Deuteronomy 5:32
Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
Ye shall observe
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
Ye shall observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
therefore as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
therefore as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 11
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
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָסֻ֖רוּ
you ye shall not turn aside
H5493
תָסֻ֖רוּ
you ye shall not turn aside
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
9 of 11
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 4:27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.Joshua 23:6Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;Joshua 1:7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.Deuteronomy 17:20That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.Deuteronomy 28:14And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.Deuteronomy 24:8Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so ye shall observe to do.Deuteronomy 11:32And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.Deuteronomy 8:1All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.Ezekiel 37:24And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
Historical Context
This command comes as Israel prepares to enter Canaan, where they'll encounter Canaanite religious practices and cultural pressures. The command not to turn right or left anticipates the temptation to syncretism—blending worship of Yahweh with Baal worship or adopting Canaanite practices. Israel's history (judges, kings, exile) demonstrates tragic consequences when they 'turned aside' from God's commands. This verse is quoted by Joshua (Joshua 1:7; 23:6) and referenced throughout the prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'right hand' or 'left hand' deviations from God's Word are you tempted toward—legalism or license?
- How does viewing obedience as a 'path to walk' change your understanding of the Christian life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After reciting the Ten Commandments, Moses commands: 'Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.' The phrase 'turn aside to the right hand or to the left' means total obedience without addition or subtraction, without legalism (adding) or antinomianism (subtracting). The 'way which the LORD your God hath commanded you to walk' presents covenant obedience as a path—not static rules but dynamic relationship requiring daily faithfulness. Walking this path leads to life, length of days, and prosperity in the land.