Deuteronomy 30:14 - But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 30:14

What does "Deuteronomy 30:14" mean?


Deuteronomy 30:14, "But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it," is a powerful statement about the accessibility and practicality of God's commandments. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"But the word is very near to you": This contrasts with the idea that God's law is distant, obscure, or unattainable. It emphasizes that God's commandments aren't hidden away on some far-off mountain or in some secret place. They are readily available and easily accessible.

"in your mouth and in your heart": This speaks to two key aspects of understanding and obeying God's word:

"In your mouth": This signifies that the word is familiar, spoken, and can be easily confessed and taught. It suggests a verbal understanding and acknowledgment of God's law. It's not just knowing the words but being able to articulate them.
"In your heart": This goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge. It emphasizes that the word should be internalized, felt deeply, and embraced with genuine belief and affection. It's about having a heart that is receptive to God's will and motivated to obey.

"that you may do it": This is the ultimate purpose of God's accessibility. The reason the word is near and both spoken and felt is so that the people can actually obey it. It underscores that the intention of God's commandments is not to burden or frustrate, but to guide and empower people to live a righteous life.

In essence, the verse conveys the following:

Accessibility: God's commandments are not beyond reach but are easily accessible to everyone.
Comprehension: The word is meant to be understood both intellectually (spoken) and emotionally (felt in the heart).
Action: The ultimate goal of understanding and internalizing the word is to put it into practice and obey it.

Context within Deuteronomy: This verse is part of a larger passage (Deuteronomy 30:11-20) where Moses is urging the Israelites to choose life by loving God, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him. He's assuring them that obedience is not an impossible task, but something within their reach. It reinforces the idea that God's covenant with Israel is based on a relationship of love and obedience, and that the blessings of the covenant are conditional upon their faithfulness.

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