Deuteronomy 5:1
And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 22
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
שְׁמַ֤ע
unto them Hear
H8085
שְׁמַ֤ע
unto them Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
8 of 22
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
the statutes
H2706
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים
the statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
11 of 22
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and judgments
H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דֹּבֵ֥ר
which I speak
H1696
דֹּבֵ֥ר
which I speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
16 of 22
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּאָזְנֵיכֶ֖ם
in your ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵיכֶ֖ם
in your ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
17 of 22
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הַיּ֑וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
18 of 22
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
וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם
that ye may learn
H3925
וּלְמַדְתֶּ֣ם
that ye may learn
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
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.Matthew 23:3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Historical Context
This verse introduces Moses' recitation of the Ten Commandments to the second generation (Deuteronomy 5:6-21). While the first generation heard the commandments directly at Sinai (Exodus 20), this generation needs instruction as they prepare to enter Canaan. Moses' rehearsal of covenant law establishes intergenerational continuity and emphasizes that covenant obligations don't expire with the original recipients but continue across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the progression from hearing to learning to doing shape your approach to Scripture?
- What does Moses' rehearsal of the law to a new generation teach about passing faith to the next generation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses summons 'all Israel' to hear the statutes and judgments, emphasizing communal responsibility and covenant unity. The command to 'hear, O Israel' (Shema Yisrael) becomes central to Jewish identity. The threefold imperative—'hear,' 'learn,' 'keep and do'—establishes the proper sequence: reception of God's word, understanding through study, and obedient application. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep/observe) implies careful guarding and preserving, while 'asah' (do) means active performance. Hearing without doing is covenant violation.