Deuteronomy 4:14
And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֹתִ֞י
H853
וְאֹתִ֞י
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בָּעֵ֣ת
me at that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
me at that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
4 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֔וא
H1931
הַהִ֔וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 17
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
לְלַמֵּ֣ד
to teach
H3925
לְלַמֵּ֣ד
to teach
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֻקִּ֖ים
you statutes
H2706
חֻקִּ֖ים
you statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
8 of 17
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and judgments
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
לַעֲשֹֽׂתְכֶ֣ם
that ye might do
H6213
לַעֲשֹֽׂתְכֶ֣ם
that ye might do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּאָ֕רֶץ
them in the land
H776
בָּאָ֕רֶץ
them in the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
12 of 17
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
whither ye go over
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֥ים
whither ye go over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
15 of 17
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Historical Context
These expanded statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 12-26) go beyond the Ten Commandments, addressing specific situations Israel would encounter in Canaan: worship, sacrifices, festivals, kings, priests, prophets, warfare, property, marriage, and justice. Moses delivered these laws on Moab's plains circa 1406 BC as Israel prepared to cross Jordan. These ordinances would govern Israel's theocratic society for centuries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' role as covenant mediator prefigure Christ's superior mediation of the New Covenant?
- What does the connection between law and land possession teach about obedience as the pathway to covenant blessing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God commanded Moses to 'teach you statutes and judgments' for life in the land—grounding Israel's entire civil and ceremonial code in divine authority. The purpose clause 'that ye might do them' emphasizes that law requires obedience, not merely intellectual assent. The geographical specificity ('in the land whither ye go') demonstrates that biblical law applies to concrete historical situations, not abstract principles alone. This verse establishes the pattern of covenant administration: divine revelation through chosen mediators (Moses, prophets, ultimately Christ) to be obeyed by the covenant community.