Deuteronomy 31:29

KJV

For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt [yourselves], and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I know {H3045} that after {H310} my death {H4194} ye will utterly {H7843} corrupt {H7843} yourselves, and turn aside {H5493} from the way {H1870} which I have commanded {H6680} you; and evil {H7451} will befall {H7122} you in the latter {H319} days {H3117}; because ye will do {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, to provoke him to anger {H3707} through the work {H4639} of your hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because I know that after my death you will become very corrupt and turn aside from the way that I have ordered you, and that disaster will come upon you in the acharit-hayamim, because you will do what ADONAI sees as evil and provoke him by your deeds."

Berean Standard Bible

For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands.”

American Standard Version

For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:29 encapsulates Moses' solemn prophetic warning to the Israelites, delivered just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. With divine foreknowledge, Moses declares that despite all the covenant instructions and blessings, Israel will inevitably fall into profound spiritual corruption and apostasy after his departure, turning away from God's commanded way. This deliberate disobedience, marked by evil deeds and idolatry, will provoke the LORD's righteous anger and result in severe consequences befalling them in the "latter days," a period of judgment and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 31 stands as a pivotal chapter in Moses' final discourse to Israel, serving as a transition point between his extensive review of the Law (Deuteronomy 1-30) and his death (Deuteronomy 34). Immediately preceding this verse, Moses has encouraged Joshua, appointed him as his successor (Deuteronomy 31:7-8), and commanded the public reading of the Law every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:9-13). Following this verse, the LORD Himself confirms Moses' prophecy, instructing him to write down the "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 31:16-22, 30) as a witness against Israel, explicitly stating, "For I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I have sworn" (Deuteronomy 31:21). This verse, therefore, is not a mere suspicion but a divinely inspired, certain pronouncement of future apostasy, setting the stage for the Song of Moses in [Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses"), which vividly details Israel's rebellion and God's subsequent judgment and ultimate faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this moment, Israel stands on the plains of Moab, poised to enter the land of Canaan, a land teeming with polytheistic cultures and idolatrous practices. The covenant established at Sinai (and reaffirmed in Deuteronomy) was a suzerain-vassal treaty, where Yahweh, the great King, laid out His stipulations for His vassal nation, Israel. Obedience would bring blessings, while disobedience would incur curses, as comprehensively detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Moses' warning here reflects a deep understanding of human nature and the pervasive influence of the surrounding Canaanite religions, which often involved fertility cults, child sacrifice, and syncretism. The "way which I have commanded you" refers to the entire body of Torah, the divinely revealed path of life that distinguished Israel from all other nations. The "work of your hands" often culturally implied the crafting and worship of idols, a direct violation of the first two commandments and a common form of provocation in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's complete knowledge of future events, even those stemming from human free will. Secondly, it highlights the persistent theme of **Human Depravity and Israel's Tendency Towards Apostasy**, revealing that even after witnessing God's mighty acts and receiving His perfect law, humanity's heart remains prone to rebellion. This foreshadows the recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and repentance seen throughout the book of Judges and the monarchical period. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Covenantal Consequences of Disobedience**, emphasizing that turning away from God's "way" inevitably leads to "evil" befalling the nation, echoing the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and the call to choose life in [Deuteronomy 30](/deuteronomy/30 "Deuteronomy 30 - Choose Life"). Finally, the mention of "latter days" introduces an **Eschatological Dimension**, pointing to a future period of significant divine action, often involving judgment but ultimately leading to God's redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corrupt (Hebrew, _shachath'_):** This strong verb signifies to ruin, destroy, spoil, or act corruptly. It is used in a moral and spiritual sense here, implying a profound and intentional defilement of oneself and the covenant relationship. This word is famously used in [Genesis 6:11-12](/genesis/6-11 "Genesis 6:11-12 - The Earth Corrupt Before God") to describe the pervasive wickedness of humanity before the flood, indicating a deep moral decay that warrants divine judgment. For Israel, it means a complete deviation from the purity of Yahweh worship, often leading to idolatry and moral depravity.
* **Turn aside (Hebrew, _sur'_):** This verb literally means to turn away, depart, or deviate. In a spiritual context, as here, it denotes a deliberate departure from the path of righteousness, the commands, or the very presence of God. It implies a conscious choice to abandon the "way" (derekh) God has prescribed, signifying apostasy and disloyalty to the covenant.
* **Latter days (Hebrew, _acharit hayyamim'_):** This significant prophetic idiom refers to a future period, often distant, marked by decisive events, judgment, or the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. While it can refer to any future time of consequence, in the prophetic books, it frequently points to periods of national crisis, exile, and ultimately, the eschatological age of the Messiah. Here, it specifically points to the historical periods of Israel's suffering and dispersion due to their unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt [yourselves]":** Moses speaks with absolute certainty, not mere suspicion, reflecting divine revelation. His impending death marks a turning point, after which Israel's inherent propensity to stray will manifest. The phrase "utterly corrupt yourselves" (a reflexive sense of _shachath_) emphasizes that this corruption is self-inflicted, a result of their own choices and internal moral decay, not an external imposition.
* **"and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you":** This clause specifies the nature of their corruption: a deliberate deviation from the Torah, the path of life and righteousness given by God through Moses. It implies a rejection of God's authority and His covenant stipulations, choosing their own path rather than His.
* **"and evil will befall you in the latter days":** This is the inevitable consequence of their corruption and turning aside. "Evil" here refers to calamity, disaster, and suffering, which would manifest historically in periods of oppression, famine, plague, war, and ultimately, exile. The "latter days" signifies that these consequences are not immediate but will unfold over time, pointing to the long history of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's patient yet just response.
* **"because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands":** This final clause provides the fundamental reason for the impending judgment. The root cause is their intentional "doing evil," which is a direct affront to God's holiness. "To provoke him to anger" highlights God's righteous indignation against sin, especially covenant disloyalty and idolatry. "The work of your hands" is a powerful metonymy, primarily referring to the making and worship of idols, but also encompassing all unrighteous deeds and human efforts that stand in opposition to God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:29 employs several potent literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Moses, divinely inspired, foretells future events with absolute certainty. This prophecy also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the narrative of Israel's repeated apostasy found throughout the historical books (e.g., Judges, Kings). The phrase "to provoke him to anger" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (anger) to God to convey the intensity of His righteous displeasure with sin, making His response relatable. The entire verse is steeped in **Covenant Language**, drawing on the stipulations and consequences outlined in the Mosaic covenant, where fidelity brings blessing and infidelity brings curses. Finally, the term "utterly corrupt" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or intense emphasis, stressing the complete and pervasive nature of the moral decay Moses foresees.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:29 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's persistent struggle with sin and the unwavering holiness of God. It underscores the theological truth that God's foreknowledge does not negate human responsibility; Israel's corruption is a self-chosen path, not a divinely imposed fate. This verse highlights the enduring tension between God's gracious provision of His law and His people's inherent tendency to stray, revealing the necessity of a transformed heart. It also reinforces the principle of divine justice, where deliberate rebellion against a holy God inevitably leads to consequences, demonstrating that God takes sin seriously and will not be mocked. The "latter days" motif points to God's long-term plan, which includes both judgment for sin and, ultimately, restoration for His people.

