Deuteronomy 30:11
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה
For this commandment
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה
For this commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
2 of 14
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַיּ֑וֹם
thee this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
thee this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִפְלֵ֥את
it is not hidden
H6381
נִפְלֵ֥את
it is not hidden
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
הִוא֙
H1931
הִוא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מִמְּךָ֔
H4480
מִמְּךָ֔
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Unlike pagan mystery religions reserving sacred knowledge for privileged initiates, Israel's law was public and accessible. It was read publicly, taught in families, and preserved in Scripture for all generations.
This democratic access to divine revelation distinguished Israel from surrounding cultures where priests monopolized religious knowledge.
Questions for Reflection
- What excuses does the clarity of God's word eliminate?
- How does public accessibility of Scripture differ from mystery religions?
- What does 'not far off' teach about God's desire to be known?
- How does Paul apply this principle to gospel accessibility?
- Why is democratic access to Scripture important for covenant community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. God's law is accessible - not hidden...neither...far off. This demolishes excuses that God's requirements are too obscure or difficult to discover. He has clearly revealed His will.
The phrase not hidden indicates clarity of revelation. God hasn't concealed His will in mystery cults requiring initiation or esoteric knowledge. His commands are plainly stated for all to understand.
That it is not far off means accessibility - not requiring impossible journeys or extraordinary measures to access. God's word is near, available to the covenant community through teaching and Scripture.
Paul later applies this passage to the gospel (Romans 10:6-8) - the word is near thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart. The accessibility principle extends from law to gospel.