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 31:29KJV
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Deuteronomy 31:29 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“befall” Hebrew H7122 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 42:4 But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
  • Leviticus 10:19 And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.

“anger” Hebrew H3707 · used in 53 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:25 When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger:
  • 2 Kings 17:11 And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:
  • Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

“latter” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

“utterly” Hebrew H7843 · used in 136 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • 2 Samuel 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
  • Jeremiah 6:5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.