Deuteronomy 1:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In the wilderness, God has carried Israel as a father carries his son—showing tender care throughout their journey.
The Context of Deuteronomy 1:31
Moses reminds Israel of God's fatherly care in the wilderness.
What Does Deuteronomy 1:31 Mean?
The metaphor of God bearing Israel "as a man doth bear his son" conveys intimate parental care, protection, and affection. Throughout the wilderness journey, Israel has experienced this divine tenderness: manna for food, water from rocks, pillar of cloud and fire, and supernatural preservation of clothing and bodies. The people have witnessed this care.
This appeal is to lived experience: the people have personally seen God's fatherly care in the wilderness. If God cared for them in the harsh desert, He will surely care for them in the land. The shift from "you" to "thy" (intimate form) in "thy God" deepens the personal relationship being invoked.
Deuteronomy 1:31 in the Original Language
nasa (נָשָׂא), 'bare' — to carry, lift up, bear as a burden; connotes strength and tenderness combined.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 1:31
What does Deuteronomy 1:31 mean?
In the wilderness, God has carried Israel as a father carries his son—showing tender care throughout their journey.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 1:31?
Moses reminds Israel of God's fatherly care in the wilderness.