Deuteronomy 1:31
And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.
Original Language Analysis
וּבַמִּדְבָּר֙
And in the wilderness
H4057
וּבַמִּדְבָּר֙
And in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
1 of 21
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָאִ֔יתָ
where thou hast seen
H7200
רָאִ֔יתָ
where thou hast seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשָּׂא
bare
H5375
יִשָּׂא
bare
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
5 of 21
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
יְהוָ֣ה
how that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
how that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 21
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשָּׂא
bare
H5375
יִשָּׂא
bare
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
9 of 21
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אִ֖ישׁ
thee as a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
thee as a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנ֑וֹ
his son
H1121
בְּנ֑וֹ
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in all the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in all the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
14 of 21
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֲלַכְתֶּ֔ם
that ye went
H1980
הֲלַכְתֶּ֔ם
that ye went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
16 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
17 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בֹּֽאֲכֶ֖ם
until ye came
H935
בֹּֽאֲכֶ֖ם
until ye came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
18 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
19 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Acts 13:18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Exodus 19:4Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.Numbers 11:14I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
Historical Context
Recalls Israel's 40-year wilderness journey from Egypt to Moab (circa 1446-1406 BC). Despite divine provision—manna, water from rock, pillar of cloud/fire—the first generation failed to trust God's promises and died in the wilderness. This verse reflects Moses' reminder to the second generation of their fathers' unbelief at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's fatherly care during Israel's wilderness wandering deepen your understanding of divine providence in trials?
- In what ways does this verse challenge you to trust God's sustaining grace rather than your own strength?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The image of God bearing Israel 'as a man doth bear his son' reveals divine paternal care and sovereign providence. The Hebrew 'nasa' (carried/bore) conveys sustained support through trial. This metaphor anticipates the New Covenant reality where believers are adopted as sons (Galatians 4:5-7). God's fatherhood is not merely benevolent but covenantal—He commits to preserve His people through the wilderness until reaching the promised inheritance. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance of the saints.