Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 30:14
But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may obey it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, concluding his final exhortations before they cross the Jordan. He speaks to the covenant community regarding their capacity to keep God's commands without impossible mediation.
The words — קָר֥וֹב (qarob) means "near," and הַדָּבָר (ha-davar) translates to "the word" or "the matter." These terms establish that the divine instruction requires no distant quest but immediate internal and vocal engagement.
The thread — The text states that the command is accessible and internal, which Paul explicitly cites in Romans 10:8 to identify the word of faith. Jeremiah 12:2 uses similar proximity language to describe God's presence, while Matthew 7:21 connects the necessity of obedience to the spoken word.
Why it lands — The verse demands that speech and inner conviction align with practical action rather than seeking hidden revelation. It requires the reader to stop searching and begin obeying what is already given.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
Cross-references
- Romans 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:
- Jeremiah 12:2 You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.
- Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
- John 5:46 If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.
- Ezekiel 2:5 And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
- Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
- Ezekiel 33:33 So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
- Luke 10:11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’
- Hebrews 2:1 We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
- Acts 13:26 Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.