TRV
Translation
King James Version
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
KJV (with Strong's)
That thou mayest love H157 the LORD H3068 thy God H430, and that thou mayest obey H8085 his voice H6963, and that thou mayest cleave H1692 unto him: for he is thy life H2416, and the length H753 of thy days H3117: that thou mayest dwell H3427 in the land H127 which the LORD H3068 sware H7650 unto thy fathers H1, to Abraham H85, to Isaac H3327, and to Jacob H3290, to give H5414 them.
Complete Jewish Bible
loving ADONAI your God, paying attention to what he says and clinging to him - for that is the purpose of your life! On this depends the length of time you will live in the land ADONAI swore he would give to your ancestors Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov."
Berean Standard Bible
and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
American Standard Version
to love Jehovah thy God, to obey his voice, and to cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which Jehovah sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
World English Bible Messianic
to love the LORD your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
By louing the Lord thy God, by obeying his voyce, and by cleauing vnto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy dayes: that thou mayest dwell in the lande which the Lord sware vnto thy fathers, Abraham, Izhak, and Iaakob, to giue them.
Young's Literal Translation
to love Jehovah thy God, to hearken to His voice, and to cleave to Him (for He is thy life, and the length of thy days), to dwell on the ground which Jehovah hath sworn to thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them.'
In the KJVVerse 5,729 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Deuteronomy 30 verses 15–20
15 ¶ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;
18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.
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:
20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Moses here concludes with a very bright light, and a very strong fire, that, if possible, what he had been preaching of might find entrance into the understanding and affections of this unthinking people. What could be said more moving, and more likely to make deep and lasting impressions? The manner of his treating with them is so rational, so prudent, so affectionate, and every way so apt to gain the point, that it abundantly shows him to be in earnest, and leaves them inexcusable in their disobedience.
I. He states the case very fairly. He appeals to themselves concerning it whether he had not laid the matter as plainly as they could wish before them. 1. Every man covets to obtain life and good, and to escape death and evil, desires happiness and dreads misery. "Well," says he, "I have shown you the way to obtain all the happiness you can desire and to avoid all misery. Be obedient, and all shall be well, and nothing amiss." Our first parents ate the forbidden fruit, in hopes of getting thereby the knowledge of good and evil; but it was a miserable knowledge they got, of good by the loss of it, and of evil by the sense of it; yet such is the compassion of God towards man that, instead of giving him to his own delusion, he has favoured him by his word with such a knowledge of good and evil as will make him for ever happy if it be not his own fault. 2. Every man is moved and governed in his actions by hope and fear, hope of good and fear of evil, real of apparent. "Now," says Moses, "I have tried both ways; if you will be either drawn to obedience by the certain prospect of advantage by it, or driven to obedience by the no less certain prospect of ruin in case you be disobedient - if you will be wrought upon either way, you will be kept close to God and your duty; but, if you will not, you are utterly inexcusable." Let us, then, hear the conclusion of the whole matter. (1.) If they and theirs would love God and serve him, they should live and be happy, Deu 30:16. If they would love God, and evidence the sincerity of their love by keeping his commandments - if they would make conscience of keeping his commandments, and do it from a principle of love - then God would do them good, and they should be as happy as his love and blessing could make them. (2.) If they or theirs should at any time turn from God, desert his service, and worship other gods this would certainly be their ruin, Deu 30:17, Deu 30:18. Observe, It is not for every failure in the particulars of their duty that ruin is threatened, but for apostasy and idolatry: though every violation of the command deserved the curse, yet the nation would be destroyed by that only which is the violation of the marriage covenant. The purport of the New Testament is much the same; this, in like manner, sets before us life and death, good and evil; He that believes shall be saved; he that believes not shall be damned, Mar 16:16. And this faith includes love and obedience. To those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, honour, and immortality, God will give eternal life. But to those that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness (and so, in effect, worship other gods and serve them), will be rendered the indignation and wrath of an immortal God, the consequence of which must needs be the tribulation and anguish of an immortal soul, Rom 2:7-9.
II. Having thus stated the case, he fairly puts them to their choice, with a direction to them to choose well. He appeals to heaven and earth concerning his fair and faithful dealing with them, Deu 30:19. They could not but own that whatever was the issue he had delivered his soul; therefore, that they might deliver theirs, he bids them choose life, that is, choose to do their duty, which would be their life. Note, 1. Those shall have life that choose it: those that choose the favour of God and communion with him for their felicity, and prosecute their choice as they ought, shall have what they choose. 2. Those that come short of life and happiness must thank themselves; they would have had it if they had chosen it when it was put to their choice: but they die because they will die; that is, because they do not like the life promised upon the terms proposed.
