Deuteronomy 5:1

Translation
King James Version
¶ And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And Moses H4872 called H7121 all Israel H3478, and said H559 unto them, Hear H8085, O Israel H3478, the statutes H2706 and judgments H4941 which I speak H1696 in your ears H241 this day H3117, that ye may learn H3925 them, and keep H8104, and do H6213 them.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Then Moshe called to all Isra'el and said to them, "Listen, Isra'el, to the laws and rulings which I am announcing in your hearing today, so that you will learn them and take care to obey them.
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Berean Standard Bible
Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully.
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American Standard Version
And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and observe to do them.
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World English Bible Messianic
Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, “Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that you may learn them, and observe to do them.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses called all Israiel, and saide vnto them, Heare, O Israel, the ordinances and the lawes which I propose to you this day, that yee may learne them, and take heede to obserue them.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Moses calleth unto all Israel, and saith unto them, `Hear, Israel, the statutes and the judgments which I am speaking in your ears to-day, and ye have learned them, and have observed to do them.
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See also
Deuteronomy 4:1Matthew 23:3Deuteronomy 29:10Deuteronomy 1:1Deuteronomy 29:2
In the KJVVerse 5,055 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 5:1 serves as a foundational summons to the renewed covenant community of Israel, gathered on the plains of Moab. Moses, acting as God's mediator, calls the entire nation to a solemn assembly, urging them to attentively hear, diligently learn, carefully keep, and actively obey the divine statutes and judgments. This pivotal verse sets the stage for the recapitulation of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing that their identity, prosperity, and continued existence as God's people in the Promised Land are wholly contingent upon their faithful adherence to His revealed will.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse initiates Deuteronomy chapter 5, marking a critical transition from Moses' historical review (chapters 1-4) to the direct re-presentation of the covenant law. Chapters 1-3 recount Israel's journey from Sinai, their failures, and God's faithfulness despite their rebellion, culminating in their arrival at the plains of Moab. Chapter 4 concludes with a powerful exhortation to remember God's mighty acts and to obey His laws, lest they forget Him and perish. Deuteronomy 5:1 acts as a solemn preamble to the Decalogue, which immediately follows (compare with the original giving in Exodus 20). It frames the subsequent laws not as new legislation, but as a vital re-affirmation and internalization of the existing covenant for a new generation.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Forty years have elapsed since the Exodus and the initial giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The generation that directly experienced these epochal events has largely died in the wilderness due a lack of faith and disobedience. Moses now addresses their descendants, a new generation on the brink of entering the Promised Land. They are encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, with Canaan visible across the river. This geographical and temporal setting is crucial: Israel is poised to transition from nomadic wandering to settled nationhood, requiring a deep understanding and commitment to the laws that will govern their lives in the land. Culturally, public assemblies and oral transmission were primary means of conveying vital information and legal instruction, making Moses' direct address to "all Israel" a powerful and fitting method for covenant renewal.
  • Key Themes: Deuteronomy 5:1 introduces and reinforces several central themes of the book of Deuteronomy. Foremost is Covenant Renewal and Obligation, as Moses re-establishes the terms of the Sinai covenant with the new generation, emphasizing that their future well-being and success in the land are directly tied to their faithful obedience. The verse also highlights Divine Authority and Revelation, asserting that the "statutes and judgments" are not human inventions but God's own authoritative word, delivered through His chosen mediator. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of Responsive Hearing and Active Obedience, encapsulated in the imperative "Hear, O Israel," which calls for more than just passive listening but a deep internalization and practical application of the law. This emphasis on "doing" the law is a recurring motif throughout Deuteronomy, foundational to Israel's identity as God's covenant people (see Deuteronomy 6:1-3).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Hear (Hebrew, shâmaʻ, H8085): This imperative verb (H8085) signifies far more than mere auditory perception. Derived from a primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," it implies attention, careful consideration, and, most critically, obedience. It is a call to listen with the intent to understand and respond, leading to action. This concept is foundational to the "Shema Yisrael" in Deuteronomy 6:4, which demands singular devotion to God. Here, it demands Israel's full attention and commitment to the words Moses is about to speak.
  • Statutes and Judgments (Hebrew, chôq H2706 and mishpâṭ, H2706): This pairing represents the comprehensive totality of God's divine law. Chôq (statutes) refers to an "enactment" or "ordinance," often a fixed decree whose rationale might not be immediately apparent but is based solely on God's sovereign will (e.g., ritual or ceremonial laws). Mishpâṭ (judgments) refers to a "verdict" or "formal decree," encompassing judicial decisions, civil laws, and ethical rulings that often stem from principles of justice and equity, applicable to human relationships and societal order. Together, they signify the entire scope of God's revelation, covering all aspects of Israelite life—religious, moral, and civil.
  • Do (Hebrew, ʻâsâh, H6213): The final verb in the sequence "learn them, and keep, and do them" (H6213) emphasizes the ultimate purpose of divine instruction: practical obedience. Derived from a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application," it moves beyond intellectual assent ("learn") and careful preservation ("keep") to active performance. For Israel, true faith was never merely a matter of belief or knowledge, but always culminated in tangible actions that demonstrated their covenant loyalty and commitment to God's way of life.

