O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

DEUTERONOMY 5:29KJV
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Deuteronomy 5:29 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:29 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:29 expresses God’s deep desire that the people of Israel would have a heart that truly respects Him and consistently follows His commandments, so that both they and their children would experience lasting well-being. The verse shows God’s longing for a genuine, lasting relationship with His people, rooted in respect and obedience.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recounting God’s words after giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. God is not just giving rules, but expressing a wish for His people’s inner attitude (“heart”) to match their outward actions. The verse highlights that God’s commandments are meant for the good of the people and their descendants, not just as requirements to follow.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:29

  • heart (לֵבָב, levav): This word refers to the inner self or will, not just feelings. God’s concern is for the people’s deep, inner commitment, not just surface obedience.
  • fear (יָרֵא, yare’): This word often means “to respect” or “to hold in awe,” not just to be afraid. The verse is about a healthy, reverent attitude toward God.
  • keep (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means “to guard” or “to watch over,” suggesting careful, attentive obedience, not just casual following of rules.
  • well (יָטַב, yatav): This word means “to be good” or “to go well,” showing that God’s commands are intended for the people’s benefit and flourishing.

Why Deuteronomy 5:29 matters

  • Deuteronomy 5:29 clears up the idea that God’s commands are just arbitrary rules; instead, they are given out of care for the people’s lasting good.
  • The verse emphasizes that God desires an inner attitude (“heart”) of respect and faithfulness, not just outward compliance.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Deuteronomy that obedience leads to blessing, not just for individuals but for future generations.

Where else these words appear

“an” Hebrew H4310 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
  • Genesis 24:65 For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.
  • Judges 20:18 And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

“such” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
  • 1 Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

“well” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Joshua 22:30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.