Deuteronomy 4:5
Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
Original Language Analysis
רְאֵ֣ה׀
Behold
H7200
רְאֵ֣ה׀
Behold
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לִמַּ֣דְתִּי
I have taught
H3925
לִמַּ֣דְתִּי
I have taught
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
אֶתְכֶ֗ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֗ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֻקִּים֙
you statutes
H2706
חֻקִּים֙
you statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
4 of 18
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and judgments
H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
even as
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
even as
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֑י
my God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֑י
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 18
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
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
me that ye should do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
me that ye should do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵּ֔ן
H3651
כֵּ֔ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
so in
H7130
בְּקֶ֣רֶב
so in
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
even as
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
even as
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּאִ֥ים
whither ye go
H935
בָּאִ֥ים
whither ye go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
16 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Hebrews 3:5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;Deuteronomy 4:1Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.Acts 20:27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.1 Corinthians 15:3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;1 Corinthians 11:28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Historical Context
Delivered on the plains of Moab circa 1406 BC, just before Israel's Canaan entry. Moses had received the law at Sinai 40 years earlier (Exodus 19-24) and now rehearses it for the second generation. These statutes and judgments governed civil, ceremonial, and moral life, distinguishing Israel from surrounding pagan nations. The law would serve as Israel's covenant constitution in the promised land.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' appeal to divine authorization ('as the LORD...commanded') establish the foundation for biblical authority?
- In what ways does Old Testament law continue to instruct Christians about God's character and holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' claim 'I have taught you statutes and judgments' establishes the Mosaic law as divinely revealed, not human invention. The purpose clause 'even as the LORD my God commanded me' grounds all instruction in divine authority. This verse emphasizes that proper living in the land requires adherence to God's revealed will. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the regulative principle—God alone determines acceptable worship and conduct. The law functions pedagogically, revealing God's holiness and humanity's need for redemption, ultimately pointing to Christ who fulfills all righteousness (Matthew 5:17).