Deuteronomy 5:29 Meaning and Explanation
“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God expresses the wish that Israel would always fear and obey Him so their descendants would prosper.
The Context of Deuteronomy 5:29
God expresses His desire that Israel would fear and obey Him perpetually.
What Does Deuteronomy 5:29 Mean?
God's words express longing rather than demand—He desires that Israel would choose from the heart to fear (revere) and keep His commandments. The conditional promise is clear: obedience to all God's commands leads to lasting well-being for individuals and descendants. This verse reveals God's heart: not harsh judgment but desire for Israel's flourishing, contingent on their faithfulness. The scope—always and for ever—shows God's hope that commitment to Him would be permanent, not temporary.
The phrase such an heart emphasizes that God seeks internal transformation, not mere external compliance. True fidelity requires both the emotion of fear (reverent awe) and the action of obedience, sustained over time. God's wish is that Israel would choose this covenant faithfulness freely.
Deuteronomy 5:29 in the Original Language
yirah (יִרְאָה), 'fear' — reverential awe and respect for God's power and holiness, the foundation of obedience and wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 5:29
What does Deuteronomy 5:29 mean?
God expresses the wish that Israel would always fear and obey Him so their descendants would prosper.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 5:29?
God expresses His desire that Israel would fear and obey Him perpetually.