Verse Breakdown

  • "¶ And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them,": This opening clause establishes the solemn, public, and communal nature of the address. Moses, as God's divinely appointed mediator, gathers the entire nation, signifying that the covenant obligations apply to every individual and to the community as a whole. This is not a private instruction but a public, foundational declaration for the corporate body of Israel, underscoring their collective responsibility.
  • "Hear, O Israel,": This is a direct, emphatic imperative command, central to the verse's meaning. It is a summons to attentive listening, deep understanding, and responsive obedience. The vocative "O Israel" underscores the specific audience—the entire covenant people—and their unique relationship with God. It sets a tone of urgency and profound significance for the words that follow, demanding their full and undivided attention.
  • "the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day,": This phrase specifies the comprehensive content of Moses' address: God's complete and authoritative law. The emphasis on "this day" signifies a fresh, immediate, and personal encounter with God's word for this new generation, making the covenant relevant and binding for them just as it was for their parents at Sinai. The phrase "in your ears" highlights the direct, auditory reception of the divine commands, emphasizing the personal nature of the communication.
  • "that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.": This final clause articulates the threefold, progressive purpose of hearing God's word. "Learn them" implies deep comprehension and internalization, moving beyond superficial acquaintance to genuine understanding. "Keep" suggests guarding, preserving, and remembering the laws, holding them sacred and valuing them. "Do them" is the ultimate practical outcome, demanding active, consistent, and faithful obedience to the commands in daily life, demonstrating true covenant loyalty.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 5:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Direct Address, specifically the imperative "Hear, O Israel," which immediately captures the audience's attention and establishes the solemnity and urgency of Moses' words. This command functions as a powerful rhetorical device, drawing the listener into the covenant relationship. The phrase "statutes and judgments" is a Merism, a figure of speech where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a totality, signifying the comprehensive nature of God's law, encompassing all aspects of life. Furthermore, the verse uses Climax and Progression through the sequence "learn them, and keep, and do them." This triadic structure emphasizes the progressive and comprehensive nature of obedience, moving from intellectual apprehension to active practice, culminating in tangible action. The entire verse also functions as a Rhetorical Framing device, serving as an emphatic introduction to the recapitulation of the Decalogue, preparing the audience for the weighty divine pronouncements that follow.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 5:1 lays a foundational theological principle: the absolute necessity of hearing and obeying God's Word for a people in covenant with Him. It establishes that divine revelation is not merely for intellectual assent but for transformative action, shaping the identity and destiny of God's people. This verse underscores the enduring truth that a right relationship with God is characterized by a responsive heart that not only listens to His commands but diligently strives to live by them. It sets the stage for the entire Deuteronomic theology, where blessing is directly tied to obedience and curses to disobedience, framing the covenant as a dynamic, living relationship requiring constant engagement and faithfulness. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true faith is always active and demonstrated through loving obedience.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 5:1 powerfully reminds us that God's Word is given not merely for our information, but for our transformation. The command "Hear, O Israel" is a timeless call to every believer to engage with Scripture not as a passive recipient, but as an active participant. We are invited to listen attentively, to delve deeply into its truths ("learn them"), to guard its principles in our hearts ("keep"), and, most importantly, to live out its commands in our daily lives ("do them"). In a world filled with competing voices, distractions, and a tendency toward superficial engagement, this verse challenges us to prioritize God's voice above all others and to allow His statutes and judgments to shape our character, guide our decisions, and define our actions. Our spiritual vitality, the authenticity of our faith, and our effectiveness in the world are directly proportional to our commitment to hearing, learning, keeping, and doing God's Word.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what ways do I tend to "hear" God's Word passively, rather than actively engaging with it for deep understanding and transformative obedience?
  • What practical steps can I take to better "learn" God's statutes and judgments, moving beyond superficial knowledge to profound comprehension and internalization?
  • How does my daily life demonstrate that I am truly seeking to "keep, and do" God's commands, rather than just knowing or affirming them intellectually?
  • Considering the communal call to "all Israel," how can I contribute to fostering a culture of attentive hearing and faithful obedience within my own family, church, or faith community?

