Deuteronomy 1:35 Meaning and Explanation
“Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God swears that no adult of this generation will live to see the promised land—all will die in the wilderness.
The Context of Deuteronomy 1:35
God's judgment: this generation will not enter the promised land.
What Does Deuteronomy 1:35 Mean?
The judgment is total and inescapable: "not one" adult will survive to enter Canaan. The people are labeled "this evil generation," and their sin of unbelief is characterized as evil. The lands they rejected will be inherited, but not by them. This is both a judgment on disobedience and a confirmation that the land itself is good and will be given—just not to them.
The reference to God's oath to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) underscores the tragedy: the promise stands; the failure is entirely Israel's. The land remains "good," but an entire generation forfeits its inheritance through their own choice of disbelief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 1:35
What does Deuteronomy 1:35 mean?
God swears that no adult of this generation will live to see the promised land—all will die in the wilderness.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 1:35?
God's judgment: this generation will not enter the promised land.