Deuteronomy 31:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The song will testify against Israel when they suffer, preserved through generations by God's foreknowledge.
The Context of Deuteronomy 31:21
The song will endure as testimony through generations of Israel's descendants.
What Does Deuteronomy 31:21 Mean?
The song becomes an indestructible witness. Though Israel will try to forget God, they cannot forget the song—it passes from mouth to mouth, generation to generation. In times of trouble, when the people cry out in distress, the song will be in their memory, confronting them with the reality of their choices and the constancy of God's covenant.
God's foreknowledge penetrates the issue: He sees the imaginations of their hearts even before they enter the land. Yet despite this knowledge of their future failure, God does not withhold the land or cancel the promise. Instead, He prepares a remedy—the song—ensuring that even in their unfaithfulness, a voice remains to call them back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 31:21
What does Deuteronomy 31:21 mean?
The song will testify against Israel when they suffer, preserved through generations by God's foreknowledge.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 31:21?
The song will endure as testimony through generations of Israel's descendants.