Deuteronomy 30:14 Meaning and Explanation
“But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The word is near you—in your mouth to speak, in your heart to understand—so you are able to do it.
The Context of Deuteronomy 30:14
The law is accessible within you—in speech and understanding—so obedience is possible.
What Does Deuteronomy 30:14 Mean?
This is the covenant's affirmation of human capacity and dignity. The word (dabar) is 'very nigh'—intimate, proximate, available. It dwells 'in thy mouth' (in language you can speak and teach) and 'in thy heart' (in the will and understanding you can exercise). The law is internalized, not external and inaccessible. This echoes verse 6: circumcision of the heart enables obedience.
The closing phrase—'that thou mayest do it'—reassures Israel that they have the capacity to obey. This is not an impossible demand but a command that respects human agency and freedom. Obedience is within reach; the choice is yours. No one can hide behind ignorance or impossible circumstance.
Deuteronomy 30:14 in the Original Language
dabar (דָּבָר), 'word' — that which is spoken or commanded; here, the divine law made accessible through language and inward understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 30:14
What does Deuteronomy 30:14 mean?
The word is near you—in your mouth to speak, in your heart to understand—so you are able to do it.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 30:14?
The law is accessible within you—in speech and understanding—so obedience is possible.