Deuteronomy 27:10
Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁ֣מַעְתָּ֔
Thou shalt therefore obey
H8085
וְשָׁ֣מַעְתָּ֔
Thou shalt therefore obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 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
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
and do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִצְוֹתָו֙
his commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָו֙
his commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
7 of 13
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֻקָּ֔יו
and his statutes
H2706
חֻקָּ֔יו
and his statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
9 of 13
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Matthew 5:48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.Micah 6:8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Deuteronomy 11:1Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Historical Context
This formula - because you are God's people, therefore obey - pervades Deuteronomy and shapes biblical ethics generally. Behavior flows from identity; what God has done for us obligates how we live for Him.
This ethical pattern continues in New Testament - because you are in Christ, therefore live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does identity as God's people provide motivation for obedience?
- What does it mean to obey God's voice rather than merely following rules?
- Why is comprehensive obedience required encompassing both specific commands and general principles?
- How does 'this day' urgency prevent delayed obedience?
- How does New Testament ethics follow the same pattern of identity determining behavior?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. The word therefore connects obedience to identity - because you are God's people, you must obey His voice. Identity determines behavior; what we are shapes how we act. Gospel indicative precedes gospel imperative.
Obeying the voice of the LORD personalizes the relationship - this is not merely following abstract rules but hearing and responding to God's personal address. The law expresses God's will for His covenant people.
The distinction between commandments (specific directives) and statutes (general principles) indicates comprehensive obedience encompasses both particular duties and overall lifestyle. Both explicit commands and broad ethical norms govern covenant life.
The phrase this day creates urgency - obedience begins immediately. There is no grace period or delayed implementation. God's commands require present-tense response.