Deuteronomy 7:11

KJV

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt therefore keep {H8104} the commandments {H4687}, and the statutes {H2706}, and the judgments {H4941}, which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}, to do {H6213} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, you are to keep the mitzvot, laws and rulings which I am giving you today, and obey them.

Berean Standard Bible

So keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances that I am giving you to follow this day.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which I command thee this day, to do them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:11 serves as a foundational exhortation within Moses' final addresses to Israel, encapsulating the divine expectation for the newly redeemed nation to diligently observe and actively practice all the laws, statutes, and judgments commanded by God through Moses. This pivotal verse underscores that Israel's continued blessing, distinct identity, and flourishing relationship with Yahweh are inextricably linked to their comprehensive and obedient response to His authoritative word, thereby establishing the bedrock principle of faithful living as they prepare to enter and settle in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:11 is strategically positioned within Moses' second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, serving as a crucial hinge between God's gracious election of Israel and the practical outworking of their covenant relationship. The preceding verses, specifically [Deuteronomy 7:6-10](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6-10 - God's Unconditional Love and Election of Israel"), establish the theological foundation for obedience: Israel is to obey not because of inherent greatness or numerical superiority, but because of Yahweh's unconditional love, His sovereign choice, and His faithfulness to the oath sworn to their ancestors. This profound declaration of divine grace provides the "therefore" that logically necessitates the command to obey in verse 11. Following this imperative, Moses proceeds to elaborate on the tangible blessings that flow from obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience in [Deuteronomy 7:12-26](/deuteronomy/7-12-26 "Deuteronomy 7:12-26 - Blessings of Obedience and Warnings Against Idolatry"), demonstrating the direct correlation between their choices and their destiny. Thus, [Deuteronomy 7:11](/deuteronomy/7-11 "Deuteronomy 7:11 - The Call to Comprehensive Obedience") functions as a vital transition, connecting the divine motivation for obedience to its practical implications for national flourishing and covenant fidelity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for the book of Deuteronomy is the plains of Moab, where the Israelites are encamped, poised to enter the land of Canaan. Forty years have passed since the Exodus from Egypt, and the generation that experienced the Sinai covenant firsthand has largely passed away. Moses, now at the end of his life, delivers these final, impassioned sermons to a new generation, impressing upon them the critical importance of covenant fidelity as they prepare to transition from a nomadic existence to a settled life in a land already inhabited by diverse, idolatrous cultures. The surrounding Canaanite nations engaged in practices such as polytheism, child sacrifice, and various forms of ritual prostitution, which were anathema to Yahweh. The command to "keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments" was not merely a call to abstract piety but a concrete mandate to establish a distinct, holy society that would stand in stark contrast to the paganism of their neighbors. This strict adherence to God's law was essential for their survival, for maintaining their unique identity as God's chosen people, and for preventing assimilation into the corrupting influences of the land, as explicitly warned against in [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Drive Out Inhabitants and Destroy Idolatry").
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 7:11](/deuteronomy/7-11 "Deuteronomy 7:11 - The Imperative of Obedience") significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Deuteronomy. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Covenantal Obligation**, emphasizing that Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, though initiated by grace, demands a reciprocal response of active adherence to the terms of the covenant established at Sinai. This is not merely a passive agreement but a dynamic responsibility, as seen in Israel's initial vow to obey in [Exodus 24:7](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - Israel's Vow to Obey"). Secondly, the phrase "which I command thee this day" highlights the **Divine Authority** of these laws, underscoring that they are not human inventions or suggestions, but direct, urgent, and non-negotiable instructions from God Himself, mediated through Moses. This immediate and personal command emphasizes the urgency and weight of obedience. Thirdly, the comprehensive nature of "commandments, statutes, and judgments" points to **Holistic Obedience**, signifying that God's law applies to every facet of life—moral, ceremonial, and civil—demanding an all-encompassing commitment from the entire community. Finally, the concluding phrase "to do them" stresses **Active Doing**, a central and recurring theme in Deuteronomy, where faith is never passive intellectual assent but is demonstrated through diligent, practical application of God's word, as further emphasized in [Deuteronomy 6:3](/deuteronomy/6-3 "Deuteronomy 6:3 - Hear and Do").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This term (H8104) is a primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard." More broadly, it signifies to protect, attend to, preserve, observe, or diligently watch over. In the context of commandments, it implies not just passive retention or knowledge, but active guarding, careful observance, and diligent adherence to the laws. It conveys a sense of responsibility and watchful care over the divine instructions.