Deuteronomy 29:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 29:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 29:19 warns against someone who hears the words of warning and curse in the covenant but convinces himself privately that he will be safe, even if he stubbornly follows his own desires. The verse describes a person who ignores God’s warnings and falsely assures himself of peace, adding further wrongdoing to his stubbornness.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they renew their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land. He cautions them that self-deception—believing one can ignore God’s commands and still expect blessing—will only lead to greater harm. The verse uses vivid language to show the danger of thinking one can escape the consequences of disobedience.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 29:19

• "Imagination" (שְׁרִרוּת, sherirut) means stubbornness or the willful inclinations of the heart. This word highlights that the person is not just daydreaming but is set on following his own stubborn path, ignoring God’s instructions.
• "Heart" (לֵבָב, levav and לֵב, lev) appears twice, emphasizing both the inner thoughts and the deep-seated attitudes of a person. The verse focuses on what someone tells himself inwardly, not just outward actions.
• "Add drunkenness to thirst" (לְמַעַן סְפוֹת הָרָוֶה אֶת־הַצְּמֵאָה, lema'an sefot haraveh et-hatzme'ah) is a Hebrew phrase meaning to pile one wrong on top of another, like satisfying thirst with more drinking, which only increases the problem.

Why Deuteronomy 29:19 matters

• This verse clears up the misunderstanding that someone can privately ignore God’s warnings and still expect things to go well; it shows that self-assurance apart from obedience is dangerous.
• Deuteronomy 29:19 emphasizes the seriousness of the covenant and the reality that God sees not just outward actions but also the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by warning the whole community against complacency and self-deception, reminding them that each person’s attitude toward God’s commands truly matters.