FAQ

What is the significance of Moses addressing "all Israel" in this verse?

Answer: The address to "all Israel" is profoundly significant because it underscores the corporate and inclusive nature of the covenant. While individual obedience is crucial, the covenant was made with the entire nation, and its blessings and curses applied to the community as a whole. By calling all Israel, Moses emphasizes that every person, regardless of their status, age, or role, is accountable to God's law. It highlights the collective responsibility of the community to uphold the covenant, teach it to future generations, and live as a distinct people set apart by God. This communal aspect reinforces the idea that their identity and destiny as a nation were inextricably linked to their shared commitment to God's statutes and judgments, a principle that echoes the call to the church as the new covenant community (see 1 Peter 2:9-10).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 5:1, with its emphatic call to hear and obey God's statutes and judgments, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel consistently struggled to perfectly "learn, keep, and do" the law, Jesus perfectly embodied this call, living a life of complete and unwavering obedience to the Father's will (as affirmed in John 8:29). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (as He declared in Matthew 5:17), demonstrating its righteous demands and revealing its ultimate purpose. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ provides the means for sinful humanity to be reconciled to God, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, He empowers believers to live lives of new obedience, writing God's law not on tablets of stone but on our very hearts (a promise found in Jeremiah 31:33 and echoed in Hebrews 8:10). Thus, the "hear and do" imperative of Deuteronomy 5:1 is not merely a legalistic demand but a gracious invitation to participate in the life of Christ, who enables us to truly fulfill the Spirit of the Law through faith and love (as explained in Romans 8:3-4). He is the true "Moses," the greater mediator who delivers a new covenant, not of external law, but of internal transformation, leading us into our ultimate inheritance in Him (a theme developed in Hebrews 3:1-6).

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 5 verses 1–5

Here, 1. Moses summons the assembly. He called all Israel; not only the elders, but, it is likely, as many of the people as could come within hearing, Deu 5:1. The greatest of them were not above God's command, nor the meanest of them below his cognizance; but they were all bound to do. 2. He demands attention: "Hear, O Israel; hear and heed, hear and remember, hear, that you may learn, and keep, and do; else your hearing is to no purpose." When we hear the word of God we must set ourselves to learn it, that we may have it ready to us upon all occasions, and what we have learned we must put in practice, for that is the end of hearing and learning; not to fill our heads with notions, or our mouths with talk, but to rectify and direct our affections and conversations. 3. He refers them to the covenant made with them in Horeb, as that which they must govern themselves by. See the wonderful condescension of divine grace in turning the command into a covenant, that we might be the more strongly bound to obedience by our own consent and the more encouraged in it by the divine promise, both which are supposed in the covenant. The promises and threatenings annexed to some of the precepts, as to the second, third, and fifth, make them amount to a covenant. Observe, (1.) The parties to this covenant. God made it, not with our fathers, not with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; to them God gave the covenant of circumcision (Act 7:8), but not that of the ten commandments. The light of divine revelation shone gradually, and the children were made to know more of God's mind than their fathers had done. "The covenant was made with us, or our immediate parents that represented us, before Mount Sinai, and transacted for us." (2.) The publication of this covenant. God himself did, as it were, read the articles to them (Deu 5:4): He talked with you face to face; word to word, so the Chaldee. Not in dark visions, as of old he spoke to the fathers (Job 4:12, Job 4:13), but openly and clearly, and so that all the thousands of Israel might hear and understand. He spoke to them, and then received the answer they returned to him: thus was it transacted face to face. (3.) The mediator of the covenant: Moses stood between God and them, at the foot of the mount (Deu 5:5), and carried messages between them both for the settling of the preliminaries (Ex. 19) and for the changing of the ratifications, Ex. 24. Herein Moses was a type of Christ, who stands between God and man, to show us the word of the Lord, a blessed days-man, that has laid his hand upon us both, so that we may both hear from God and speak to him without trembling.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. 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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