III. In the last verse, 1. He shows them, in short, what their duty is, to love God, and to love him as the Lord, a Being most amiable, and as their God, a God in covenant with them; and, as an evidence of this love, to obey his voice in every thing, and by a constancy in this love and obedience to cleave to him, and never to forsake him in affection or practice. 2. He shows them what reason there was for this duty, inconsideration, (1.) Of their dependence upon God: He is thy life, and the length of thy days. He gives life, preserves life, restores life, and prolongs it by his power though it is a frail life, and by his patience though it is a forfeited life: he sweetens life with his comforts, and is the sovereign Lord of life; in his hand our breath is. Therefore we are concerned to keep ourselves in his love; for it is good having him our friend, and bad having him our enemy. (2.) Of their obligation to him for the promise of Canaan made to their fathers and ratified with an oath. And, (3.) Of their expectations from him in performance of that promise: "Love God, and serve him, that thou mayest dwell in that land of promise which thou mayest be sure he can give, and uphold to thee who is thy life and the length of thy days." All these are arguments to us to continue in love and obedience to the God of our mercies.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–20. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 30:20 stands as the climactic exhortation within Moses' valedictory address, encapsulating the very essence of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. It presents a profound call to holistic devotion, urging the people to love the LORD their God, obey His voice, and cleave to Him with unwavering fidelity. This threefold commitment is presented not as an onerous burden, but as the indispensable source of true life and longevity, promising their continued secure dwelling in the promised land—the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient, sworn oath to the patriarchs. The verse powerfully articulates that genuine flourishing, encompassing both spiritual vitality and physical well-being, is inextricably linked to an intimate, obedient, and tenacious relationship with the Creator.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Deuteronomy 30:20 functions as the theological and rhetorical apex of Moses' final, passionate appeal to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into Canaan. This chapter, in particular, serves as the culminating summary of the entire Deuteronomic covenant renewal. Following the stark presentation of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28, Moses sets before the people a foundational, existential choice in Deuteronomy 30:19: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." Verse 20 then elaborates on how to choose this life, outlining the essential components of a thriving relationship with God and the resulting benefits. It provides the practical outworking of the covenant's demands and promises, representing the culmination of a rhetorical movement from legal stipulations to heartfelt devotion and intimate relationship.
Historical & Cultural Context: At the time of this address, the Israelites stood on the precipice of the Promised Land, poised to transition from a nomadic wilderness existence to a settled agricultural life in Canaan. This juncture was fraught with both immense promise and significant peril, as they would inevitably encounter pagan cultures and their idolatrous practices, which posed a constant threat to their monotheistic faith. The covenant articulated in Deuteronomy, and especially this verse, served as a foundational constitution for their national and spiritual identity, emphasizing exclusive devotion to Yahweh in a polytheistic world. The concept of "life" (חַיִּים, chayyim) and "length of days" was not merely about biological existence but encompassed holistic well-being, prosperity, security, and flourishing within the land, which was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic Covenant. Their very survival and success as a distinct nation depended entirely on their adherence to these covenant stipulations.
