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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 32:47 For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/32-47.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/05_Deu_32_47.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 32:47 - The Song of Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/32-47.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/32-47.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/32.htm">Chapter 32</a> > Verse 47</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm" title="Deuteronomy 32:46">◄</a> Deuteronomy 32:47 <a href="/deuteronomy/32-48.htm" title="Deuteronomy 32:48">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/32.htm">New International Version</a> They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/32.htm">New Living Translation</a> These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.” <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/32.htm">English Standard Version</a> For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/32.htm">King James Bible</a> For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/32.htm">New King James Version</a> For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For it is not a trivial matter for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/32.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you shall prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For it is not an empty or trivial matter for you; indeed it is your [very] life. By [honoring and obeying] this word you will live long in the land, which you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For they are not meaningless words to you but they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For they are not meaningless words to you but they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.&#8221 <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/32.htm">American Standard Version</a> For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it. <a href="/cev/deuteronomy/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Law isn't empty words. It can give you a long life in the land that you are going to take." <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/32.htm">English Revised Version</a> For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days upon the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't think these words are idle talk. They are your life! By these words you will be able to live for a long time in the land that you are going to take possession of when you cross the Jordan River." <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Good News Translation</a> These teachings are not empty words; they are your very life. Obey them and you will live long in that land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy." <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/32.htm">International Standard Version</a> because they're not just empty words for you—they are your very life. Through these instructions you will live long in the land that you are about to cross over the Jordan River to possess." <a href="/msb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.? <a href="/net/deuteronomy/32.htm">NET Bible</a> For this is no idle word for you--it is your life! By this word you will live a long time in the land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess." <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it." <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For it is not a vain thing for you: because it is your life; and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/32.htm">World English Bible</a> For it is no vain thing for you, because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for it [is] not a vain thing for you, for it [is] your life, and by this thing you prolong days on the ground to where you are passing over the Jordan to possess it.” <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for it is not a vain thing for you, for it is your life, and by this thing ye prolong days on the ground whither ye are passing over the Jordan to possess it.' <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For it is not an empty word for you, but it is your life; and in this word ye shall prolong the days upon the land which ye pass through Jordan there to inherit it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For they are not commanded you in vain, but that every one should live in them, and that doing them you may continue a long time in the land whither you are going over the Jordan to possess it. <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For these things have not been entrusted to you to no purpose, but so that each one would live by them, and so that, in doing these, you may continue for a long time in the land, which you will enter upon crossing the Jordan in order to possess it.” <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/32.htm">New American Bible</a> For this is no trivial matter for you, but rather your very life; by this word you will enjoy a long life on the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> This is no trifling matter for you, but rather your very life; through it you may live long in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For it is not a vain thing for you, because it is your life; and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land which you are crossing the Jordan to possess. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because it is not a worthless word to you, because it is your life and by this word you will multiply days in the land when you pass over the Jordan there to possess it.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days upon the land, whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it.' <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For this is no vain word to you; for it is your life, and because of this word ye shall live long upon the land, into which ye go over Jordan to inherit it. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=9385" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/32.htm">The Song of Moses</a> …46he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law. 47<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">are not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7386.htm" title="7386: rêq (Adj-ms) -- Empty, vain. Or req; from ruwq; empty; figuratively, worthless.">idle</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/mik·kem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">are your life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ū·ḇad·dā·ḇār (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">and by them</a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ta·’ă·rî·ḵū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">you will live long</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: hā·’ă·ḏā·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ō·ḇə·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">are crossing</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the Jordan</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3423.htm" title="3423: lə·riš·tāh (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- Or yaresh; a primitive root; to occupy; by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin.">to possess.”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a> This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. <a href="/proverbs/4-20.htm">Proverbs 4:20-22</a> My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. / Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. / For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body. <a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a> But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” <a href="/john/6-63.htm">John 6:63</a> The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a> All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. <a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a> Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a> The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ... <a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39</a> You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a> For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. <a href="/isaiah/55-10.htm">Isaiah 55:10-11</a> For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23-25</a> For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. / For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you. <a href="/luke/11-28.htm">Luke 11:28</a> But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a> Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over Jordan to possess it.<a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a> I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:<a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm">Leviticus 18:5</a> Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.<a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1,2,18,22</a> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/31-13.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-9.