* [Judges 2:11-13](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-13 - Israel's Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 7:18-19](/jeremiah/7-18 "Jeremiah 7:18-19 - Provoking God's Anger")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Futility of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' prophetic warning to ancient Israel resonates deeply with believers today. It serves as a sobering reminder that even after experiencing God's profound grace, receiving His clear commands, and witnessing His faithfulness, the human heart remains prone to spiritual drift and self-corruption. This verse calls us to a profound self-awareness, recognizing our own capacity for "turning aside from the way" God has commanded, whether through overt disobedience, subtle compromise, or spiritual apathy. It challenges us to examine the "works of our hands"—our actions, priorities, and allegiances—to ensure they are not provoking God's displeasure but rather bringing Him glory. The warning of "evil befalling" in the "latter days" reminds us that there are real, often cumulative, consequences for persistent sin, both individually and corporately. Therefore, this passage urges vigilance, humility, and a constant return to God's Word as our guide, lest we too fall into the trap of spiritual corruption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' foreknowledge challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty and human free will in my own life?**
* **In what specific ways might I be "turning aside from the way" God has commanded me today, perhaps subtly or unknowingly?**
* **What "works of my hands" (e.g., idols of comfort, success, or self-reliance) might be provoking God's displeasure in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard against spiritual corruption and remain faithful to God's commands?**

