Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

DEUTERONOMY 31:19KJV
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Deuteronomy 31:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:19 describes God instructing Moses to write down a specific song, teach it to the Israelites, and make sure they remember it, so that the song will serve as a witness for God against them if they turn away from Him. The verse emphasizes the importance of the song as a lasting reminder and testimony among the people of Israel.

In this setting, Moses is nearing the end of his life and leadership, and God is preparing the Israelites for life without him. God knows the people may forget His commands, so He tells Moses to use a song—a memorable and repeatable form—to help them remember. The song is meant to be more than just words; it is a tool for teaching and a record that will stand as evidence if the people later break their covenant with God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:19

  • "write" (כָּתַב, kātav): This word means to record or inscribe. God is not just telling Moses to speak the song, but to make a permanent written record, highlighting its importance.
  • "song" (שִׁיר, shîr): In Hebrew culture, songs were used for teaching and remembering important truths. This is not just any song, but one with a specific purpose as a teaching tool and a witness.
  • "witness" (עֵד, ʿēd): The word means testimony or evidence. The song is meant to serve as a formal reminder and proof of what God has said, especially if the people later claim ignorance.

Why Deuteronomy 31:19 matters

  • This verse shows that God values memory and teaching, using songs because they are easy to remember and pass down, especially in a culture with limited written texts.
  • The idea of the song as a "witness" means it is more than just a teaching aid; it is a kind of legal testimony that can be called upon if the people stray from God's ways.
  • Deuteronomy 31:19 connects to the larger theme of Deuteronomy, where Moses is preparing the people for a future without him and emphasizing ways to keep God's covenant alive in their community.

Where else these words appear

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
  • Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

“teach” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
  • Proverbs 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

“song” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.