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Deuteronomy 31:24

Deuteronomy 31:24 in Multiple Translations

When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end,

¶ And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

Now after writing all the words of this law in a book till the record of them was complete,

After Moses had finished writing down this Law in a book from start to finish,

And when Moses had made an ende of writing the wordes of this Lawe in a booke vntill he had finished them,

And it cometh to pass, when Moses finisheth to write the words of this law on a book till their completion,

When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

Therefore after Moses had wrote the words of this law in a volume, and finished it:

Then Moses/I finished writing on a scroll all the laws that Yahweh had told to him/me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 31:24

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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 31:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֣י כְּ/כַלּ֣וֹת מֹשֶׁ֗ה לִ/כְתֹּ֛ב אֶת דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ/תּוֹרָֽה הַ/זֹּ֖את עַל סֵ֑פֶר עַ֖ד תֻּמָּֽ/ם
וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/כַלּ֣וֹת kâlâh H3615 to end Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
מֹשֶׁ֗ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
לִ/כְתֹּ֛ב kâthab H3789 to write Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דִּבְרֵ֥י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp
הַ/תּוֹרָֽה tôwrâh H8451 instruction Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
סֵ֑פֶר çêpher H5612 scroll N-ms
עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
תֻּמָּֽ/ם tâmam H8552 to finish V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 31:24

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/כַלּ֣וֹת kâlâh H3615 "to end" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
מֹשֶׁ֗ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לִ/כְתֹּ֛ב kâthab H3789 "to write" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
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.
דִּבְרֵ֥י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/תּוֹרָֽה tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
הַ/זֹּ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
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.
סֵ֑פֶר çêpher H5612 "scroll" N-ms
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
תֻּמָּֽ/ם tâmam H8552 "to finish" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 31:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
2 Deuteronomy 17:18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.

Deuteronomy 31:24 Summary

[Moses finished writing down all of God's laws and commands in a book, which is a significant event because it shows how important it is to preserve God's word for future generations, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:24. This book, likely the first five books of the Bible, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, contains the covenant between God and the Israelites. By writing down God's laws, Moses was able to pass on God's teachings to the Israelites, and we can learn from his example by prioritizing Scripture in our own lives, just like Joshua did in Joshua 1:8. As we reflect on this verse, we can be reminded of the importance of trusting in God's presence and promises, just like Joshua did, and of the significance of preserving God's word for future generations.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Moses writing down the words of the law?

Moses writing down the words of the law from beginning to end signifies the importance of preserving God's commands for future generations, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:24, and is a testament to the authority and completeness of Scripture, much like the psalmist's declaration in Psalms 119:160 that God's word is forever settled in heaven.

What book is being referred to in this verse?

The book being referred to in Deuteronomy 31:24 is the Book of the Law, which contains the covenant between God and the Israelites, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:26, and is likely the first five books of the Bible, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Why is it important that Moses finished writing the book from beginning to end?

Moses finishing the book from beginning to end emphasizes the completeness and finality of God's revelation to the Israelites at that time, much like the apostle John's statement in Revelation 22:18-19 that nothing should be added to or taken away from the words of the book of Revelation.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?

This verse is significant because it highlights the importance of Scripture in the life of God's people, a theme that is repeated throughout the Bible, such as in Joshua 1:8, where Joshua is commanded to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night, and in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where Scripture is described as being profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does Scripture play in my life, and how can I prioritize its study and application?
  2. How can I, like Moses, be faithful in preserving and passing on the teachings of God to the next generation?
  3. In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be reminded of God's covenant and commands, and how can I respond in obedience?
  4. What are some ways that I can, like Joshua, be strong and courageous in my faith, and how can I trust in God's presence and promises?
  5. How can I, like the psalmist, treasure and delight in God's word, and how can it bring joy and comfort to my life?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 31:24

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book,.... In this book of Deuteronomy, and which concluded the Pentateuch: until they were finished; all the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 31:24

And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, When Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:24

