Deuteronomy 30:18

Deuteronomy 30:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

King James Version KJV

I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

American Standard Version ASV

I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish; ye shall not prolong your days in the land, whither thou passest over the Jordan to go in to possess it.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I give witness against you this day that destruction will certainly be your fate, and your days will be cut short in the land where you are going, the land of your heritage on the other side of Jordan.

Free Bible Version FBV

then I warn you right now that you will definitely die. You won't live long in the country that you're going to own after you cross the Jordan.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I pronounce vnto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, ye shall not prolong your dayes in the lande, whither thou passest ouer Iorden to possesse it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I have declared to you this day, that ye do certainly perish, ye do not prolong days on the ground which thou art passing over the Jordan to go in thither to possess it.

World English Bible WEB

I declare to you today that you will surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you pass over the Jordan to go in to possess it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I denounce to you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I foretell thee this day that thou shalt perish, and shalt remain but a short time in the land, to which thou shalt pass over the Jordan, and shalt go in to possess it.

Translation for Translators T4T

I am warning you today that you will soon die. You will not live for a long time in the land that you are about to cross the Jordan River to enter and possess.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 30:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 30:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הִגַּ֤דְתִּי לָ/כֶם֙ הַ/יּ֔וֹם כִּ֥י אָבֹ֖ד תֹּאבֵד֑וּ/ן לֹא תַאֲרִיכֻ֤/ן יָמִים֙ עַל הָ֣/אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אַתָּ֤ה עֹבֵר֙ אֶת הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן לָ/בֹ֥א שָׁ֖מָּ/ה לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ

הִגַּ֤דְתִּי nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs

לָ/כֶם֙ Prep | Suff

הַ/יּ֔וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

אָבֹ֖ד ʼâbad H6 to perish V-Qal-Ptc

תֹּאבֵד֑וּ/ן ʼâbad H6 to perish V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

תַאֲרִיכֻ֤/ן ʼârak H748 to prolong V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff

יָמִים֙ yôwm H3117 day N-mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הָ֣/אֲדָמָ֔ה ʼădâmâh H127 land Art | N-fs

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אַתָּ֤ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

עֹבֵר֙ ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן Yardên H3383 Jordan Art | N-proper

לָ/בֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

שָׁ֖מָּ/ה shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff

לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ yârash H3423 to possess Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 30:18

הִגַּ֤דְתִּי nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

לָ/כֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

הַ/יּ֔וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אָבֹ֖ד ʼâbad H6 "to perish" V-Qal-Ptc

To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.

תֹּאבֵד֑וּ/ן ʼâbad H6 "to perish" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff

To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תַאֲרִיכֻ֤/ן ʼârak H748 "to prolong" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp | Suff

This verb means to prolong or make something long, whether it's a physical object, a period of time, or a person's life, as seen in the book of Genesis where God prolongs the lives of the patriarchs. In Exodus, it describes the lengthening of the Israelites' stay in Egypt.

Definition: 1) to be long, prolong 1a) (Qal) to be long 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to prolong (days) 1b2) to make long (tent cords) 1b3) to grow long, continue long Aramaic equivalent: a.rakh (אֲרִיךְ "be proper" H0749)

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: defer, draw out, lengthen, (be, become, make, pro-) long, [phrase] (out-, over-) live, tarry (long). See also: Genesis 26:8; 1 Kings 3:14; Psalms 129:3.

יָמִים֙ yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הָ֣/אֲדָמָ֔ה ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.

Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אַתָּ֤ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

עֹבֵר֙ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֔ן Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Art | N-proper

The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.

Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)

Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.

לָ/בֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

שָׁ֖מָּ/ה shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

לְ/רִשְׁתָּֽ/הּ yârash H3423 "to possess" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.

Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit

Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 30:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 30:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 30:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 30:18
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:18
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 30:18
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:18
Sermons on Deuteronomy 30:18

Context — The Choice of Life or Death

16For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. 17But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them,

18I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

19I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, 20and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 8:19–20	If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD has destroyed before you, so you will perish if you do not obey the LORD your God.
2	Isaiah 63:17–18	Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. For a short while Your people possessed Your holy place, but our enemies have trampled Your sanctuary.
3	Deuteronomy 4:26	I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed.
4	Joshua 23:15–16	But just as every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass, likewise the LORD will bring upon you the calamity He has threatened, until He has destroyed you from this good land He has given you. If you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from this good land He has given you.”
5	Deuteronomy 31:29	For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands.”

Deuteronomy 30:18 Summary

This verse is a warning from God to His people that if they disobey Him, they will face serious consequences, including spiritual and possibly physical death. However, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:16, if they choose to obey God's commands, they will experience life and blessings. It's like a parent warning their child of the dangers of disobedience, but also offering a way to safety and happiness, as seen in Proverbs 10:27. We can apply this to our own lives by choosing to obey God's commands and following His ways, as stated in Psalm 119:105, which says 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path'

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'perish' in Deuteronomy 30:18?

To perish in this context means to experience spiritual and possibly physical death, as a result of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:18 and also in Ezekiel 18:4, where it says 'the soul who sins shall die'

Is God being harsh or unloving in this verse?

No, God is being honest and warning His people of the consequences of their actions, as a loving Father would, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:18 and also in Proverbs 3:12, where it says 'the Lord disciplines those he loves'

What is the alternative to perishing, according to this verse?

The alternative to perishing is to obey God's commands and live, as stated in Deuteronomy 30:16, where it says 'so that you may live and increase, and the Lord your God may bless you'

How does this verse relate to the concept of choice and free will?

This verse emphasizes the importance of choice, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where it says 'I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life', and also in Joshua 24:15, where it says 'choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve'

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I may be turning away from God, and what are the potential consequences of such actions?
How can I ensure that I am walking in God's ways and keeping His commandments, as stated in Deuteronomy 30:16?
What does it mean to 'love the Lord your God' and how can I demonstrate this love in my daily life, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5?
In what ways can I 'choose life' today, and what steps can I take to obey God's commands and experience His blessings?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 30:18

I denounce unto, you this day that ye shall surely perish,.... By one judgment or another; this he most solemnly averred, and it might be depended upon that it would certainly be their case; see

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 30:18

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; See, I have set before thee this day life ... and death - i:e., the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:18

Deuteronomy 30:18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, [and that] ye shall not prolong [your] days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.Ver. 18. I denounce unto you.] See on Deuteronomy 30:15.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 30:18

18. denounce] An archaism for announce. The Heb. simply means declare, Deuteronomy 17:9; Deuteronomy 17:11, R.V. shew and tell of a judgement, i.e. make it public; Deuteronomy 26:3 R.V. profess. unto you] Change to the Pl. address confirmed by Sam. LXX; it is striking that the following phrase, surely perish, also occurs in Deuteronomy 8:19, which is likewise an interruption of the Sg. by the Pl. address, and is found in Deut. only with the Pl. See on Deuteronomy 8:19. ye shall not prolong, etc.] Elsewhere both with Sg. and Pl.; see on Deuteronomy 4:26. thou passest over Jordan] Sam. LXX, ye; perhaps rightly, but see on Deuteronomy 6:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:18

15-20. Choose life — In striking expressions Moses summarizes his teachings. Life is connected with their obedience, death with their disobedience.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 30:18

	Sermon	Description
	America Is Finished, unless... by Pierre Bynum	Pierre Bynum preaches about the impending judgment on America due to its sins and departure from God, emphasizing the need for national repentance and a God-sent Awakening to avert
	I Kings 17:7 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the decline of Israel as a nation, emphasizing that their sin against God led to their downfall. He highlights how Israel, once established by God, turned to
	Change Our Heart's - Part 5 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's love and hatred. He encourages the audience to study the Bible and search for references to God's love
	K-493 the Holocaust in Jewish Consciousness by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's goodness and justice, even in the face of events that seem contradictory. The sermon also explores the idea of a "genera