Deuteronomy 1:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses speaks to Israel in the fortieth year, delivering all the commandments God entrusted to him.
The Context of Deuteronomy 1:3
Dating and authorization of Moses's speech at the journey's end.
What Does Deuteronomy 1:3 Mean?
Forty years have passed since the Exodus from Egypt. The specific dating—year forty, eleventh month, first day—signals a solemn, formal occasion. The language emphasizes that Moses is speaking "according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment," binding his message directly to divine instruction.
This is the formal authorization of his address: Moses does not speak his own interpretation but God's word given to him. The entire book of Deuteronomy flows from this setup, where Moses becomes the mediator of covenant renewal for a new generation who must inherit the promise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 1:3
What does Deuteronomy 1:3 mean?
Moses speaks to Israel in the fortieth year, delivering all the commandments God entrusted to him.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 1:3?
Dating and authorization of Moses's speech at the journey's end.