Deuteronomy 4:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God was angry with Moses because of Israel's sin and swore he would not enter the promised land.
The Context of Deuteronomy 4:21
Moses recalls how his own entry to the promised land was blocked due to Israel's sin.
What Does Deuteronomy 4:21 Mean?
Moses now makes personal reference to his own fate, showing how Israel's covenant violations had consequences even for him as their mediator and leader. When Israel sinned, God's anger fell upon Moses as well. The specific consequence was that Moses would not cross the Jordan or enter the land of Canaan that God had promised.
This personal example demonstrates the seriousness of covenant violation. Even Moses—the lawgiver, the mediator, the one who received the law directly from God—could not escape the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. His exclusion from the land serves as a sobering reminder to Israel that covenantal privilege and blessing are not guaranteed but depend on obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 4:21
What does Deuteronomy 4:21 mean?
God was angry with Moses because of Israel's sin and swore he would not enter the promised land.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 4:21?
Moses recalls how his own entry to the promised land was blocked due to Israel's sin.