with all their heart and soul, God will restore them and circumcise their hearts ([Deuteronomy 30:1-10](/deuteronomy/30-1-10 "Deuteronomy 30:1-10 - Promise of Restoration")). Verse 15 serves as a dramatic summation and a direct challenge, distilling the entire covenant message into an undeniable, existential choice. It sets the stage for the explicit command in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life!") to choose life, emphasizing the urgency and clarity of the decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy itself is presented as Moses' farewell address to the second generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This generation had not directly experienced the Exodus or the initial covenant at Sinai, making Moses' reiteration of the Law and its implications crucial for their future. The concept of a covenant, a binding agreement between a suzerain (God) and a vassal (Israel), was a common ancient Near Eastern treaty format, but here it is uniquely infused with moral and spiritual demands. The "life and good" versus "death and evil" framework would have resonated deeply with a people whose very existence and prosperity were understood to be directly dependent on their relationship with their God, YHWH, who had delivered them from slavery and promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. Their cultural understanding of "life" was not merely biological existence but a flourishing, blessed, and prosperous state within the land, while "death" encompassed not just physical demise but a state of spiritual and national decay, often leading to exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **choice and responsibility**, emphasizing humanity's moral agency and accountability before God. The Lord does not force obedience but presents clear options and consequences, as seen throughout the Law and prophetic literature. Secondly, it underscores the **dichotomy of two paths**, a recurring motif in wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18-19 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked")) and prophetic warnings, where the way of God leads to blessing and the way of rebellion leads to destruction. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **covenantal nature of their relationship with God**, where "life and good" are inextricably linked to faithfulness to the covenant stipulations, and "death and evil" are the direct results of covenant infidelity. Finally, it speaks to **divine clarity and transparency**, as God, through Moses, has "set before" them these options, leaving no room for ignorance regarding the stakes involved. The entire discourse in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") lays out these consequences in vivid detail, making the choice unequivocal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **See (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This imperative verb demands immediate, active observation and comprehension. It's not a casual glance but a call to perceive and understand the gravity of the declaration being made. It emphasizes the clarity and visibility of the choice God has placed before them.
* **Set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This versatile verb means "to give" or "to place." Here, it signifies that God has deliberately and clearly presented these options. He is not hiding the consequences; rather, He has openly laid out the paths, making the choice unavoidable and transparent for the Israelites.
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While literally meaning a 24-hour period, "this day" in this context signifies a pivotal, decisive moment in Israel's history. It emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of the choice being presented, demanding a present commitment that will determine their future.
* **Life (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From the root meaning "alive," this term, often pluralized as _chayyim_, denotes far more than mere biological existence. In a covenantal context, it signifies a full, flourishing, abundant, and blessed existence characterized by peace, prosperity, health, and a deep, intimate relationship with God. It represents the ultimate good that God desires for His people, experienced in the land and in His presence. It is the antithesis of spiritual and national decay.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This term refers to that which is pleasing to God, aligns with His character and commands, and leads to blessing and well-being. It is what God Himself declared "good" in creation, encompassing moral righteousness, prosperity, and favor.
* **Death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** Similar to "life," _maveth_ extends beyond simple physical cessation. It denotes a state of separation from God, spiritual decay, curse, desolation, and national ruin. It encompasses the loss of blessing, expulsion from the land, and the cessation of the covenant relationship in its positive aspects.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term refers to that which is contrary to God's will, leads to sin and rebellion, and results in suffering, destruction, and curse. It encompasses moral wickedness, adversity, and calamity. The pairing of "life and good" and "death and evil" forms a comprehensive picture of the two possible states of existence under the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ See, I have set before thee this day":** The introductory "See" (רְאֵה, _re'eh'_) is a powerful imperative, demanding immediate attention and recognition of the gravity of the declaration. Moses, speaking on behalf of God, emphasizes the clarity and immediacy of the choice. "This day" signifies the present moment of decision, a critical juncture in Israel's history where the path forward must be consciously chosen. God has not hidden His will or the consequences; He has "set before" them, openly and plainly, the options, making their responsibility undeniable.
