Deuteronomy 31:26

Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

Original Language Analysis

לָקֹ֗חַ Take H3947

לָקֹ֗חַ Take

Strong's: H3947

Word #: 1 of 16

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֵ֣ת H853

אֵ֣ת

Strong's: H853

Word #: 2 of 16

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

סֵ֤פֶר this book H5612

סֵ֤פֶר this book

Strong's: H5612

Word #: 3 of 16

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

הַתּוֹרָה֙ of the law H8451

הַתּוֹרָה֙ of the law

Strong's: H8451

Word #: 4 of 16

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הַזֶּ֔ה H2088

הַזֶּ֔ה

Strong's: H2088

Word #: 5 of 16

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְשַׂמְתֶּ֣ם and put H7760

וְשַׂמְתֶּ֣ם and put

Strong's: H7760

Word #: 6 of 16

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֹת֔וֹ H853

אֹת֔וֹ

Strong's: H853

Word #: 7 of 16

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִצַּ֛ד it in the side H6654

מִצַּ֛ד it in the side

Strong's: H6654

Word #: 8 of 16

a side; figuratively, an adversary

אֲר֥וֹן of the ark H727

אֲר֥וֹן of the ark

Strong's: H727

Word #: 9 of 16

a box

בְּרִית of the covenant H1285

בְּרִית of the covenant

Strong's: H1285

Word #: 10 of 16

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD H3068

יְהוָ֖ה of the LORD

Strong's: H3068

Word #: 11 of 16

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם your God H430

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם your God

Strong's: H430

Word #: 12 of 16

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

וְהָֽיָה H1961

וְהָֽיָה

Strong's: H1961

Word #: 13 of 16

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁ֥ם H8033

שָׁ֥ם

Strong's: H8033

Word #: 14 of 16

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בְּךָ֖ H0

בְּךָ֖

Strong's: H0

Word #: 15 of 16

לְעֵֽד׃ that it may be there for a witness H5707

לְעֵֽד׃ that it may be there for a witness

Strong's: H5707

Word #: 16 of 16

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

Cross References

Deuteronomy 31:19

Analysis & Commentary

Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God—the law-book was placed beside, not inside, the ark (which contained only the Ten Commandments tablets, Hebrews 9:4). The Hebrew mi-tzad (מִצַּד) means 'on the side of' or 'beside.' That it may be there for a witness against thee—the book functioned as legal testimony in the covenant lawsuit between Yahweh and Israel. Its presence ensured Israel couldn't claim ignorance of covenant stipulations when judgment came.

The law-book's placement beside the ark symbolized several truths:

comprehensive revelation accompanies foundational covenant (Ten Commandments)
Scripture's authority derives from proximity to God's presence (the ark's mercy seat was God's throne)
covenant relationship creates accountability—the witness-document testified continuously.

The phrase 'against thee' suggests prosecutorial function—Scripture exposes sin and establishes guilt. Yet paradoxically, the same Scripture that condemns offers grace, pointing to the mercy seat atop the ark where blood atonement was made (Leviticus 16).

Historical Context

Implemented circa 1406 BC, just before Moses's death. The ark's construction followed the Sinai covenant (Exodus 25:10-22); now Moses placed his completed written law beside it. This arrangement continued through Israel's history. When Josiah's reforms led to temple renovation (622 BC), the rediscovered 'Book of the Law' was apparently this very scroll placed beside the ark (2 Kings 22:8). Its recovery sparked national repentance, demonstrating Scripture's power when accessed and obeyed.

Questions for Reflection

How does Scripture function as 'witness against' humanity—exposing sin, establishing guilt, preventing excuse?
Why is the law-book beside (not inside) the ark significant? What's the relationship between Ten Commandments and comprehensive law?
How does Scripture's dual function (condemning sin, offering grace) resolve in Christ and the Gospel?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.