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.
DEUTERONOMY 31:29KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 31:29 mean?
Deuteronomy 31:29 means that Moses is warning the Israelites that after his death, they will turn away from God’s commands, become corrupt, and bring trouble upon themselves by doing evil actions that provoke God’s anger. Moses predicts that this unfaithfulness will happen in the future, especially in the “latter days.”
Moses is speaking to the people of Israel near the end of his life, just before they enter the Promised Land. He is giving them a final warning, knowing from experience and from God’s words that the people will not remain faithful. The verse highlights Moses’ deep concern that the Israelites’ actions (“the work of your hands”) will lead them away from the path God set for them, resulting in hardship.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:29
- “Utterly corrupt” comes from the Hebrew word שָׁחַת (shachath), which is repeated for emphasis. This word means to ruin, spoil, or destroy, showing that Moses expects a complete moral breakdown, not just a small mistake.
- “Turn aside” is from סוּר (sur), meaning to turn away or deviate. This highlights that the Israelites will actively leave the path God commanded, not just drift away by accident.
- “The work of your hands” uses מַעֲשֶׂה (ma’aseh) for “work” and יָד (yad) for “hand,” a phrase often used for making idols or engaging in forbidden practices. Moses is warning that their own choices and creations will be the cause of their trouble.
Why Deuteronomy 31:29 matters
- This verse clears up the idea that Israel’s future disobedience is not a surprise to God or Moses; it is a sober prediction based on their history and tendencies.
- The emphasis on “the work of your hands” shows that the main issue is not just breaking rules, but actively creating things or situations that lead them away from God.
- Deuteronomy 31:29 connects to the larger theme of Deuteronomy, where Moses repeatedly urges the people to choose faithfulness and warns of the consequences of turning away. This verse sets up the need for future leaders and prophets who will call the people back to God.