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/exodus/5-17.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-40.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-13.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-40.htm">Life</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-3.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-13.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-18.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-2.htm">Small</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/psalms/44-12.htm">Trifle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-11.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-13.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-16.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Word</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/34-4.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-49.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/joshua/1-2.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Life</a> <a href="/joshua/3-11.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-23.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-14.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-6.htm">Small</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-2.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/psalms/44-12.htm">Trifle</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/8-11.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-50.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-9.htm">Word</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 32</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-1.htm">Moses' song, which sets forth God's mercy and vengeance</a> 46. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">He exhorts them to set their hearts upon it</a> 48. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-48.htm">God sends him up to mount Nebo to see the land, and to die</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For they are not idle words to you This phrase emphasizes the importance and vitality of God's commandments. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering his final speeches to the Israelites, urging them to adhere to the laws given by God. The term "idle" suggests that these words are not trivial or meaningless; they are essential and active. This reflects the biblical theme that God's Word is living and powerful (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>). The Israelites are reminded that these words are meant to guide their lives and are not to be taken lightly.because they are your life The laws and commandments are portrayed as life-giving. In the ancient Near Eastern context, adherence to divine laws was often seen as a source of life and prosperity. This phrase underscores the belief that spiritual obedience leads to physical and spiritual well-being. The connection between God's Word and life is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Proverbs 4:4</a> and <a href="/john/6-63.htm">John 6:63</a>, where Jesus speaks of His words as spirit and life. The Israelites are encouraged to see the commandments as integral to their existence and survival.and by them you will live long in the land This promise of longevity in the land is contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is a central theme in the Pentateuch. The idea of living long in the land is tied to the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. Obedience would lead to blessings, including long life and prosperity, while disobedience would result in exile and hardship. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where faithfulness is rewarded.that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. The Jordan River serves as a geographical and symbolic boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land. Crossing the Jordan represents a transition from the period of wandering to the fulfillment of God's promise to the patriarchs. This moment is significant in Israel's history, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The act of possessing the land is not merely a physical conquest but a spiritual inheritance. It foreshadows the Christian concept of entering into God's rest, as mentioned in <a href="/hebrews/4-8.htm">Hebrews 4:8-10</a>, and can be seen as a type of the believer's journey into the promises of God through faith in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and commandments to the people. He is the speaker in this passage, emphasizing the importance of God's words. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, who are about to enter the Promised Land. They are the recipients of Moses' message and are urged to adhere to God's commandments. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land (Canaan)</a> The land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the verge of crossing the Jordan River to take possession of it. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> A significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law (Torah)</a> The commandments and teachings given by God to the Israelites through Moses. These are the "words" referred to in the passage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_vitality_of_god's_word.htm">The Vitality of God's Word</a> God's words are not mere suggestions; they are essential for spiritual and physical life. Just as the Israelites were to rely on God's commandments for a prosperous life in the Promised Land, believers today are called to depend on Scripture for guidance and sustenance. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_leads_to_blessing.htm">Obedience Leads to Blessing</a> The promise of a long life in the land is contingent upon obedience to God's word. This principle remains true for Christians, as obedience to God's commands brings spiritual blessings and fulfillment. <a href="/topical/s/scripture_as_a_daily_guide.htm">Scripture as a Daily Guide</a> Just as the Israelites were to live by God's words, Christians are encouraged to incorporate Scripture into their daily lives, allowing it to shape their decisions and actions. <a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_relevance_of_god's_word.htm">The Eternal Relevance of God's Word</a> The words given to the Israelites are not outdated; they continue to hold relevance and power for believers today, offering wisdom and direction in every aspect of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 32</a> <a href="/q/what_lies_east_of_the_jordan_river.htm">What lies east of the Jordan River?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_moses_die_in_the_bible.htm">How did Moses die according to biblical accounts?</a> <a href="/q/why_warfare_if_rest_was_near_in_joshua.htm">Joshua 1:10-11 - If the Israelites were so close to fulfilling God's promise of rest, why was there still so much warfare and conflict ahead?</a> <a href="/q/where_is_mount_tabor_in_the_bible.htm">Where did Moses view the Promised Land before dying?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(47) For it is not a vain thing for you.--Not too light a thing for you, not unworthy of your attention.It is your life.--For the last time in this book the people are assured that the very end of their existence in Canaan was the observance of the law of Jehovah as the law of the land.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 47. It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life; these are not mere empty words; they are of vital import (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/30-20.htm">Deuteronomy 30:20</a>). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they הוּא֙ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are are not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no idle רֵ֥ק (rêq) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7386.htm">Strong's 7386: </a> Empty, worthless words דָבָ֨ר (ḏā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause to you, מִכֶּ֔ם (mik·kem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of because כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they ה֖וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are are your life, חַיֵּיכֶ֑ם (ḥay·yê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and by them הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that you will live long תַּאֲרִ֤יכוּ (ta·’ă·rî·ḵū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> To be, long in עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the land הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> Ground, land you אַתֶּ֜ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are crossing עֹבְרִ֧ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine to possess.” לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ (lə·riš·tāh) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3423.htm">Strong's 3423: </a> To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">Deuteronomy 32:47 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-47.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 32:47 For it is no vain thing (Deut. 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