And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

DEUTERONOMY 31:24KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 31:24 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:24 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:24 marks the point when Moses completed a written record of the law. The verse sets up what happens to that record next: Moses gives instructions about where it is to be kept.

The verse is part of the narrator’s account, not a quotation from Moses. Its opening phrase, “when Moses had made an end,” leaves the sentence unfinished; the action that follows comes in verses 25–26.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:24

  • “law” — תּוֹרָה (torah): This word can mean instruction as well as law. It presents the written words as teaching for the people, not merely as a list of penalties.
  • “book” — סֵפֶר (sefer): This word refers to a written document or scroll. The KJV’s “book” need not suggest a bound book like one used today.

Why Deuteronomy 31:24 matters

  • The verse emphasizes a complete written record. The phrases “made an end of writing” and “until they were finished” both draw attention to the completion of the writing.
  • The written record has a place among Israel’s sacred objects. In verse 26, Moses tells the Levites to put the book beside the ark, a chest associated with the people’s agreement with God.

Where else these words appear

“finished” Hebrew H8552 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
  • Joshua 8:24 And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.
  • Isaiah 16:4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.