For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against Yahweh. How much more after my death? 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. For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do that which is evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”
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Deuteronomy 31:27-29 sits inside this longer paragraph.
When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, saying, “Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of Yahweh your God’s covenant, that it may be there for a witness against you. For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against Yahweh. How much more after my death? 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. For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do that which is evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”
Parallel Translations
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For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against Yahweh. How much more after my death?
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.
For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do that which is evil in Yahweh’s sight, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”
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For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?
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.
For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
Show all 3 translations
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For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck; behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?
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.
For I know that after my death ye will in any wise deal corruptly, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the end of days; because ye will do that which is evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him through the work of your hands.'
Cross-references (39)
- Deuteronomy 4:26 (v28) I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from off the land which you go over the Jordan to…
- Deuteronomy 32:1 (v28) Give ear, you heavens, and I will speak. Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
- Deuteronomy 30:19 (v28) I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore…
- Deuteronomy 32:5 (v29) They have dealt corruptly with him. They are not his children, because of their defect. They are a perverse and crooked generation.
- Judges 2:19 (v29) But when the judge was dead, they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers in following other gods to serve them and to bow…
Show all 39 cross-references
- Deuteronomy 4:30 (v29) When you are in oppression, and all these things have come on you, in the latter days you shall return to Yahweh your God and listen to his…
- Deuteronomy 9:24 (v27) You have been rebellious against Yahweh from the day that I knew you.
- Deuteronomy 32:20 (v27) He said, “I will hide my face from them. I will see what their end will be; for they are a very perverse generation, children in whom is no…
- Isaiah 1:4 (v29) Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken Yahweh. They have…
- Hosea 9:9 (v29) They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity. He will punish them for their sins.
- Luke 19:40 (v28) He answered them, “I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.”
- Luke 19:42-44 (v29) saying, “If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes. For the days…
- Luke 21:24 (v29) They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles,…
- Genesis 49:1 (v29) Jacob called to his sons, and said: “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come.
- Genesis 49:1-2 (v28) Jacob called to his sons, and said: “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come.…
- Exodus 32:8-9 (v27) They have turned away quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and have worshiped it, and…
- Leviticus 26:14-46 (v29) “ ‘But if you will not listen to me, and will not do all these commandments, and if you shall reject my statutes, and if your soul abhors…
- Numbers 11:16-17 (v28) Yahweh said to Moses, “Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over…
- Deuteronomy 9:6-7 (v27) Know therefore that Yahweh your God doesn’t give you this good land to possess for your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people.…
- Deuteronomy 28:15-68 (v29) But it shall come to pass, if you will not listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which…
- Deuteronomy 29:10 (v28) All of you stand today in the presence of Yahweh your God: your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the men of…
- Deuteronomy 29:18-28 (v29) lest there should be among you man, woman, family, or tribe whose heart turns away today from Yahweh our God, to go to serve the gods of…
- Deuteronomy 31:12 (v28) Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, learn,…
- 2 Chronicles 30:8 (v27) Now don’t be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to Yahweh, and enter into his sanctuary, which he has sanctified…
- 2 Chronicles 34:24 (v29) “Yahweh says, ‘Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on its inhabitants, even all the curses that are written in the book which they…
- Job 19:25 (v29) But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth.
- Psalms 78:8 (v27) and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that didn’t make their hearts loyal, whose spirit was…
- Isaiah 1:2 (v28) Hear, heavens, and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against me.
- Isaiah 48:4 (v27) Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow bronze;
- Ezekiel 38:8 (v29) After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land that is brought back from the sword, that is gathered…
- Acts 7:51 (v27) “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.
- Acts 20:30 (v29) Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 (v29) But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of…
- 2 Timothy 3:1-6 (v29) But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant,…
- Hebrews 1:2 (v29) has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
- 2 Peter 1:14-15 (v29) knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. Yes, I will make every effort that…
- 2 Peter 2:1-2 (v29) But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,…
- 2 Peter 3:3 (v29) knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts
- Exodus 18:25 (v28) Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (11 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv28–29 As governors, judges and magistrates.
As governors, judges and magistrates.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On v29 Deu 31:29 For I know that after my death…
Deu 31:29 For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt [yourselves], and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
Ver. 29. To provoke him to anger.] Which is the greatest folly that can be; for are we stronger than he? Can we imagine to make our party good with him? Surely as Ulysses’s companions told him, when he would needs provoke Polydamus,
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Sχετλιε, πιπτ εθελεις ερεθιζεμεν αγριον ανδρα;
May not we much more say so to them that will needs provoke the Lord, It is good for men to meddle with their equals, and not contend with him that is mightier than they?
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv27–29 Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes,…
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 words of the law, but of the song which he was ordered to write, and is recorded in the following chapter:
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and call heaven and earth to record against them; to bear witness of what he delivered to them, and to bear witness against them should they transgress the laws he gave them; and to bear witness that they had been faithfully cautioned against transgressing, and had been severely threatened, and the punishment plainly pointed out that should be inflicted on them in case of disobedience, so that they were left entirely without excuse.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On v27 Verse 27. While I am yet alive - ye…
Verse 27. While I am yet alive - ye have been rebellious] Such was the disposition of this people to act contrary to moral goodness that Moses felt himself justified in inferring what would take place from what had already happened.
1. NEVER was a people more fully and faithfully warned, and from this very circumstance we may see that they were under no fatal constraining necessity to commit sin against God; they might have avoided it, but they would not. God was present to help them, till by their repeated provocations they forced him to depart: wrath therefore came upon them to the uttermost because they sinned when they might have lived to the glory of God. Those who abuse God's grace shall not only have that grace taken away from them, but shall be punished for the abuse of it, as well as for the transgression. Every sin is double, and must have a twofold punishment; for 1. Grace is resisted; 2. Transgression is committed; and God will visit for both.
