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Deuteronomy 31:28

Deuteronomy 31:28 in Multiple Translations

Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

¶ Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

Get together before me all those who are in authority in your tribes, and your overseers, so that I may say these things in their hearing, and make heaven and earth my witnesses against them.

Summon all the elders of your tribes and all your officers to gather here before me so that I can tell them this directly and call on heaven and earth as witnesses against them.

Gather vnto me all the Elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speake these wordes in their audience, and call heauen and earth to recorde against them.

'Assemble unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your authorities, and I speak in their ears these words, and cause to testify against them the heavens and the earth,

Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

Gather unto me all the ancients of your tribes, and your doctors, and I will speak these words in their hearing, and will call heaven and earth to witness against them.

So gather all the elders of the tribes and your officials, in order that I can tell them the words of this song, and request all those who are in heaven and on the earth to be witnesses to testify against these people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 31:28

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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 31:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַקְהִ֧ילוּ אֵלַ֛/י אֶת כָּל זִקְנֵ֥י שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֖ם וְ/שֹׁטְרֵי/כֶ֑ם וַ/אֲדַבְּרָ֣ה בְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה וְ/אָעִ֣ידָה בָּ֔/ם אֶת הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם וְ/אֶת הָ/אָֽרֶץ
הַקְהִ֧ילוּ qâhal H6950 to gather V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֵלַ֛/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
זִקְנֵ֥י zâqên H2205 old Adj
שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֖ם shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-mp | Suff
וְ/שֹׁטְרֵי/כֶ֑ם shôṭêr H7860 official Conj | V-Qal | Suff
וַ/אֲדַבְּרָ֣ה dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-1cs
בְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼôzen H241 ear Prep | N-fd | Suff
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
וְ/אָעִ֣ידָה ʻûwd H5749 to uphold Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
בָּ֔/ם Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/שָּׁמַ֖יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 31:28

הַקְהִ֧ילוּ qâhal H6950 "to gather" V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To gather people together, often for a special purpose like worship or war, as seen in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to assemble, gather 1a) (Niphal) to assemble 1a1) for religious reasons 1a2) for political reasons 1b) (Hiphil) to summon an assembly 1b1) for war, judgment 1b2) for religious purposes Also means: qa.lah (קָלַהּ "to gather" H7035)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves) (together), gather (selves) (together). See also: Exodus 32:1; 2 Samuel 20:14; Jeremiah 26:9.
אֵלַ֛/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זִקְנֵ֥י zâqên H2205 "old" Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
שִׁבְטֵי/כֶ֖ם shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/שֹׁטְרֵי/כֶ֑ם shôṭêr H7860 "official" Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This word refers to a high-ranking official or officer, often translated as 'officer', 'overseer', or 'ruler'. In the Bible, it describes a person with authority and responsibility, such as a scribe or magistrate.
Definition: (Qal) official, officer
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: officer, overseer, ruler. See also: Exodus 5:6; Deuteronomy 31:28; Proverbs 6:7.
וַ/אֲדַבְּרָ֣ה dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בְ/אָזְנֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼôzen H241 "ear" Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
אֵ֚ת 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/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | 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.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וְ/אָעִ֣ידָה ʻûwd H5749 "to uphold" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.
Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.
בָּ֔/ם "" Prep | Suff
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/שָּׁמַ֖יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 31:28

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 32:1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
2 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.
3 Deuteronomy 30:19 I 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,
4 Luke 19:40 “I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”
5 Genesis 49:1–2 Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come: Come together and listen, O sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.
6 Deuteronomy 29:10 All of you are standing today before the LORD your God—you leaders of tribes, elders, officials, and all the men of Israel,
7 Isaiah 1:2 Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.
8 Numbers 11:16–17 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
9 Deuteronomy 31:12 Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law.
10 Exodus 18:25 So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Deuteronomy 31:28 Summary

[In Deuteronomy 31:28, Moses assembles all the elders and officers before him to speak to them and call heaven and earth to witness against them, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 1:2. Moses wants to make sure that the Israelites understand the gravity of disobeying God's commands, and he is calling heaven and earth to witness against them to emphasize this point, as also seen in Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20. This verse teaches us about the importance of leadership, accountability, and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 27:18-23 and Deuteronomy 31:28. We can apply this verse to our own lives by being mindful of our own obedience to God's commands and by holding others accountable for their actions, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1-5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Moses want to assemble all the elders and officers before him?

Moses wants to assemble all the elders and officers before him so that he can speak to them and call heaven and earth to witness against them, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:28 and also in Deuteronomy 4:26 where Moses calls heaven and earth to witness against the Israelites.

What is the significance of calling heaven and earth to witness against them?

Calling heaven and earth to witness against them is a way of invoking God's judgment and emphasizing the gravity of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:28 and also in Isaiah 1:2 where God calls heaven and earth to witness against His people.

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

This verse is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites before his death, and it serves as a warning to them to remain faithful to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:27-30 and also in Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 where Moses reminds the Israelites of their covenant with God.

What can we learn from Moses' actions in this verse?

We can learn from Moses' actions the importance of leadership, accountability, and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:28 and also in Numbers 27:18-23 where Moses transfers his leadership to Joshua.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can assemblies others to hear God's word and call them to obedience?
  2. How can I, like Moses, emphasize the importance of obeying God's commands in my own life and in the lives of those around me?
  3. What are some ways that I can invoke God's judgment and emphasize the gravity of disobedience in my own heart and in the hearts of those around me?
  4. How can I remain faithful to God's commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, like the Israelites were warned in Deuteronomy 31:27-30?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 31:28

Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers,.... The heads of the tribes, the princes, and all other inferior magistrates: that I may speak these words in their ears; not the

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:28

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 31:28

28. Assemble] Imperative Pl. See on Deuteronomy 31:12, and Deuteronomy 5:22. elders of your tribes, etc.] LXX heads of your tribes, adding and your judges, and some LXX codd. also add elders. Cp. Deuteronomy 5:23, Deuteronomy 29:10 (9). these words] Though this phrase usually refers to what precedes, it is more probable that here what follows, i.e. the Song, is meant, as indubitably is the case in Exodus 20:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:28

28. Gather unto me all the elders — Moses now, after handing over the book of the law, directs that the elders of the tribes and all in official position be gathered around him.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 31:28

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer The Way to Paradise by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God and accepting Jesus as one's advocate. He encourages the listeners to come out on God's side
George Warnock God Gives Blessing to Produce Fruit by George Warnock In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's work in producing spiritual fruit in the lives of believers. He compares the rain that waters plants and produces bea
John Franklin America's Godly Heritage by John Franklin In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of the early pilgrims and Puritans who settled in America, seeing themselves as a type of the children of Israel. The sermon referenc
Glenn Meldrum (Radical Jesus) 6 Radical Standard by Glenn Meldrum In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a friend creating a paradise for ants to illustrate the warped and perverted nature of humanity. He references Moses' prophetic song
Ken Baird The Rock in Scripture by Ken Baird In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the attributes of God, highlighting His truth, righteousness, and perfection. Moving on to verse 15, the preacher focuses on the
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 520 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker begins by introducing the morning message, which will continue in the next week's program. He calls upon the heavens and the earth to listen to his word
James Bourne Letter 149 by James Bourne James Bourne shares his personal struggles with fear, sin, and doubts, especially in the face of death and judgment, despite being involved in writing and speaking to others about

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