Deuteronomy 34:7

KJV

And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} was an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he died {H4194}: his eye {H5869} was not dim {H3543}, nor his natural force {H3893} abated {H5127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe was 120 years old when he died, with eyes undimmed and vigor undiminished.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished.

American Standard Version

And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 34:7 provides a remarkable epitaph for Moses, highlighting his extraordinary physical and mental vitality at the advanced age of 120 years. This verse concludes the account of his life, emphasizing God's unique sustaining power and Moses' unwavering strength and clarity, even as he stood on the threshold of death and the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land under new leadership. It serves as a powerful testament to divine faithfulness and the supernatural equipping of God's chosen servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the poignant climax and conclusion to the life of Moses, the central figure of the Pentateuch, and marks the very end of the book of Deuteronomy. It immediately follows the divine command for Moses to ascend [Mount Nebo](/deuteronomy/32-49 "Deuteronomy 32:49 - Moses Ascends Nebo") to view the Promised Land, which he was forbidden to enter due to his disobedience at [Meribah](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - The Waters of Meribah"). The description of his undiminished physical and mental faculties directly precedes the account of his death, his unique burial by God, and the subsequent transfer of leadership to Joshua, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua's Commissioning"). This epitaph emphasizes Moses' unique stature and divine favor, providing a fitting and powerful closure to his remarkable forty-year leadership of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, advanced age was often regarded as a profound sign of divine blessing, wisdom, and favor. While some patriarchal figures in Genesis are recorded as living for centuries, by the time of Moses, human lifespans had significantly shortened, making his age of 120 years truly exceptional. This longevity, coupled with his sustained vigor, points to a supernatural preservation by God, distinguishing Moses from ordinary men. His life spanned the entire wilderness wandering, from the miraculous Exodus from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus from Egypt") to the very brink of the Promised Land, a period during which he served as God's primary mediator, delivering the [Law](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and guiding the nascent nation. His physical strength at such an advanced age underscores the divine empowerment necessary for his monumental and arduous task.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sustenance**, demonstrating God's supernatural power to preserve and empower His chosen servants beyond natural limitations. Moses' undiminished faculties at 120 years old are a testament to God's faithfulness to equip those He calls, enabling them to "finish strong" in their appointed tasks, as seen in his final blessings and exhortations in [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing of Israel"). This also highlights **Moses' Unique Status** as God's preeminent prophet and mediator, whose life, from his miraculous birth to his divinely sustained death, was marked by extraordinary divine favor. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **Faithfulness to the End**, as Moses remained physically and mentally capable of leadership and service until his very last moments, serving as a model of unwavering dedication. Finally, it subtly emphasizes **Preparation for Transition**, signaling that Moses' death was not due to weakness but was part of God's sovereign plan to usher Israel into the Promised Land under the new leadership of Joshua, as foreshadowed in [Deuteronomy 31:7-8](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Deuteronomy 31:7-8 - Joshua's Commissioning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dim (Hebrew, _kâhâh'_):** From Strong's H3543, this primitive root means "to be weak, i.e. (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull; darken, be dim, fail, faint, restrain, [idiom] utterly." When applied to the eye, as it is here, it signifies impaired vision, a loss of sharpness or clarity. The negation "his eye was not dim" emphasizes perfect, unimpaired visual acuity, suggesting Moses' perception, both physical and perhaps spiritual, remained unclouded and fully functional.
* **Natural force (Hebrew, _lêach'_):** From Strong's H3893, this word refers to "freshness, i.e. vigor; natural force." In ancient Hebrew thought, "moisture" or "sap" was understood as the vital fluid that gives life, freshness, and vigor, much like sap gives vitality to a tree. It represents the inherent, youthful energy and robust health of the body.
* **Abated (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** From Strong's H5127, this primitive root means "to flit, i.e. vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver); [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard." When combined with "natural force," the phrase "nor his natural force abated" (וְלֹא נָס לֵחֹה, _velo nas lecho_) literally translates to "nor his moisture fled" or "nor his vigor vanished." This powerfully indicates that Moses retained his full physical strength, energy, and youthful vitality, not merely an absence of weakness, but a presence of robust, undiminished health until his death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses [was] an hundred and twenty years old when he died":** This opening clause establishes the extraordinary chronological context for the verse's remarkable claim. It highlights Moses' advanced age at the time of his death, marking the culmination of his incredibly long and impactful life and setting the stage for the subsequent description of his unusual physical state.
* **"his eye was not dim":** This phrase specifically refers to Moses' visual acuity. The term "dim" (כָּהָה, _kahah_) implies a weakening or dulling, which is a common and expected effect of extreme old age. The emphatic negation here underscores that Moses' eyesight remained perfectly clear and sharp, signifying not only his physical clarity of vision but potentially also his spiritual insight and discernment, which remained unclouded to the very end of his prophetic ministry.
* **"nor his natural force abated":** This clause describes Moses' overall physical vigor and vitality. The Hebrew for "natural force" (לֵחֹה, _lecho_) refers to the vital "moisture" or "sap" of the body, symbolizing youthful energy and strength. To say it "abated" (נָס, _nas_, "fled" or "departed") would mean a loss of this inherent vitality. The negation emphasizes that Moses retained his full, robust physical strength and youthful energy, indicating a supernatural preservation of his physical capabilities until his very last breath, defying the natural decline associated with such an advanced age.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 34:7 functions as a powerful **Epitaph**, providing a concise yet profound summary of Moses' extraordinary physical state at the end of his life. The description employs **Hyperbole** or, more accurately, a statement of divine enablement that transcends natural human experience, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his sustained vitality. This serves to underscore Moses' unique relationship with God and the divine power that sustained him throughout his monumental ministry. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting Moses' robust health against the typical physical decline associated with extreme old age, thereby highlighting the exceptional nature of God's blessing upon him. Furthermore, the mention of "eye" and "natural force" carries rich **Symbolism**: the "eye" can represent not only physical sight but also spiritual discernment, prophetic vision, and clarity of purpose, while "natural force" symbolizes overall vigor, leadership capacity, and the divine anointing for his mission. The absence of dimness or abatement in these faculties underscores Moses' unwavering fitness for his divine commission until his very last moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 34:7 profoundly illustrates the theme of divine faithfulness and sustenance. Moses' undiminished strength at 120 years old is not merely a biological anomaly but a powerful testament to God's unique care for His chosen servant. It signifies that God fully equips and sustains those He calls for their appointed tasks, enabling them to fulfill their purpose with vigor until the very end. This divine preservation underscores Moses' unparalleled role as the mediator of the covenant and the leader who brought Israel to the brink of the Promised Land, ensuring his ministry concluded not in weakness, but in full strength, reflecting God's perfect timing and provision. It speaks to God's ability to defy natural limitations for His sovereign purposes.