### FAQ
**What does "utterly corrupt yourselves" mean in practical terms for Israel?**

Answer: In practical terms, "utterly corrupt yourselves" meant a profound and pervasive moral and spiritual decay. For Israel, this primarily manifested as widespread idolatry, where they would abandon the worship of the one true God, Yahweh, and turn to the gods of the surrounding nations. This often involved engaging in pagan rituals, including fertility cults, child sacrifice, and the construction of high places and Asherah poles. Beyond idolatry, it also encompassed social injustice, oppression of the poor and vulnerable, sexual immorality, and a general disregard for the covenant laws governing their daily lives and relationships, as seen throughout the books of [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [1 and 2 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Books of Kings").

**How did Israel "provoke him to anger through the work of your hands"?**

Answer: Israel provoked God to anger primarily through their deliberate acts of disobedience and idolatry, which are metaphorically referred to as "the work of your hands." This phrase directly points to the crafting and worship of physical idols (e.g., the golden calf in [Exodus 32:8](/exodus/32-8 "Exodus 32:8 - The Golden Calf")), which were tangible representations of their spiritual infidelity. Beyond literal idols, "work of your hands" can also encompass all their unrighteous deeds and self-made systems of worship or justice that deviated from God's commands. Their actions, such as offering sacrifices to false gods, engaging in detestable practices of the Canaanites, and failing to uphold justice, were direct affronts to God's holiness and His covenant with them, stirring His righteous wrath.

**What are the "latter days" referring to here?**

Answer: The term "latter days" (Hebrew: _acharit hayyamim_) in Deuteronomy 31:29 refers to a future, often distant, period of significant events and consequences for Israel. While it has an eschatological dimension in broader biblical prophecy, here it primarily points to the historical periods of national suffering, judgment, and dispersion that Israel would experience due to their covenant unfaithfulness. This includes the cycles of oppression under the Judges, the division of the kingdom, the Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom, and especially the Babylonian exile of the southern kingdom. These were periods when "evil" indeed befell them, fulfilling Moses' prophecy. Ultimately, in the broader prophetic tradition, "latter days" also points to the ultimate redemption and restoration that God would bring through the Messiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:29, with its stark prophecy of Israel's inevitable corruption and turning away, profoundly underscores the necessity of Christ. Moses foresees the failure of the Old Covenant system to truly transform the human heart, revealing that the law, though holy and good, could not give life or prevent sin (cf. [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - The Law's Weakness")). The "latter days" of Israel's judgment, foreseen by Moses, ultimately point to the need for a new covenant, where the law is not merely external but written on the heart (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this new covenant, the one who perfectly walked "the way" that Israel failed to keep (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the true Israelite who never corrupted Himself or turned aside, even to the point of death on a cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, He takes away the sin that provokes God's anger, offering forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to empower believers to walk in God's ways, fulfilling the law's righteous requirements (cf. [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, Moses' lamentable prophecy of Israel's failure ultimately magnifies the glory of Christ, who provides the only true and lasting solution to humanity's inherent tendency to corrupt itself and turn away from God.

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

Judges 2:19

And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, [that] they returned, and corrupted [themselves] more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Deuteronomy 32:5

They have corrupted themselves, their spot [is] not [the spot] of his children: [they are] a perverse and crooked generation.

Isaiah 1:4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Luke 19:42

Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Hosea 9:9

They have deeply corrupted [themselves], as in the days of Gibeah: [therefore] he will remember their iniquity, he will visit their sins.