Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

DEUTERONOMY 5:33KJV
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Deuteronomy 5:33 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 5:33 mean?

Deuteronomy 5:33 tells the people to live according to all the instructions God has given them, promising that this obedience will lead to life, well-being, and a long stay in the land they are about to enter. The verse connects following God’s commands with experiencing goodness and security in their new home.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan, reminding them that their future depends on faithfully following the ways God has set out for them. The verse highlights that God’s commands are not just rules but are meant for their benefit, shaping a life that is both good and lasting in the land they will possess.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 5:33

  • "walk" (יָלַךְ, yalak): This word often means to live or conduct oneself, not just physically walking. Here, it suggests making God’s instructions the pattern for daily life.
  • "ways" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means a road or path, but it is often used for a way of living or behaving. In this verse, it points to the specific lifestyle God wants for the people.
  • "prolong" (אַ֣רַךְ, arak): This word means to lengthen or extend. The promise is not just about surviving, but about enjoying a full, extended life in the land.

Why Deuteronomy 5:33 matters

  • Deuteronomy 5:33 makes it clear that God’s commands are given for the people’s good, not just as arbitrary rules, but as a path to a flourishing life.
  • The verse ties obedience directly to practical outcomes—life, well-being, and long days in the land—showing that faithfulness to God is meant to have real, positive effects.
  • This verse sums up a major theme in Deuteronomy: the connection between listening to God and experiencing blessing in the land, which is a central concern for the Israelites at this point in their history.

Where else these words appear

“well” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Kings 8:18 And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

“prolong” Hebrew H748 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 26:8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
  • Deuteronomy 25:15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
  • Proverbs 28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.