Old Testament
Deuteronomy 31:16
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The LORD said to Moses, "You are about to die and join your ancestors. After you are gone, these people will turn to the foreign gods of the land they are entering, acting unfaithfully towards me. They will abandon me and break the covenant I made with them."
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And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.
What Deuteronomy 31:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God speaks to Moses, revealing a painful truth about the future of the Israelites. Moses is nearing the end of his life, and God warns him that after his death, the people will stray from their faith. They will be tempted by the foreign gods of the land they are about to enter. This unfaithfulness will lead them to abandon their commitment to God and break the sacred agreement He made with them. God’s words highlight the vulnerability of the human heart to seek out what is new and different, often at the cost of what is true and faithful. The Israelites' history is a reminder of the struggle between loyalty to God and the allure of other influences. This passage serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from one’s beliefs and the importance of staying true to one’s commitments, especially in times of change and uncertainty. It emphasizes the need for vigilance in faith and the dangers of complacency in spiritual matters. God’s message is clear: faithfulness is essential.
How to apply Deuteronomy 31:16 to your life
Reflect on your own commitments and the influences around you. Are there distractions that pull you away from what you believe? Stay grounded in your values and be aware of the choices you make. Regularly check in with your beliefs to ensure you remain true to them. Seek support from others who share your values to strengthen your resolve.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: “Be Strong and Courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:1–23)
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Moses
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Deuteronomy 31:16
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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 31:16 mean?
Deuteronomy 31:16 conveys God's warning to Moses that after his death, the Israelites will abandon their faith and turn to foreign gods. This highlights the tendency of people to stray from their commitments, especially in times of change.
What is the significance of the covenant in Deuteronomy 31:16?
The covenant in Deuteronomy 31:16 represents the sacred agreement between God and the Israelites. The verse warns that their unfaithfulness will lead them to break this covenant, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to God.
What does 'go a whoring after the gods' mean in Deuteronomy 31:16?
The phrase 'go a whoring after the gods' in Deuteronomy 31:16 indicates a strong betrayal of faith, suggesting that the Israelites will pursue foreign gods with the same passion and devotion that should be reserved for God.
What themes are present in Deuteronomy 31:16?
Deuteronomy 31:16 encompasses themes of faithfulness, temptation, and loyalty. It serves as a reminder of the struggle to remain committed to one's beliefs amidst external influences and changes.
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