* [Psalm 92:14](/psalms/92-14 "Bearing Fruit in Old Age")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait")
* [Joshua 14:10-11](/joshua/14-10-11 "Caleb's Enduring Strength and Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The remarkable vitality of Moses in Deuteronomy 34:7 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by human age or physical decline. Just as He supernaturally sustained Moses for his monumental task, He promises to empower and enable us to fulfill our unique callings throughout our lives. This verse encourages us to remain faithful and actively engaged in service to God, regardless of our stage in life, trusting that He will provide the necessary strength and clarity—whether physical, mental, or spiritual—to accomplish His will. It challenges us to consider what it truly means to "finish strong" in our spiritual journey, not necessarily in terms of physical prowess, but in unwavering devotion, clear spiritual vision, and sustained engagement with God's purposes. Moses' life, culminating in this powerful epitaph, calls us to embrace a vision of lifelong faithfulness, knowing that our ultimate strength comes from the Lord, who never "dims" or "abates" in His power or presence with His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' sustained vitality challenge my assumptions about aging and my capacity for service to God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God for supernatural strength or clarity, rather than relying solely on my own perceived limitations or diminishing abilities?**
* **What does "finishing strong" look like in my current season of life, and how can I pursue it with God's help and unwavering faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Was Moses the only biblical figure to show such vitality in old age?**

Answer: While Moses' case is exceptionally highlighted in [Deuteronomy 34:7](/deuteronomy/34-7 "Moses' Undiminished Strength"), the Bible does present other figures who maintained significant strength or clarity into old age, often as a sign of divine blessing. For instance, [Caleb](/joshua/14-10-11 "Caleb's Request for Hebron") at 85 years old declared himself as strong as he was at 40, ready to conquer mountains and drive out giants. The psalmist also speaks of the righteous who "still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green" ([Psalm 92:14](/psalms/92-14 "Bearing Fruit in Old Age")). However, Moses' description is unique in its explicit statement of undiminished sight and vigor at 120, underscoring his unparalleled role and God's extraordinary sustaining power in his life as the mediator of the Old Covenant.

**Does this verse imply that all faithful believers will retain full physical strength into old age?**

Answer: No, this verse does not guarantee that all faithful believers will experience the same physical vitality as Moses. Moses' sustained strength was a unique manifestation of God's power for a specific, monumental purpose: to complete his task as the leader and lawgiver of Israel. It serves as a powerful illustration of God's ability to sustain His servants, but it is not a universal promise of physical immortality or exemption from the natural effects of aging. Rather, it emphasizes that God provides the necessary strength—whether physical, mental, or spiritual—for His people to fulfill their calling, regardless of their circumstances. The ultimate "strength" for believers is found in the Lord, as [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Those Who Wait on the Lord") promises: "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Our strength in Christ is spiritual and eternal, even if our physical bodies decline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses, as a prophet, lawgiver, and mediator of the Old Covenant, serves as a significant type of Christ, yet Deuteronomy 34:7 highlights a crucial point of **contrast** in their "strength" and "death." Moses' strength was divinely *sustained* by God, enabling him to fulfill his earthly mission until his appointed end. His death, though occurring in full vigor, was still a consequence of sin ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Moses' Sin at Meribah")) and marked the end of his physical presence and earthly ministry. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ's strength and vitality are not merely sustained but are *inherent* as the eternal Son of God ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "The Word Became Flesh")). His "death" was not a consequence of physical decline or personal sin, but a voluntary, perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "Jesus Lays Down His Life")). Even in death, His divine "force" was not abated; rather, He conquered death and rose again with glorious, unconquerable power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Moses brought Israel to the edge of the Promised Land, unable to enter himself; but it is Christ who truly leads His people into the eternal rest and inheritance of God's heavenly kingdom ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "The True Rest in Christ")). Moses' epitaph speaks of physical preservation for an earthly task; Christ's resurrection speaks of eternal, unconquerable life and spiritual salvation for all who believe, offering a life that death cannot diminish ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the 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 31:2

And he said unto them, I [am] an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

Joshua 14:10

And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while [the children of] Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I [am] this day fourscore and five years old.

Joshua 14:11

As yet I [am as] strong this day as [I was] in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength [was] then, even so [is] my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Genesis 27:1

¶ And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, [here am] I.

Acts 7:36

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

Genesis 48:10

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, [so that] he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

Acts 7:30

¶ And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.