Deuteronomy 27:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must inscribe all the words of God's law on the stones so the people remember it in the promised land.
The Context of Deuteronomy 27:3
The law must be written on stones for all Israel to see and remember in their new land.
What Does Deuteronomy 27:3 Mean?
Writing the law on stones makes it a shared, public witness rather than merely internal knowledge. Every Israelite can see and refer to the covenant terms. The phrase 'all the words of this law' stresses completeness—nothing is optional or secondary. The fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is about to become reality.
The reminder of the promised land—flowing with milk and honey—connects obedience to blessing. Israel enters into abundance, but only by maintaining covenant fidelity. The law written on stone becomes the foundation for life in the new land, a tangible declaration that God's word governs the community.
Deuteronomy 27:3 in the Original Language
law (תּוֹרָה, torah) — instruction or teaching, the complete body of God's guidance for covenant community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 27:3
What does Deuteronomy 27:3 mean?
Israel must inscribe all the words of God's law on the stones so the people remember it in the promised land.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 27:3?
The law must be written on stones for all Israel to see and remember in their new land.