Deuteronomy 11:27
A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
Original Language Analysis
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּשְׁמְע֗וּ
if ye obey
H8085
תִּשְׁמְע֗וּ
if ye obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מִצְוֹת֙
the commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹת֙
the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
6 of 13
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 13
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
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 1:19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:Isaiah 3:10Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.Psalms 19:11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Historical Context
Moses's role as mediator prefigures Christ (Hebrews 3:1-6), though Christ's superiority as Son surpasses Moses's role as servant. The Israelites' contemporaneous decision parallels every generation's responsibility to respond to revealed truth. The apostolic teaching similarly binds Christians (2 Thessalonians 3:14)—rejecting apostolic doctrine means forfeiting blessing. Covenant blessings always attend covenant obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does immediate obedience ('this day') differ from delayed or theoretical commitment?
- What does it mean to recognize and submit to God's appointed messengers of His word?
- How do we discern true messengers of God's word from false teachers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The blessing is conditioned: 'if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day.' The blessing isn't automatic or unconditional but flows from responsive obedience. The Hebrew construction im tishme'u (אִם־תִּשְׁמְעוּ, 'if you obey') makes this explicit. The phrase 'which I command you this day' emphasizes immediacy—they face real-time decision requiring present response. Moses functions as covenant mediator delivering Yahweh's stipulations. Obedience means hearkening to God's revealed will through His appointed messenger. Rejecting Moses's words means rejecting God's covenant.