Deuteronomy 31:13

KJV

And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that their children {H1121}, which have not known {H3045} any thing, may hear {H8085}, and learn {H3925} to fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, as long as {H3117} ye live {H2416} in the land {H127} whither ye go over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} to possess {H3423} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

and so that their children, who have not known, can hear and learn to fear ADONAI your God, for as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Yarden to possess."

Berean Standard Bible

Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

American Standard Version

and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Jehovah your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:13 encapsulates Moses' fervent charge to the Israelites, emphasizing the paramount importance of intergenerational spiritual education and the transmission of covenantal faith as they stood on the precipice of entering the Promised Land. This verse highlights God's design for His people to cultivate a deep, reverential fear of Him, ensuring the continuity of their relationship with the Almighty and their sustained dwelling in the land He was granting them. It serves as a timeless mandate for the diligent instruction of future generations in the ways of the Lord, securing the spiritual and national destiny of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 31:13 is situated within Moses' final instructions and exhortations to Israel before his death and their entry into Canaan. Specifically, it follows the command in [Deuteronomy 31:10-12](/deuteronomy/31-10 "Deuteronomy 31:10-12 - Reading the Law at the Feast of Booths") for the public reading of the Law every seven years during the Feast of Booths (Sukkot). This grand assembly, involving men, women, children, and resident aliens, was not a mere ritual but a foundational act designed to embed the covenant deeply within the national consciousness. Moses, aware of his impending demise, instituted this practice to ensure the vibrant continuity of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, providing a structured mechanism for the entire community to regularly refresh their understanding and commitment to God's commands. The verse underscores that the primary purpose of this public reading was for the uninitiated generation to "hear, and learn to fear the LORD."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal juncture, transitioning from forty years of wilderness wandering to settling in the Promised Land. This transition brought new challenges: establishing a national identity, resisting pagan influences from the surrounding Canaanite cultures, and maintaining faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant in a settled agricultural society. Moses' instructions, including this verse, were given to a generation largely born in the wilderness, who had not directly witnessed the Exodus or the giving of the Law at Sinai. Therefore, the emphasis on teaching "their children, which have not known [any thing]," was crucial for bridging the experiential gap and ensuring that the foundational events and laws of their national identity were not forgotten. The regular, public reading of the Law served as a powerful counter-cultural force, reinforcing their unique identity as God's covenant people amidst diverse pagan practices.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Intergenerational Faith** is paramount, emphasizing the divine imperative to pass on the knowledge and fear of God to successive generations. The phrase "their children, which have not known [any thing]" highlights the necessity of active transmission of faith, ensuring that the covenant remains a living reality for all. This theme resonates throughout Deuteronomy, particularly in the call to "teach them diligently to your children" found in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching the Law to Your Children"). Secondly, the verse underscores the concept of **Learning to Fear the LORD**. This "fear" (Hebrew: _yirah_) is not terror but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's authority and holiness, which is presented as the very foundation of wisdom and right living, as echoed in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Finally, the verse intrinsically links spiritual health and obedience to **Covenant Continuity and Land Possession**. The duration of their dwelling "in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it" is directly tied to their faithfulness to the covenant, which is maintained through the continuous teaching and internalization of the Law. This conditional tenure in the land is a recurring motif, emphasizing that Israel's well-being and security depended on their ongoing obedience to God's commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, שָׁמַע _shama'_):** This word signifies much more than merely perceiving sound with the ears. In biblical Hebrew, _shama'_ implies attentive listening, understanding, and, most importantly, obedient response. When God commands Israel to "hear" His voice or His Law, it is a call to internalize His words and act accordingly. In this context, the children are not just to be present at the reading, but to truly listen, comprehend, and allow the Law to shape their lives, leading to a transformative fear of the Lord.
* **Fear (Hebrew, יִרְאָה _yirah_):** The "fear of the LORD" is a foundational concept in Old Testament theology. It is not a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and majesty that leads to obedience and devotion. It involves recognizing God's absolute sovereignty and one's own dependence upon Him, resulting in a desire to please Him and avoid anything that would displease Him. For the children, learning to "fear the LORD" means developing a right relationship with God, characterized by worship, trust, and faithful adherence to His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing],"**: This clause specifically identifies the target audience: the younger generation who did not personally experience the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, or the wilderness wanderings. They are described as those who "have not known [any thing]," implying a lack of direct, experiential knowledge of God's mighty acts and His covenant demands. This highlights the critical need for intentional, systematic instruction to bridge this gap and ensure the continuity of faith.
* **"may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God,"**: This is the core purpose of the public reading and intergenerational instruction. The children are to "hear" (listen attentively and comprehend) the Law, and through this hearing, they are to "learn to fear the LORD." This learning process is not merely intellectual but transformative, leading to a deep, reverential awe and obedient submission to God. The phrase "your God" reinforces the personal and covenantal relationship that is to be passed down through generations.
* **"as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."**: This final clause establishes the duration and the stakes of this spiritual education. The command to hear and learn to fear the LORD is not for a temporary period but for "as long as ye live in the land." This explicitly links Israel's continued possession and flourishing in the Promised Land to their faithfulness to God, which is directly dependent on the ongoing transmission and internalization of His Law across generations. Their tenure in the land is conditional upon their corporate and individual commitment to fearing and obeying God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:13 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Didacticism**, as the verse functions as a direct instruction and command for teaching. It is explicitly designed to educate and shape behavior across generations. There is also strong **Emphasis** through the repetition of the theme of "hearing" and "learning" throughout Deuteronomy, underscoring its vital importance. The verse uses **Covenantal Language**, particularly in the phrase "fear the LORD your God," which invokes the established relationship between Yahweh and Israel. Furthermore, the structure of the verse presents a clear **Cause and Effect** or **Conditionality**: the children hearing and learning to fear God is the necessary condition for Israel's sustained dwelling in the Promised Land. This creates a powerful **Thematic Linkage** between spiritual obedience and national well-being, a central tenet of Deuteronomic theology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:13 is a foundational text for understanding the intergenerational nature of faith within the biblical narrative. It reveals God's design for His covenant to be perpetually renewed and internalized by each successive generation, not merely inherited. The emphasis on "hearing" and "learning to fear the LORD" underscores that a true relationship with God is cultivated through active engagement with His Word and a profound reverence for His character. This fear is the cornerstone of wisdom and the wellspring of obedience, ensuring that Israel's identity as God's chosen people remains vibrant and distinct. The verse ties the spiritual health of the nation directly to their physical dwelling in the land, illustrating the holistic nature of the covenant where spiritual faithfulness has tangible, earthly consequences. It establishes a divine pattern for spiritual formation that transcends time, highlighting the communal responsibility to disciple the young and the enduring power of God's revealed truth.

* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligent Teaching of the Law")
* [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5-7 - Passing on God's Law to Generations")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:13 offers timeless principles for spiritual formation in any generation. It places a clear, divine mandate on both parents and the wider faith community to actively engage in the spiritual education of the next generation. Just as ancient Israel was commanded to ensure their children "hear, and learn to fear the LORD," so too are believers today called to diligently teach and model faith. This involves not merely imparting information but cultivating a deep, reverential awe for God that translates into obedient living. The verse reminds us that faith is not a passive inheritance but an active, lifelong journey of learning, internalizing, and responding to God's truth. Our spiritual vitality, both individually and corporately, is intrinsically linked to our commitment to passing on the knowledge and fear of the Lord to those who come after us, ensuring that the covenant relationship remains central to our identity and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How effectively are we, as individuals and as a community, teaching the next generation to "hear" and "learn to fear the LORD"?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure that children and young people are not merely exposed to biblical truth but truly internalize it and develop a reverential awe for God?**
* **In what ways does our current "dwelling in the land" (our present circumstances and blessings) depend on our faithfulness to pass on the fear of the Lord?**
* **How can we model the "fear of the LORD" in our daily lives in a way that is compelling and transformative for those who "have not known [any thing]"?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for children to "not known [any thing]"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the younger generation who were born during the wilderness wandering or had no direct, personal memory of the foundational events of Israel's history, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, or the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. They had not "known" or experienced these miraculous acts of God firsthand. Therefore, Moses emphasized the critical need for intentional and systematic instruction so that these pivotal historical and theological truths, along with the covenant obligations, would be passed down to them and become their own lived reality. It highlights the principle that faith is not merely inherited but must be taught, heard, and personally embraced by each generation, as seen in the broader command to teach children diligently in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching the Law").

**How does "fear the LORD" differ from being afraid of God?**

Answer: The "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yirah_) in biblical context is a profound theological concept that goes far beyond mere terror or fright. While it acknowledges God's immense power and judgment, its primary meaning is one of deep reverence, awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's holiness and authority. It is the recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and one's own dependence upon Him, leading to a desire to please Him and live in accordance with His will. This fear is presented as the "beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")) and the foundation for a right relationship with God, characterized by worship, trust, and faithful adherence to His covenant. It's a fear that draws one closer to God in humble adoration, rather than driving one away in dread.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:13, with its emphasis on intergenerational teaching and the fear of the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While the Old Covenant mandated the public reading of the Law to instill fear and obedience, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus, fulfills this by providing the very means for true spiritual transformation. The Law, which exposed sin and pointed to the need for a Savior ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")), could not ultimately give life or enable perfect obedience. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), perfectly embodies the Law and fulfills its righteous demands ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He removes the barrier of sin, enabling believers to approach God not with a cowering fear, but with a reverential awe born of love and gratitude, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The "fear of the LORD" now becomes a filial reverence, a child's respectful devotion to a loving Father ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). The intergenerational mandate is continued in the Church, the new covenant community, where disciples are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The Spirit writes God's law on hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")), enabling a true, internal "fear of the LORD" that leads to joyful obedience and eternal life in the ultimate "Promised Land"—God's eternal kingdom.

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 11:2

And know ye this day: for [I speak] not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Proverbs 22:6

¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Psalms 78:4

We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

Psalms 78:8

And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation [that] set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.