Old Testament
Deuteronomy 27:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Write every word of this law on them once you've crossed over, so that you may enter the land the LORD your God is giving you — a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
Compare translations
And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
What Deuteronomy 27:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the instruction is clear: once the people cross into the promised land, they are to write down all the laws given to them. This act symbolizes their commitment to living by these laws in the new land. The land they are entering is described as flowing with milk and honey, which represents abundance and prosperity. It’s a reminder of the blessings that come from following God’s guidance. The phrase 'just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you' emphasizes the faithfulness of God to His promises. This is not just about rules; it’s about establishing a relationship with God and living in a way that honors Him. By writing the laws, they are making a public declaration of their faith and dedication to God’s ways. This act serves as a foundation for their new life in the land, ensuring they remember their commitment to God and His blessings. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and living out the values that guide us in life.
How to apply Deuteronomy 27:3 to your life
Consider what values and principles guide your life. Just as the Israelites were instructed to write down their laws, take time to reflect on your commitments. Write down your personal values and revisit them regularly to ensure you are living in alignment with them. This practice can help you stay focused on what truly matters in your life and relationships. Remember, living by your values leads to a more fulfilling life and deeper connections.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 27:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 27:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 27:3 mean about writing the law?
Deuteronomy 27:3 emphasizes the importance of publicly committing to God's laws once the Israelites enter the promised land. Writing down the laws symbolizes their dedication to living according to God's guidance, ensuring they remember and uphold these principles in their new life. It serves as a reminder of their relationship with God and the blessings that come from following His commands.
Why is the land described as flowing with milk and honey?
The phrase 'flowing with milk and honey' in Deuteronomy 27:3 symbolizes abundance and prosperity. It conveys the idea that the promised land is rich in resources and blessings, reflecting God's provision for His people. This description serves to motivate the Israelites by highlighting the rewards of obedience and the fulfillment of God's promises to their ancestors.
How can I apply Deuteronomy 27:3 to my life today?
To apply Deuteronomy 27:3 in your life, take time to reflect on your personal values and commitments. Just as the Israelites were instructed to write down their laws, consider writing down your guiding principles. Regularly revisit these values to ensure you are living in alignment with them. This practice can help you stay focused on what truly matters and deepen your relationships.
What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness?
Deuteronomy 27:3 highlights God's faithfulness by reminding the Israelites that they are entering a land promised to them by the Lord, the God of their ancestors. The phrase 'just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you' reinforces the idea that God keeps His promises. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's plans and remain committed to following His guidance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.