Deuteronomy 5:32

KJV

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall observe {H8104} to do {H6213} therefore as the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} hath commanded {H6680} you: ye shall not turn aside {H5493} to the right hand {H3225} or to the left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore you are to be careful to do as ADONAI your God has ordered you; you are not to deviate either to the right or the left.

Berean Standard Bible

So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left.

American Standard Version

Ye shall observe to do therefore as Jehovah your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:32 serves as a foundational exhortation within Moses' final addresses to the new generation of Israelites, encapsulating the essence of the Mosaic covenant. Following the solemn reiteration of the Ten Commandments, this verse calls for precise, unwavering, and diligent obedience to God's divine instructions, warning against any deviation from the divinely prescribed path, whether by adding to or subtracting from His word. It underscores that Israel's future prosperity and covenant faithfulness are inextricably linked to their steadfast adherence to the Lord's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 5:32 concludes Moses' powerful recounting of the Ten Commandments, initially given at Mount Horeb (Sinai), to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter, [Deuteronomy 5](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - Reiteration of the Ten Commandments"), is a pivotal section within Moses' second major discourse, which spans [Deuteronomy 4:44-26:19](/deuteronomy/4 "Deuteronomy 4-26 - Moses' Second Discourse"). The immediate verses preceding 5:32 (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:29](/deuteronomy/5-29 "Deuteronomy 5:29 - Oh that they had such a heart!")) express God's desire for Israel to always maintain a heart of obedience, setting the stage for this direct command. The verse then transitions into further specific laws and statutes in [Deuteronomy 6](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - The Shema and Further Exhortations"), emphasizing the importance of teaching these commands to future generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Deuteronomy is set on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, approximately 40 years after the Exodus from Egypt. The generation that had experienced the miraculous deliverance and received the Law at Sinai had largely passed away due to their disobedience in the wilderness. Moses, nearing the end of his life, addresses a new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, who are about to inherit the land promised to their ancestors. This historical moment is critical, as Israel is transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural society in Canaan, a land filled with pagan cultures and practices. The commands in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy - The Second Law") were therefore not merely a re-statement of old laws but a fresh, urgent call to commitment for a people on the cusp of a new era, where their identity and success would depend entirely on their distinctiveness through obedience to Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 5:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Obedience**, stressing that Israel's relationship with God is conditional upon their faithful adherence to His laws, which are presented as the path to life and blessing (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Hear the statutes and judgments")). It also highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Exclusivity**, as the commands originate from "the LORD your God," emphasizing His sole right to legislate for His people and warning against syncretism or adopting foreign practices. Furthermore, the phrase "not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" speaks to the theme of **Integrity and Steadfastness**, advocating for a singular focus on God's will and a rejection of any deviation, whether through legalism or license, a concept echoed in [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do not add or subtract from the word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Observe (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb means "to guard," "to keep," "to watch over," or "to diligently attend to." It implies more than mere intellectual assent or passive hearing; it demands active, careful, and protective adherence to the commands. It suggests a vigilant and intentional commitment to God's word, treating it as a precious treasure to be preserved and practiced.
* **Turn aside (Hebrew, _sur'_):** This verb signifies "to depart," "to remove," "to deviate," or "to turn away from." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of straying from a prescribed path or abandoning a set course. It highlights the danger of spiritual drift and the subtle ways one might wander from God's perfect will.
* **Right hand or to the left (Hebrew, _yamin u-smol'_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom indicating any deviation whatsoever from a straight path. It encompasses all possible forms of straying, whether by adding to God's commands (often associated with self-righteousness or human tradition, sometimes metaphorically "to the right") or by diminishing or neglecting them (often associated with disobedience or apathy, metaphorically "to the left"). It emphasizes the totality and precision of the required obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you":** This opening clause functions as a direct, imperative exhortation. The "therefore" links it back to the preceding reiteration of the Ten Commandments and the covenant stipulations. The command is not merely to "hear" or "know" but to "observe to do," stressing the active implementation of God's word. The source of the command is explicitly "the LORD your God," underscoring divine authority and the covenant relationship that necessitates such obedience. It implies that God's commands are not arbitrary but are given by a loving, covenant-keeping God for the good of His people.
* **"ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."** This second clause serves as a powerful negative injunction, specifying the manner of obedience required: it must be unwavering and precise. The idiom "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" vividly portrays the absolute necessity of maintaining the straight path of God's revealed will. It forbids any deviation, whether by adding human traditions or interpretations that burden the law (turning "right") or by neglecting or minimizing its requirements (turning "left"). This ensures the purity and integrity of the covenant relationship and the distinctiveness of Israel's walk before the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 5:32 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as Moses directly and urgently commands the people to obey. This is characteristic of the Deuteronomic style, which is often didactic and persuasive. The phrase "to the right hand or to the left" is a powerful **Idiom**, conveying the concept of absolute, undeviating adherence to a prescribed path. It functions as a **Metaphor** for the spiritual and moral journey, likening obedience to walking a straight line. The repetition of the command to "observe to do" throughout Deuteronomy, coupled with the imagery of a straight path, creates a sense of **Emphasis** and urgency regarding the singular focus required for covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 5:32 articulates a timeless theological principle: God's people are called to a life of precise and unwavering obedience to His revealed will. This is not merely a legalistic demand but an invitation to walk in the way of life and blessing, demonstrating trust in God's wisdom and goodness. This principle resonates throughout the Old and New Testaments, forming the bedrock of covenant relationship. Obedience is presented as the proper response to God's grace and deliverance, a visible expression of love and devotion. The warning against turning "to the right hand or to the left" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's authority and the danger of human attempts to modify divine truth. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on walking in the Spirit, not deviating from Christ's example or the truth of the Gospel.

