(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

DEUTERONOMY 4:31KJV
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Deuteronomy 4:31 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 4:31 mean?

Deuteronomy 4:31 says that the LORD your God is merciful and will not abandon, destroy, or forget the covenant made with your ancestors. This verse reassures the people that, even if they fail, God’s commitment to them remains because of His mercy and His promise to their forefathers.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land promised to them. He is reminding them that, despite their past mistakes and failures, God’s relationship with them is based on mercy and a binding agreement made with their ancestors. This verse highlights God’s character and the unbreakable nature of His promises.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 4:31

  • "merciful" (רַחוּם, rachum): This word describes a deep, compassionate mercy, often linked to a parent’s care for a child. It emphasizes that God’s response to His people is not just legal or formal, but deeply caring and forgiving.
  • "forsake" (רָפָה, raphah): This word means to let go or abandon. The verse assures that God will not let go of His people, even when they are unfaithful.
  • "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This refers to a solemn agreement or promise, here specifically the one God made with the ancestors of Israel. The verse stresses that God’s faithfulness to this covenant is unwavering, no matter the people’s actions.
  • "sware" (שָׁבַע, shava): This word means to swear or make an oath. The verse points out that God’s promise is not casual—He bound Himself by oath to keep His word to their ancestors.

Why Deuteronomy 4:31 matters

  • Deuteronomy 4:31 clarifies that God’s mercy is not earned by perfect behavior but is rooted in His character and His promises.
  • The verse reassures readers that God’s commitment is stronger than human failure, highlighting the security found in His covenant.
  • In the context of Moses warning the people about future disobedience, this verse offers hope that God’s faithfulness endures, even when people fall short.

Where else these words appear

“merciful” Hebrew H7349 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 34:6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
  • Psalms 78:38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
  • Psalms 112:4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

“forsake” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 2 Samuel 4:1 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

“forget” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 31:12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
  • Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

“destroy” 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.