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 30:20 powerfully synthesizes several core themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy. First, it underscores the theme of Covenant Faithfulness, presenting a reciprocal relationship where God's promises of blessing are contingent upon Israel's devotion. Second, it highlights the Holistic Nature of Obedience, demonstrating that true adherence to God's commands stems from a deep, internal love, not mere external compliance. This resonates profoundly with the greatest commandment given in Deuteronomy 6:5, to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and might. Third, it establishes God as the Source of All Life and Blessing, articulating that true flourishing and longevity are not achieved through human effort or pagan deities, but flow directly and exclusively from a relationship with Yahweh. Finally, the verse reiterates the Promise of the Land as the tangible manifestation of God's covenant loyalty, emphasizing that sustained dwelling in this inheritance is a direct consequence of their steadfast devotion.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 30:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The verse exhibits clear Parallelism and Tricolon in the initial commands: "love the LORD thy God," "obey his voice," and "cleave unto him." This rhythmic structure emphasizes the three interconnected and essential facets of holistic devotion. The phrase "for he is thy life, and the length of thy days" functions as a potent Causal Clause, providing the profound theological rationale and motivation for the preceding commands; it explains why Israel should obey. Furthermore, the declaration "he is thy life" is a powerful Metaphor, equating God not merely as the giver of life, but as the very essence and embodiment of life itself, highlighting His indispensable and all-encompassing role. The entire verse also serves as a Conditional Promise, where the blessing of dwelling in the land is presented as a direct outcome of the prescribed actions, reinforcing the covenantal framework of cause and effect that undergirds the Deuteronomic narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 30:20 encapsulates the very heart of the Mosaic Covenant, revealing that God desires not just outward compliance but an inward, loving devotion that expresses itself in obedience and unwavering loyalty. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, finding its ultimate expression and fulfillment in the New Testament. The intimate relationship described—loving, obeying, and cleaving—is the blueprint for genuine communion with God in any era. It underscores the profound truth that our well-being, purpose, and true life are found exclusively in Him, a truth echoed throughout Scripture. The promised land, while a literal geographical inheritance for ancient Israel, also prefigures the spiritual inheritance and abundant life available to believers in Christ. This verse thus speaks to the universal human need for connection with the Divine and the blessings that flow from such a relationship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 30:20, though spoken to ancient Israel on the cusp of a new era, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. Our relationship with God is likewise characterized by a holistic devotion: a deep, active love that fuels our obedience and an unwavering commitment to cling to Him alone. In a world constantly vying for our allegiance, promising satisfaction and security through various means, this verse calls us to examine where our true "life" and "length of days" are sought. Do we look to worldly success, fleeting pleasures, or human wisdom for our well-being, or do we recognize God as the ultimate source of our spiritual vitality and flourishing? To "cleave unto Him" means to make Him our primary focus, our refuge, and our ultimate desire, trusting that in Him alone do we find true purpose, security, and an inheritance that transcends any earthly land. It challenges us to cultivate an intimate, responsive walk with God, where our actions are a genuine overflow of our love for Him, and our very existence is defined by our relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the promise of "life and length of days" purely physical, or does it have a deeper spiritual meaning?
Answer: While the ancient Israelites would have understood "life and length of days" to include physical well-being, prosperity, and a long, secure dwelling in the land, the phrase also carries profound spiritual implications. In the biblical worldview, true "life" (חַיִּים, chayyim) is not merely biological existence but a holistic flourishing that encompasses spiritual vitality, peace, joy, and a right relationship with God. God is presented as the very source and essence of this life. For the New Testament believer, this concept expands to include eternal life and the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10. Therefore, it encompasses both physical flourishing within the covenant and a deeper, eternal spiritual reality.
How does "cleaving" to God differ from simply "obeying His voice"?
Answer: While closely related and interdependent, "cleaving" (דָּבַק, dabaq) and "obeying His voice" represent distinct but complementary aspects of devotion. "Obeying His voice" primarily refers to the active, behavioral compliance with God's commands and instructions. It's about doing what He says. "Cleaving unto Him," however, speaks to the deeper, relational aspect—an unwavering, tenacious, and intimate attachment to God Himself. It implies a profound loyalty, dependence, and an exclusive bond that goes beyond mere actions to encompass the heart's deepest commitment. One can obey out of duty, but one cleaves out of love and an inseparable bond, as seen in the marital metaphor in Genesis 2:24. Cleaving is the internal posture of devotion and intimate union that fuels consistent, joyful obedience.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 30:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel was called to love, obey, and cleave to God to experience life in the promised land, they consistently failed to perfectly uphold their end of the covenant. Jesus, however, perfectly embodied this threefold devotion: He perfectly loved the Father (John 14:31), perfectly obeyed His voice even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8), and perfectly cleaved to Him in unwavering communion (John 10:30). Moreover, Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), thereby fulfilling the promise that God is our life. Through faith in Him, believers are now able to truly "cleave" to God, not by their own imperfect efforts, but by being united with Christ, who is our life (Colossians 3:4). The "promised land" for the New Covenant believer is no longer a geographical territory, but the spiritual inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), the abundant life He offers (John 10:10), and the ultimate eternal rest in God's presence (Hebrews 4:9-11). Thus, what Israel struggled to achieve, Christ accomplished, enabling us to enter into the very life and blessings promised, by cleaving to Him.