Deuteronomy 31:24-28. OF THE BOOKS OF MOSES TO THE LEVITES.(24) When Moses had made an end of writing.—This means the completion of the books of Moses as he delivered them to Israel; not merely Deuteronomy, as above, in Deuteronomy 31:9, but the whole, including the song mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:22. The song was probably the end of the book as delivered to them by Moses. In a book.—’Al-sêpher; upon a roll. The Pentateuch is written upon a single roll to this day. (25) The Levites, which bare the ark.—Observe this, and comp. Deuteronomy 31:9, above. (26) In the side of the ark.—More literally, beside, Rashi says, “The wise men of Israel differ about this in the treatise Baba Bathra (in the Talmud). Some of them say there was a leaf or slab projecting from the ark outside, and there the book was placed. Others say that it was placed beside the tables of the covenant in the ark itself.” (28) Gather unto me all the elders.—In like manner Joshua gave a special charge to the elders at the close of his life (Joshua 23).

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 31:24

24–30. Again the Law-Book (?) and the Song A less vague description of these vv. is not possible. The text says that Moses having written the Law in a book charged the Levites to put it beside the Ark as a witness against thee (Deuteronomy 31:24-26). For Israel, which has been rebellious in his life—here the address changes from Sg. to Pl.—will be more so after his death (Deuteronomy 31:27). They shall assemble the elders of their tribes and officers that he may recite to them these words and call heaven and earth to witness against them. For after his death they will corrupt themselves and evil will befall them in the latter days (Deuteronomy 31:28-30).—These words can hardly refer to the Law, already recited to the people; they must be the words of this Song (Deuteronomy 31:30) which follows in 32. If the text be original which reads Tτrah = Law in Deuteronomy 31:24; Deuteronomy 31:26, then Deuteronomy 31:24-26 are parallel (not consecutive) to Deuteronomy 31:9-13, and we cannot conjecture a reason for separating the two passages by Deuteronomy 31:14-23, on Joshua and the Song. Staerk (followed by Steuern. and Berth.) holds that Tτrah was originally Shξrah = Song. This conjecture is attractive. It restores unity to Deuteronomy 31:24-30 and their natural connection with Deuteronomy 31:16-22, and gets rid of the improbable fact that both Law and Song are described as witness against Israel; note too that this book (Deuteronomy 31:24; Deuteronomy 31:26) is not to be put in, but beside, the Ark. At the same time there is no other evidence (in the versions or elsewhere) that Shξrah may have stood in place of Tτrah, the Law may equally well with the Song be described as a witness against Israel, and the phrase these words more usually refers to what precedes than to what follows it. Notice a symptom of compilation, in that while the Levites are addressed in Deuteronomy 31:25 it is all Israel, against thee, which is addressed in Deuteronomy 31:26. The whole passage is therefore editorial, and the questions it raises are insoluble by us. Staerk distinguishes two introductions to the Song, Deuteronomy 31:16-22; Deuteronomy 31:24-30, and so independently Driver; note the difference in their styles. Cullen (p. 181) retains the reading Tτrah = Law, and takes Deuteronomy 31:24-29 as a later addition to Deuteronomy 31:9-13, the original conclusion of the epilogue to the Code of D composed when Israel’s attitude to this was still satisfactory, and added when the nation fell away. For another view see the Oxf. Hex.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 31:24

Moses completes the writing out of the book of the Law, and directs it to be placed by the ark of the covenant.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 31:24

SermonDescription
Michael L. Brown Are the Rabbis Right? by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's decrees and how they can be overruled by the majority. He shares a story from the Talmud about a woman who mistakenly acc
Ron Bailey Isaiah (Part 3) - Asset or Liability? by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 43. The speaker begins by referencing Deuteronomy and Isaiah 43:27, where God accuses the people of
Paul Washer Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Kings 9-16 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses various biblical stories and teachings. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and following His word. The sermon includes th
Bill McLeod Personal Revival by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker shares personal stories and experiences to illustrate the importance of acknowledging one's sins and seeking God's forgiveness. He recounts a childhood
Stan Ford Week of Meetings 1986-01 by Stan Ford In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully committing to Christianity rather than being "almost" persuaded. He uses the example of a man who recognized the tru
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back a

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