Deuteronomy 31:20
Deuteronomy 31:20 in Multiple Translations
When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant.
For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.
For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxed fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant.
For when I have taken them into the land named in my oath to their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, and they have made themselves full of food and are fat, then they will be turned to other gods and will give them worship, no longer honouring me or keeping my agreement.
Once I've led them into the country that I promised to give their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will have plenty to eat and will do well. Then they will go and worship other gods, and they will abandon me and break my agreement.
For I will bring them into the land (which I sware vnto their fathers) that floweth with milke and honie, and they shall eate, and fil them selues, and waxe fat: then shall they turne vnto other gods, and serue them, and contemne me, and breake my couenant.
and I bring them in unto the ground which I have sworn to their fathers — flowing with milk and honey, and they have eaten, and been satisfied, and been fat, and have turned unto other gods, and they have served them, and despised Me, and broken My covenant.
For when I have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant.
For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxed fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.
For I will bring them into the land, for which I swore to their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey. And when they have eaten, and are full and fat, they will turn away after strange gods, and will serve them: and will despise me, and make void my covenant.
I am about to take them into a very fertile [IDM] land, a land that I solemnly promised their ancestors that I would give to them. There they will have plenty to eat, with the result that their stomachs will always be full and they will become fat. But then they will turn to other gods and start to worship them, and they will despise me and ◄break/stop obeying► the agreement that I made with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 31:20
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 31:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אֲבִיאֶ֜/נּוּ
אֶֽל
הָ/אֲדָמָ֣ה
אֲשֶׁר
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
לַ/אֲבֹתָ֗י/ו
זָבַ֤ת
חָלָב֙
וּ/דְבַ֔שׁ
וְ/אָכַ֥ל
וְ/שָׂבַ֖ע
וְ/דָשֵׁ֑ן
וּ/פָנָ֞ה
אֶל
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
אֲחֵרִים֙
וַ/עֲבָד֔וּ/ם
וְ/נִ֣אֲצ֔וּ/נִי
וְ/הֵפֵ֖ר
אֶת
בְּרִיתִֽ/י
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲבִיאֶ֜/נּוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אֲדָמָ֣ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
לַ/אֲבֹתָ֗י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-mp | Suff
זָבַ֤ת
zûwb
H2100
to flow
V-Qal
חָלָב֙
châlâb
H2461
milk
N-ms
וּ/דְבַ֔שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
Conj | N-ms
וְ/אָכַ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וְ/שָׂבַ֖ע
sâbaʻ
H7646
to satisfy
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וְ/דָשֵׁ֑ן
dâshên
H1878
to prosper
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וּ/פָנָ֞ה
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֲחֵרִים֙
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
וַ/עֲבָד֔וּ/ם
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff
וְ/נִ֣אֲצ֔וּ/נִי
nâʼats
H5006
to spurn
Conj | V-Piel-3cp | Suff
וְ/הֵפֵ֖ר
pârar
H6565
to break
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּרִיתִֽ/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 31:20
כִּֽי
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.
אֲבִיאֶ֜/נּוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
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.
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אֲדָמָ֣ה
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.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לַ/אֲבֹתָ֗י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
זָבַ֤ת
zûwb
H2100
"to flow"
V-Qal
To flow means to have a continuous movement, like water, and can also refer to wasting away or overflowing. It is used in the Bible to describe various physical and emotional states.
Definition: : flowing 1) to flow, gush, issue, discharge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flow, gush 1a2) to die, pine away (fig.) 1a3) to flow (of issue from woman), have an issue, flux 1a4) flowing (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: flow, gush out, have a (running) issue, pine away, run. See also: Exodus 3:8; Numbers 13:27; Psalms 78:20.
חָלָב֙
châlâb
H2461
"milk"
N-ms
Chalab means milk, symbolizing richness and abundance. In the Bible, it can refer to the richness of cattle or the abundance of the land. This term is also used to describe white or pale things, like milk or cheese.
Definition: 1) milk, sour milk, cheese 1a) milk 1b) abundance of the land (metaph.) 1c) white (as milk)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] cheese, milk, sucking. See also: Genesis 18:8; Judges 4:19; Proverbs 27:27.
וּ/דְבַ֔שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
וְ/אָכַ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/שָׂבַ֖ע
sâbaʻ
H7646
"to satisfy"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
וְ/דָשֵׁ֑ן
dâshên
H1878
"to prosper"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To prosper or be fat is the meaning of this word, which can also mean to anoint or satisfy. It is often used to describe God's blessing and prosperity.
Definition: 1) to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint 1a) (Qal) of prosperity (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make fat, anoint 1b2) to find fat (of offering-acceptable) 1b3) to take away ashes (from altar) 1c) (Pual) to be made fat 1d) (Hothpael) to fatten oneself (of Jehovah's sword)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat. See also: Exodus 27:3; Proverbs 11:25; Psalms 20:4.
וּ/פָנָ֞ה
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֲחֵרִים֙
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
וַ/עֲבָד֔וּ/ם
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
וְ/נִ֣אֲצ֔וּ/נִי
nâʼats
H5006
"to spurn"
Conj | V-Piel-3cp | Suff
To spurn or scorn means to show contempt or hatred, often used in the Bible to describe rejection of God or his people. This word appears in Proverbs and Psalms, warning against despising others. It can also mean to provoke or blaspheme.