* **"life and good, and death and evil;":** This clause presents the two mutually exclusive paths with their respective outcomes. "Life and good" represents the positive outcome of covenant fidelity: flourishing, blessing, prosperity, and alignment with God's righteous standards. This is the promised reward for obedience, a state of well-being both individually and corporately, experienced in the land God is giving them. Conversely, "death and evil" presents the dire alternative: spiritual and national ruin, separation from God's blessing, and the loss of covenantal favor. It is the inevitable consequence of disobedience and rebellion against the covenant, encompassing all that is harmful, destructive, and contrary to God's righteous standards.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 30:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, the direct contrast between "life and good" and "death and evil." This stark opposition highlights the mutually exclusive nature of the two paths and the absolute clarity of the choice presented. Closely related is **Dichotomy**, which presents two distinct and opposing options, leaving no middle ground for ambiguity or compromise. The use of **Merism** is also evident, where two contrasting parts (life/death, good/evil) are used to represent the whole spectrum of possibilities or outcomes. By presenting the extremes, Moses implies the entire range of experiences that fall under these categories. Furthermore, the opening "See" (רְאֵה) functions as an **Imperative**, a direct command to observe and comprehend, drawing the audience into the gravity of the moment and the necessity of a conscious decision. The entire verse serves as a powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the core message of the preceding chapters on blessings and curses, distilling complex theological truths into a concise and memorable declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 30:15 stands as a foundational statement on human responsibility and divine justice within the framework of the covenant. It articulates a theology of consequences, where God, in His perfect righteousness, has established a moral universe where choices have direct and unavoidable outcomes. This is not a capricious God, but one who transparently reveals the path to flourishing and the path to ruin, empowering His people to choose. The verse underscores the active role of humanity in their spiritual destiny, even within God's sovereign plan. It emphasizes that true life and good are found in alignment with God's will, while deviation inevitably leads to spiritual death and evil. This principle resonates throughout the biblical narrative, from the Garden of Eden's tree of the knowledge of good and evil to the New Testament's call to walk in the Spirit and choose Christ.
* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life!")
* [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 30:15 is not merely a historical declaration to ancient Israel; it is a timeless principle that confronts every individual with the profound reality of moral choice. In every generation, God sets before humanity the paths of life and death, good and evil. While salvation in the New Covenant is by grace through faith, the quality and direction of our daily lives are still profoundly shaped by the choices we make. Choosing "life and good" today means choosing to align our will with God's revealed truth, to obey His commands not out of legalism but out of love and gratitude for His grace. It means actively pursuing righteousness, justice, and compassion, reflecting God's character in our actions and attitudes. Conversely, choosing "death and evil" means succumbing to our sinful nature, pursuing selfish desires, and embracing values contrary to God's kingdom. This verse calls us to a conscious, deliberate, and daily commitment to the path that leads to true flourishing and honors our Creator, recognizing that our choices have eternal ramifications and impact our present experience of God's blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently facing a clear choice between "life and good" and "death and evil"?**
* **How does my understanding of "life" and "death" align with the biblical definitions presented in this verse? Am I pursuing mere existence or true flourishing in God?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to more consistently choose the path of "life and good" in my thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that salvation is based on works or obedience?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 30:15, within its Old Covenant context, certainly links "life and good" (flourishing, blessing, and continued presence in the Promised Land) to obedience to the covenant stipulations. However, it's crucial to understand that the covenant itself was initiated by God's grace and love, not by Israel's merit. God chose Israel ([Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Choice of Israel")) and then gave them the Law as a means to maintain their relationship with Him and experience His blessings within the covenant. So, while obedience was the condition for experiencing the *blessings* of the covenant, it was not the basis for entering into the covenant in the first place. For New Testament believers, salvation is unequivocally by grace through faith in Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). However, even in the New Covenant, our choices regarding obedience to Christ's teachings profoundly impact the quality of our Christian life, our fruitfulness, and our experience of God's presence and blessing in this world, echoing the principle that choosing God's way leads to "life and good."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 30:15, with its stark presentation of "life and good" versus "death and evil," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses set before Israel a choice tied to the Mosaic covenant and the Law, Jesus embodies the very essence of "life and good" for all humanity. He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), making it clear that true, eternal life is found exclusively in Him. The "death and evil" that humanity faces is the consequence of sin, a spiritual separation from God that the Law could reveal but not ultimately remedy ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Purpose of the Law")). Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, conquered death and evil, offering reconciliation and the gift of eternal life to all who believe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). Thus, the choice presented in Deuteronomy is no longer merely between obeying a set of laws, but between accepting or rejecting the Person who *is* Life itself. To "choose life" today means to choose Christ, to trust in His finished work, and to follow Him, thereby entering into a new covenant relationship where God circumcises the heart ([Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Circumcision of Christ")) and empowers believers to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")).

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 11:26

¶ Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:12

He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Galatians 3:13

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 3:14

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Deuteronomy 32:47

For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.