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** This word (H2706) derives from a root meaning "to engrave" or "to enact." It refers to an enactment, ordinance, or decree. These are often fixed regulations, sometimes ceremonial or ritual laws, whose rationale might not be immediately apparent to human reason but are binding because they are divinely instituted. They serve to set God's people apart and establish prescribed ways of life and worship.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term (H4941) properly refers to a verdict pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree. It encompasses civil laws, legal precedents, and principles of justice and righteousness applied in societal and legal contexts. These are the practical applications of God's moral principles in daily life, guiding how disputes are resolved, how justice is administered, how equity is ensured within the community. Together with "commandments" and "statutes," it forms a comprehensive legal triad, indicating the totality and pervasive reach of God's law over all aspects of Israelite life.
* **This day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This term (H3117) refers to a day, often signifying the warm hours from sunrise to sunset, but also figuratively a space of time defined by an associated term. In the Deuteronomic context, "this day" (הַיּוֹם, _hayyom'_) emphasizes the present urgency and fresh reiteration of the covenant requirements to the new generation on the cusp of entering the land. It signifies a renewed commitment and a call to immediate, decisive action, highlighting the contemporary relevance and binding nature of the command.
* **To do them (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This word (H6213) is a primitive root meaning "to do or make" in the broadest sense and widest application. It signifies to accomplish, perform, execute, or practice. In this context, it is crucial as it shifts the emphasis from mere intellectual knowledge or passive reception of the law to active, tangible performance. It clarifies that the ultimate purpose of keeping God's laws is not just understanding them, but diligently putting them into practical, concrete action in daily life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt therefore keep":** This opening imperative establishes the non-negotiable nature of the command. The "therefore" (וְשָׁמַרְתָּ, _weshāmarta'_) directly links Israel's obligation to God's preceding declaration of His unconditional love and gracious election in [Deuteronomy 7:6-10](/deuteronomy/7-6-10 "Deuteronomy 7:6-10 - God's Love and Election"). It implies that obedience is the appropriate, logical, and necessary response to such profound divine grace. The verb "keep" (שָׁמַר, _shamar'_) signifies not just passive retention of information, but active guarding, preserving, and diligently observing with careful attention.
* **"the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments":** This tripartite phrase comprehensively describes the entire corpus of God's revealed law. As detailed in the Key Word Analysis, it encompasses the full spectrum of divine instruction—moral principles ("commandments"), ceremonial ordinances ("statutes"), and civil regulations ("judgments"). This emphasizes that Israel's obedience was to be holistic and all-encompassing, leaving no area of life untouched by God's authoritative word, demanding a full-spectrum commitment.
* **"which I command thee this day":** This clause powerfully highlights the immediate, personal, and divine authority behind the laws. "I" refers to God, speaking through Moses, underscoring the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these instructions. "This day" (הַיּוֹם, _hayyom'_) emphasizes the present urgency and fresh reiteration of the covenant requirements to the new generation on the cusp of entering the land. It signifies a renewed commitment and a call to immediate, decisive action, making the covenant demands profoundly relevant to their current moment.
* **"to do them":** This concluding phrase is crucial, shifting the emphasis from mere knowledge or hearing to active performance. It clarifies that the ultimate purpose of keeping God's laws is not intellectual assent or ritualistic observance alone, but practical, tangible obedience. This highlights the pragmatic and action-oriented nature of faith within the Deuteronomic framework, where true adherence is demonstrated through concrete deeds and faithful living, impacting every facet of their existence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:11 employs several potent literary devices to underscore its core message and impress its urgency upon the audience. The most prominent is **Triadic Repetition**, specifically the use of the comprehensive legal triad "commandments, statutes, and judgments." This repetition serves to emphasize the holistic and all-encompassing nature of God's law, impressing upon the audience that every aspect of their lives falls under divine jurisdiction and requires their diligent adherence. The verse also functions as a powerful **Exhortation**, a direct and urgent appeal from Moses to the people, characterized by the imperative "Thou shalt therefore keep." This direct address creates a sense of personal responsibility and immediate consequence, demanding a decisive response. Furthermore, the phrase "which I command thee this day" employs **Divine Authority**, attributing the laws directly to God Himself, thereby elevating their status beyond mere human legislation and demanding absolute reverence and obedience. Finally, the concluding "to do them" serves as a form of **Emphasis on Action**, making it unequivocally clear that the ultimate goal of hearing and knowing the law is its practical application in daily life, distinguishing true obedience from mere intellectual understanding or passive assent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:11 profoundly articulates the foundational principle of obedience as the proper and necessary response to God's gracious election and covenant love. For ancient Israel, their identity, security, and continued blessing in the land were inextricably linked to their diligent adherence to the divine commands. This principle, while rooted in the Old Covenant, reveals a timeless theological truth: God's unmerited love and grace always call for a response of faithful obedience from His people. While the specific legal framework has been superseded and transformed by the advent of the New Covenant in Christ, the underlying theological reality remains: obedience is not a means to earn God's favor, but a joyful demonstration of love, gratitude, and allegiance for the favor already bestowed. It is the practical outworking of a transformed heart, reflecting God's holy character and living in alignment with His perfect will.