* [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Be strong and very courageous, observe to do according to all the law")
* [Proverbs 4:27](/proverbs/4-27 "Proverbs 4:27 - Turn not to the right hand nor to the left")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:32 offers profound guidance for believers today, reminding us that true spiritual flourishing is found in faithful, straightforward obedience to God's Word. In a world characterized by shifting moral sands and diverse ideologies, this verse calls us to anchor our lives firmly in the unchanging truth of Scripture. It challenges us to avoid both the pitfalls of legalism, which adds human burdens to God's commands, and license, which diminishes or disregards them. Instead, we are invited to cultivate a heart that diligently "observes to do" all that the Lord has commanded, trusting that His ways are always for our ultimate good and His glory. This requires intentional study of the Bible, prayerful discernment, and a humble willingness to submit our lives to His authority, recognizing that our walk with God is a journey of steadfast adherence to the path He has laid out for us, without compromise or deviation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" from God's clear commands?**
* **How does a diligent "observance to do" God's Word differ from mere intellectual agreement or passive hearing?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your life remains on the "straight path" of God's will, avoiding both legalism and license?**
* **How does trusting God's wisdom in His commands, even when they seem challenging, strengthen your faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: This idiom means to not deviate whatsoever from the prescribed path or instruction. Practically, it means to obey God's commands precisely as they are given, without adding to them (which could lead to legalism or human traditions that supersede God's word) or subtracting from them (which could lead to disobedience, compromise, or a diluted faith). It calls for a singular, focused, and unwavering commitment to God's revealed will, ensuring that one's life aligns perfectly with His divine standards, as seen in the wisdom literature where the righteous path is described as straight (e.g., [Proverbs 4:27](/proverbs/4-27 "Proverbs 4:27 - Turn not to the right hand nor to the left")).

**Is this command for precise obedience still relevant for Christians today, given that we are under grace, not law?**

Answer: Absolutely. While Christians are indeed under grace and not the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - For you are not under law but under grace")), the principle of obedience to God's revealed will remains central to the Christian life. Jesus Himself declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus came to fulfill the Law")), and He taught His disciples to obey His commands ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments")). The "law of Christ" ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ")) and the Spirit-empowered walk ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us")) call believers to a life of holiness and conformity to God's character, which is expressed through obedience to His moral will revealed in Scripture. The warning against turning "to the right hand or to the left" still applies to our walk in Christ, urging us to remain faithful to His teachings and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 5:32, with its stringent call for unwavering obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. While Israel consistently failed to "observe to do" and frequently "turned aside to the right hand or to the left," Jesus perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus came to fulfill the Law")), never deviating from His Father's will. His life was the epitome of walking the straight path, always doing what pleased God ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - For I always do what is pleasing to him")). Through His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ accomplished what the Law could not: He secured salvation and righteousness for all who believe ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the end of the law for righteousness")). Now, for those united with Him by faith, the Spirit empowers believers to walk in a new obedience, not by their own strength or legalistic striving, but by the indwelling life of Christ, enabling them to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law by walking according to the Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us")). Thus, the command to not turn aside is ultimately fulfilled in our union with the One who never turned aside, and by whose Spirit we are transformed to increasingly reflect His perfect obedience.

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

Proverbs 4:27

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Joshua 23:6

Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom [to] the right hand or [to] the left;

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Deuteronomy 17:20

That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Deuteronomy 28:14

And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Deuteronomy 11:32

And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.