Deuteronomy 30:15

Authorized King James Version

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See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

Original Language Analysis

רְאֵ֨ה See H7200
רְאֵ֨ה See
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נָתַ֤תִּי I have set H5414
נָתַ֤תִּי I have set
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 2 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙ before H6440
לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙ before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 3 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַיּ֔וֹם thee this day H3117
הַיּ֔וֹם thee this day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 4 of 12
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
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽחַיִּ֖ים life H2416
הַֽחַיִּ֖ים life
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 6 of 12
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַטּ֑וֹב and good H2896
הַטּ֑וֹב and good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 8 of 12
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
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמָּ֖וֶת and death H4194
הַמָּ֖וֶת and death
Strong's: H4194
Word #: 10 of 12
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָרָֽע׃ and evil H7451
הָרָֽע׃ and evil
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 12 of 12
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Analysis & Commentary

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. Moses presents the choice starkly - life and good versus death and evil. These paired opposites represent the two paths available: covenant obedience leading to blessing, or disobedience leading to curse.

The word see (Hebrew 're'eh') demands attention. This is not subtle suggestion but urgent imperative to observe carefully the critical decision before them. The stakes could not be higher - life or death hangs on the choice.

The pairing of life with good and death with evil demonstrates the comprehensive nature of covenant outcomes. Obedience brings not merely survival but flourishing; disobedience brings not merely difficulty but destruction.

This echoes Joshua's later challenge - choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Each generation, ultimately each person, must decide whether to follow God or pursue other paths.

Historical Context

This choice was presented to the generation about to enter Canaan. They witnessed their parents' failure and death in wilderness judgment. Now they must choose whether to repeat that disobedience or walk faithfully.

The two-paths motif recurs throughout Scripture - Psalm 1, Proverbs, Jesus' teaching about narrow and broad gates (Matthew 7:13-14).

Questions for Reflection

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