Deuteronomy 30:20

Deuteronomy 30:20 Meaning and Explanation

“That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

King James Version (KJV)

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Choose life so that you may love God, obey him, and cling to him—for he is your life and your days—and so you may inherit the land he promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Context of Deuteronomy 30:20

To choose life is to love God, obey him, cleave to him, and inherit the promised land.

What Does Deuteronomy 30:20 Mean?

The final verse unpacks what 'choosing life' means: loving God, obeying his voice, and cleaving (holding fast) to him. This is the covenant's ultimate end—not mere rule-following but an intimate, devoted relationship. The progression (love, obey, cleave) shows escalation from emotion through action to union. Covenant relationship is not transactional; it is personal devotion.

The phrase 'for he is thy life, and the length of thy days' identifies God as the source and sustainer of existence. To cling to him is to cling to life itself. The final promise—dwelling in the land sworn to the patriarchs—brings the narrative full circle, back to the promise God made to Abraham. Obedience and love are the means by which Israel inherits the legacy of faith.

Deuteronomy 30:20 in the Original Language

davak (דָּבַק), 'cleave unto' — to stick, adhere, hold fast; describes covenant loyalty and intimate union with God.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 30:20

What does Deuteronomy 30:20 mean?