Deuteronomy 4:31

Deuteronomy 4:31 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath.

King James Version KJV

(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

American Standard Version ASV

for Jehovah thy God is a merciful God; he will not fail thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Because the Lord your God is a God of mercy, he will not take away his help from you or let destruction overtake you, or be false to the agreement which he made by an oath with your fathers.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord your God is a merciful God. He won't abandon you or destroy you or forget the agreement he made with your forefathers, confirmed by a solemn promise.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

(For the Lord thy God is a mercifull God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the couenant of thy fathers, which hee sware vnto them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for a merciful God [is] Jehovah thy God; He doth not fail thee, nor destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers, which He hath sworn to them.

World English Bible WEB

For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not fail you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which he swore to them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers, which he swore to them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Because the Lord thy God is a merciful God: he will not leave thee, nor altogether destroy thee, nor forget the covenant, by which he swore to thy fathers.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh is a God who acts mercifully. If you continue to obey him, he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the agreement that he solemnly made with your ancestors.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:31

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 4:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֣י אֵ֤ל רַחוּם֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ לֹ֥א יַרְפְּ/ךָ֖ וְ/לֹ֣א יַשְׁחִיתֶ֑/ךָ וְ/לֹ֤א יִשְׁכַּח֙ אֶת בְּרִ֣ית אֲבֹתֶ֔י/ךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖ע לָ/הֶֽם

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֵ֤ל ʼêl H410 god N-ms

רַחוּם֙ rachûwm H7349 compassionate Adj

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

יַרְפְּ/ךָ֖ râphâh H7503 to slacken V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יַשְׁחִיתֶ֑/ךָ shâchath H7843 to ruin V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יִשְׁכַּח֙ shâkach H7911 to forget V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בְּרִ֣ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs

אֲבֹתֶ֔י/ךָ ʼâb H1 father N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נִשְׁבַּ֖ע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

לָ/הֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:31

כִּ֣י 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.

אֵ֤ל ʼêl H410 "god" N-ms

In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.

Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)

Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.

רַחוּם֙ rachûwm H7349 "compassionate" Adj

The Hebrew word for compassionate describes God's merciful nature. It is used to convey God's kindness and sympathy towards humanity, often in the context of his relationship with his people. This concept is central to the Bible's portrayal of God's character.

Definition: 1) compassionate 1a) always of God with one possible exception

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: full of compassion, merciful. See also: Exodus 34:6; Psalms 86:15; Psalms 78:38.

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

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.

לֹ֥א 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.

יַרְפְּ/ךָ֖ râphâh H7503 "to slacken" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.

Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

יַשְׁחִיתֶ֑/ךָ shâchath H7843 "to ruin" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

This verb means to ruin or destroy something, and it is used in various forms throughout the Bible to describe corruption and decay.

Definition: 1) to destroy, corrupt, go to ruin, decay 1a) (Niphal) to be marred, be spoiled, be corrupted, be corrupt, be injured, be ruined, be rotted 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to spoil, ruin 1b2) to pervert, corrupt, deal corruptly (morally) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to spoil, ruin, destroy 1c2) to pervert, corrupt (morally) 1c3) destroyer (participle) 1d) (Hophal) spoiled, ruined (participle) Aramaic equivalent: she.chat (שְׁחַת "to corrupt" H7844)

Usage: Occurs in 136 OT verses. KJV: batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, [idiom] utterly, waste(-r). See also: Genesis 6:11; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:2.

וְ/לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | 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.

יִשְׁכַּח֙ shâkach H7911 "to forget" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.

Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)

Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.

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.

בְּרִ֣ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs

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.

אֲבֹתֶ֔י/ךָ ʼâb H1 "father" 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.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר 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.

נִשְׁבַּ֖ע shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

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.

לָ/הֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:31 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:31
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:31
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:31
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:31
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:31
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:31

Context — A Warning against Idolatry

29But if from there you will seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice.

31For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers, which He swore to them by oath.

32Indeed, ask now from one end of the heavens to the other about the days that long preceded you, from the day that God created man on earth: Has anything as great as this ever happened or been reported? 33Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 31:8	The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
2	Psalms 116:5	The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
3	Nehemiah 9:31	But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God.
4	Jonah 4:2	So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.
5	Leviticus 26:42	then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.
6	2 Chronicles 30:9	For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and sons will receive mercy in the presence of their captors and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful; He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”
7	Exodus 34:6–7	Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
8	Psalms 145:8–9	The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion. The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.
9	Deuteronomy 31:6	Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
10	Leviticus 26:45	But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 4:31 Summary

[This verse tells us that God is a merciful God who will not abandon or destroy His people, and He will always remember the promises He made to our ancestors, as seen in the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This means we can trust Him to always be with us and care for us, just like a loving father. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:6, God will never leave us or forsake us, and we can have confidence in His love and faithfulness, just as the Israelites were to have confidence in God's promises to them, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:29-31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God is a merciful God?

God's mercy means He is slow to anger and abounding in love, as seen in Exodus 34:6, and this verse promises that He will not abandon or destroy His people, demonstrating His loving character.

Why does the verse mention the covenant with the fathers?

The covenant with the fathers refers to the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 26:3-5, and Genesis 28:13-15, which are still in effect and will be fulfilled by God's oath.

How can we be sure God will not forget His covenant?

We can be sure because God swore an oath to the fathers, as mentioned in this verse, and God does not lie or break His promises, as stated in Hebrews 6:18 and Numbers 23:19.

What is the significance of God not abandoning His people?

God not abandoning His people means He will always be with them and care for them, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, providing comfort and assurance to those who trust in Him.

Reflection Questions

How have I experienced God's mercy in my life, and how can I thank Him for it?
What does it mean for me to trust in God's covenant promises, and how can I apply that trust in my daily life?
In what ways can I seek God with all my heart and soul, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:29, and what are the benefits of doing so?
How can I remember and pass on the stories of God's faithfulness to the next generation, just as the Israelites were to remember God's covenant with their fathers?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:31

For the Lord thy God is a merciful God,.... In Christ, in whom he has proclaimed his name as such, of which Moses had a comfortable view, Exodus 34:6 and therefore could attest it from his own

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:31

(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:31

i.e. Made with thy fathers, including their posterity, as .

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:31

31. a merciful God] Cp. JE, Exodus 34:6. he will not fail thee] Rather, will not let thee drop (Driver); will hold thee fast. Cp. Deuteronomy 31:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:5. nor forget the covenant] See on Deuteronomy 4:13.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:31

29-40. Terrible as will be their punishment if they forget Jehovah their God, there is hope of his mercy and love if they shall ever repent.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:31

	Sermon	Description
	Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry,
	The Importance of Right Spirit by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different types of people who may feel discouraged in life. He mentions those who are captive to their work, family responsibilities, or
	True Courage by Don McClure	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding God and experiencing His power and blessings. He highlights the need for guidance and leadership in our lives, esp
	(Through the Bible) 1 Kings 5-8 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dedication of the temple by Solomon. The ark of the covenant is brought into the temple, and the glory of the Lord fills the temple, just
	Step Out Boldly by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the concept of faith as a bridge that is built by God under the feet of those who trust in Him. He emphasizes the importance of moving forward in f
	Put Forth by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting truth that God goes before us in all circumstances, just like the Oriental shepherd who was always ahead of his sheep, ensuring thei
	Israel's Need - and God's Mercy by James Smith	James Smith preaches about the journey of life from this fleeting world to the eternal world, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the promised land and