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2. How astonishing it is that, with such examples of God's justice before their eyes, the Jews should be so little affected; and that the Gentiles, who have received the Gospel of God, should act as if God would no more punish transgression, or that he must be so partial to them as to pass by iniquities for which the hand of his justice still continues heavy upon the descendants of Jacob! Let them take heed, for if God spared not the natural branches, he will not spare them. If they sin after the manner of the Jews, they may expect to be partakers with them in their punishments. What God does to nations he will do to individuals who reject his mercy, or trample under foot his grace; the soul that sinneth, and returns not to God by repentance and faith, shall die. This is a decree of God that shall never be reversed, and every day bears witness how strictly he keeps it in view.
3. The ode composed by Moses for this occasion was probably set to some lively and affecting air, and sung by the people. It would be much easier to keep such a song in remembrance, than an equal quantity of prose. The whole would have the additional circumstances of cadence and tune to cause it to be often repeated; and thus insure its being kept in memory. Poetry, though often, nay, generally abused, is nevertheless a gift from God, and may be employed with the best effect in his service. A very considerable part of the Old Testament is written in poetry; particularly the whole book of Psalms, great part of the prophet Isaiah, the Lamentations, and much of the minor prophets. Those who speak against poetic compositions in the service of God, speak against what they do not understand. All that a man hath should be consecrated to his Maker, and employed in his service; not only the energy of his heart and mind, the physical force of his body, but also the musical tones and modulations of his voice.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v28 Deu 31:28-30. Gather unto me all the elders —…
Deu 31:28-30. Gather unto me all the elders — It is probable that Moses, having spoken to the people what he was commanded, dismissed them again till he should write the following song; which having done, he summoned the elders (and people, Deu 31:30) to deliver to them from his own mouth what he had written. Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation — Pronounced himself, with an audible voice, to the representatives of the congregation, and afterward ordered to be repeated to the people of every tribe, the following song or hymn.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On v28 28. Gather unto me all the elders — Moses…
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. A general assembly representing the entire nation now come together to listen to the unequalled ode which bears the name of the Song of Moses.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv27–29 27. thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck … ye…
27. thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck … ye have been rebellious] Cp. Deu_1:26; Deu_1:43, Deu_9:6 f., Deu_9:13; Deu_9:23 f., Deu_10:16.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On v29 (29) In the latter days.—A not uncommon prophetical expression,…
(29) In the latter days.—A not uncommon prophetical expression, used with some considerable latitude. It occurs for the first time in Gen_49:1. (See also Num_24:14 and Deu_4:30. ) Some would refer it to the “days of the Messiah,” and make it almost a technical term. But a comparison of these few passages will show that it cannot be tied strictly to any one period.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv27–29 I know thy rebellion; rather, rebelliousness, i.e. tendency to…
I know thy rebellion; rather, rebelliousness, i.e. tendency to rebel in Num_17:10, the people are described as yrim yneb, "sons of rebelliousness;" Authorized Version, "rebels."
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v27 Thy stiff neck.
Deu_31:27
Thy stiff neck.
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Stiff necks
There are many stiff-necked people. They are met with in the workshop, in the office, and almost everywhere. I should not be surprised at all if we had many in this assembly whose necks are as stiff as it is possible to be. There are a great many necks stiff with pride and selfishness. There are some men who are saving money; who live in their freehold cottages; whose necks are too stiff to see that they ought to pay the rent of the cottage in which their poor old parents live, who, perchance, in some country village are getting parish relief. There are other kinds of stiff necks. From our childhood most of us have been taught to love the Saviour, to trust in God, and do good. Yet I am afraid that a great many of us have disregarded the advice of those who loved us, and we have grown so unwise that many of us have stiffened our necks against religion. There is a tendency, now and again, to sneer at religion, and to talk about it as if it were all nonsense. There are a great many men who stiffen their necks. This is unwise. Take the New Testament and study that life of Jesus Christ, as sensible men. Look at the book, examine its pages, and learn its religion. Do not stiffen your necks against God, against purity, against holiness. (Charles Leach.)
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The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v27 General Information:
General Information:
Moses continues speaking to the Levites about all the Israelite people.
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your rebellion and your stiff neck
Moses speaks to the Levites as if they were one man, so the word "your" is singular. (See: Forms of You)
your stiff neck
See how you translated "stubborn" in Deuteronomy 9:6.
how much more after my death?
This rhetorical question emphasizes how rebellious the people were. It can be translated as a statement. AT: "you will be even more rebellious after I die." (See: Rhetorical Question)
so that I may speak these words in their ears
Here "in their ears" means the people themselves. AT: "so that I may speak the words of this song to them" (See: Synecdoche)
call heaven and earth to witness against them
Possible meanings are 1) Moses is calling on all those who live in heaven and earth to be witnesses to what he says or 2) Moses is speaking to heaven and earth as if they are people, and he is calling them to be witnesses to what he says. A similar phrase appears in Deuteronomy 30:19. (See: Metonymy and Personification and Apostrophe)
you will utterly corrupt yourselves
"you will do what is completely wrong." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 4:16.
turn aside out of the path that I have commanded you
"stop following the instructions I have given to you." See how you translated these words in Deuteronomy 9:12.
what is evil in the sight of Yahweh
The sight of Yahweh represents Yahweh's judgment or evaluation. AT: "what is evil in Yahweh's judgment" or "what Yahweh considers to be evil" (See: Metaphor)
through the work of your hands
Here "your hands" means the people themselves. AT: "because of what you have made" (See: Synecdoche)
translationWords
rebel
stiff-necked
assembly
elder
tribe
word
heaven
earth
testimony
corrupt
turn
command
evil
anger
hand
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.