Deuteronomy 1:35
Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 15
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִרְאֶ֥ה
see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֥ה
see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בָּֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
Surely there shall not one
H376
בָּֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
Surely there shall not one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 15
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)
בָּֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
Surely there shall not one
H376
בָּֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
Surely there shall not one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 15
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)
הַדּ֥וֹר
generation
H1755
הַדּ֥וֹר
generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
that good
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
that good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
11 of 15
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִשְׁבַּ֔עְתִּי
which I sware
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֔עְתִּי
which I sware
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
13 of 15
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
Historical Context
References God's covenant promises to the patriarchs (Genesis 12:7, 13:15, 15:18-21, 26:3, 28:13). Though made 600+ years earlier, these promises remained binding. The 'evil generation' refers specifically to those who witnessed the plagues, Red Sea crossing, and Sinai revelation yet still refused to trust God's ability to overcome Canaanite opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness to His promises despite human unfaithfulness reveal the foundation of Reformed assurance?
- What does this verse teach about the seriousness of covenant privileges and the danger of spurning divine grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The emphatic oath formula 'Surely there shall not one of these men' underscores divine determination. The contrast between 'this evil generation' and 'that good land' highlights the incompatibility between persistent unbelief and covenant blessing. God's promise to give the land 'which I sware unto their fathers' reveals covenantal faithfulness—though this generation forfeits inheritance, God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob stand inviolate. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine that God's elective purposes cannot be thwarted by human unfaithfulness (Romans 11:29).