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [1 John 5:3](/1_john/5-3 "1 John 5:3 - For This Is the Love of God, That We Keep His Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:11 stands as a timeless challenge for believers today, prompting us to examine the depth and breadth of our own obedience to God. Just as Israel's obedience was a response to God's choosing love, so too our obedience is the natural, overflowing response to the sacrificial love demonstrated through Jesus Christ on the cross. This verse calls us beyond mere intellectual assent to Christian doctrines, urging us to actively "do" God's will in every sphere of our lives—our relationships, our work, our finances, our thoughts, and our words. It encourages a holistic faith that permeates every decision and action, recognizing that true devotion is expressed not just in worship on Sunday, but in the diligent, daily practice of righteousness. Our "keeping" of God's commands is not a burdensome legalism, but a joyful privilege, a pathway to deeper communion with Him, and a powerful witness to a watching world. It reminds us that walking with God is an active, dynamic journey of alignment with His perfect character and purposes, reflecting the new life we have in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "keep" God's "commandments, statutes, and judgments," and what might be the underlying reasons for this struggle?**
* **How does understanding God's unconditional love and gracious election (as highlighted in the context of Deuteronomy 7) motivate your desire to obey Him, rather than viewing obedience as a burdensome obligation?**
* **Deuteronomy 7:11 emphasizes "to do them." What practical steps can you take this week to move from merely knowing God's will to actively putting it into practice in a tangible way?**
* **How does a holistic understanding of God's commands (moral, ceremonial, civil/relational) challenge you to consider areas of your life that might not currently be submitted to His authority?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repetition of "commandments, statutes, and judgments" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "commandments, statutes, and judgments" is highly significant because it emphasizes the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of God's law. Rather than referring to just one type of law, these three terms collectively represent the full spectrum of divine instruction given to Israel. "Commandments" (מִצְוָה, _mitsvâh'_) typically refers to general moral principles or ethical injunctions, representing God's direct charges. "Statutes" (חֹק, _chôq'_) often denotes ordinances or decrees, particularly those that are ritualistic or ceremonial, whose reasons may not be immediately obvious but are binding because they are divinely instituted and serve to set God's people apart. "Judgments" (מִשְׁפָּט, _mishpâṭ'_) pertains to civil laws and just rulings, illustrating how God's principles should be applied in societal and legal contexts to ensure justice and equity. By listing all three, the verse underscores that God's expectation for Israel's obedience was total, covering every aspect of their individual, communal, and spiritual life, leaving no room for selective adherence. This holistic demand for obedience is a recurring theme throughout Deuteronomy, reinforcing the idea that God's covenant with Israel required a full-hearted and comprehensive response, as seen in the call to love God with all one's being in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:11, with its emphatic call to comprehensive obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redefinition in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel consistently struggled to perfectly "keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments," Jesus perfectly embodied and fulfilled the law, not only by adhering to every precept but also by revealing its true spiritual intent and bringing it to its intended telos ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He lived a life of flawless obedience to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, an act of supreme obedience "even to the point of death" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience and Humility")). For believers under the New Covenant, the impossible burden of earning righteousness through perfect law-keeping is lifted, as Christ's perfect righteousness is graciously imputed to us by faith ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). However, this does not negate the call to obedience; rather, it transforms it. Our obedience is no longer a means to salvation but a joyful, Spirit-empowered response to the salvation already received. The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), indwells believers, writing God's laws on our hearts and enabling us to "do them" from a place of love, gratitude, and new life ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Deuteronomy 7:11 points forward to the One who perfectly obeyed, and through whom we are empowered to live lives of increasing obedience, not for merit, but as a reflection of our union with Him and our profound love for the Father.

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

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 5:32

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.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.