Definition: 1) to spurn, contemn, despise, abhor 1a) (Qal) to spurn, contemn 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spurn 1b2) to cause to contemn 1c) (Hiphil) to spurn 1d) (Hithpolel) to be contemned
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: abhor, (give occasion to) blaspheme, contemn, despise, flourish, [idiom] great, provoke. See also: Numbers 14:11; Proverbs 1:30; Psalms 10:3.
וְ/הֵפֵ֖ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
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.
בְּרִיתִֽ/י
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 31:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — God Commissions Joshua
18And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods.
19Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them.
20When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant.
21And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” 22So that very day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 13:6 | When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 6:10–12 | And when the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you—a land with great and splendid cities that you did not build, with houses full of every good thing with which you did not fill them, with wells that you did not dig, and with vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied, be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 9:25–26 | They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness. But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies. |
| 4 | Exodus 3:8 | I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 34:16 | I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’ |
| 6 | Jeremiah 5:28 | They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 34:20 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. |
| 8 | Psalms 17:10 | They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 8:10–14 | When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land that He has given you. Be careful not to forget the LORD your God by failing to keep His commandments and ordinances and statutes, which I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses in which to dwell, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud, and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:70 | Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law. |
Deuteronomy 31:20 Summary
[Deuteronomy 31:20 tells us that even when God blesses us with abundance and prosperity, we can still turn away from Him and worship other things. This is a warning to us to remain faithful to God, even when things are going well, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:11-20. We must be careful not to let our prosperity lead us to forget God and His covenant, but instead to use it as an opportunity to thank and praise Him, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of idolatry and spiritual complacency, and instead cultivate a deeper relationship with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God know the Israelites would turn to other gods after entering the Promised Land?
God knew the inclination of the Israelites, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:21, and He was aware of their tendency to rebel against Him, similar to their actions in Exodus 32:1-6 and Numbers 25:1-3.
What is the significance of the land flowing with milk and honey in Deuteronomy 31:20?
The land flowing with milk and honey is a reference to the Promised Land, which God had sworn to give to the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:8 and Leviticus 20:24, symbolizing a land of abundance and prosperity.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
In Deuteronomy 31:20, the Israelites' rejection of God and breaking of His covenant is a significant theme, echoing the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:1-68 and highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant, as seen in Psalm 105:8-10.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistakes in this verse?
We can learn the importance of remaining faithful to God, even in times of prosperity, as warned in Deuteronomy 8:11-20 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19, and the dangers of idolatry and spiritual complacency, as seen in Romans 1:21-25 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can remain faithful to God in times of prosperity, and how can I avoid the dangers of spiritual complacency?
- How can I apply the lessons from the Israelites' mistakes in Deuteronomy 31:20 to my own life, and what are some potential idols that I may be tempted to worship?
- What does it mean to 'turn to other gods' in a modern context, and how can I ensure that I am not prioritizing other things above my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for God's covenant and His faithfulness, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:20 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 31:20
For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers,.... To give it to them, and put them into the possession of it, even the land of Canaan, often thus described, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 31:20
For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:20
Deuteronomy 31:20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.Ver. 20. Then they will turn to other gods.] A bee is quickly drowned if she gets into a pot of honey. "Prosperity slayeth the foolish."
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 31:20
20. For I shall bring it into the land which I sware unto its fathers] Deuteronomy 6:10, but also in E. On flowing with milk and honey, see Deuteronomy 6:3. and it shall eat and be satisfied and grow fat] Cp. Deuteronomy 6:11, Deuteronomy 8:12, Deuteronomy 32:15. Here even the deuteronomic phrases receive a peculiar form. And it will turn, as in Deuteronomy 31:18; despise me, not elsewhere in Deut., but in JE, Numbers 14:11; Numbers 14:23; Numbers 16:30, and in the Song, ch. Deuteronomy 32:19; break my covenant, as in Deuteronomy 31:17. The only plur. vbs are serve, despise.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 31:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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Getting Bread for the Hungry by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of a genuine relationship with Jesus over mere religious practices, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving othe |
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Guarding Your Heart by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of guarding the heart as we enter into a new year. He emphasizes the need to be cautious not to forget the Lord in times of pr |
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(Angel of the Lord) 03 - Joshua by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Joshua where Joshua encounters a man with a drawn sword. Joshua asks if the man is on their side or the enemy's si |
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Deuteronomy 6:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the perils of the Christian life, emphasizing the dangers of prosperity, adversity, and communication gaps in faith. He warns that prosperity can lead to forg |
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Bless the Lord! or Lest We Forget by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of remembering the Lord amidst blessings, drawing from Deuteronomy 6:10-12 where God warns against forgetting Him after receiving abundant b |
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David and Goliath by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, which is described as the glory of all lands on earth. He emphasizes the importance of cas |
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The Resurrection of the Hidden Talent by Carter Conlon | In this sermon on Matthew chapter 25, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents. He explains that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his |