Old Testament
Deuteronomy 9:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Otherwise, the land from which you brought us out will say, 'The LORD was not able to bring them into the land he promised them, and because he hated them, he brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.'
Compare translations
Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out say, Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them, and because he hated them, he hath brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.
What Deuteronomy 9:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses is expressing a concern about how the surrounding nations will perceive God's actions. If the Israelites fail to enter the promised land, those nations might conclude that God was powerless to fulfill His promise. They could also think that God must have hated His people, leading Him to bring them out of Egypt only to let them die in the wilderness. This reflects a deep concern for God's reputation and the implications of Israel's failure. Moses is highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as their actions could misrepresent His character. The verse serves as a reminder that our choices can impact how others view God. It emphasizes the need for trust in God's plans, even when circumstances seem dire. Ultimately, it calls for a commitment to live in a way that honors God and reflects His true nature to the world around us. This is not just about the Israelites; it’s about how we represent our beliefs in our daily lives and interactions.
How to apply Deuteronomy 9:28 to your life
Consider how your actions reflect your beliefs. Are you living in a way that honors your values? Remember that others are watching, and your choices can influence their perception of what you stand for. Strive to embody the principles you cherish in every situation you face. Your life can be a testimony to your faithfulness and trust in God’s promises.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 9:28
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 9:28
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 9:28 mean?
Deuteronomy 9:28 expresses Moses' concern that if the Israelites do not enter the promised land, surrounding nations will think God was unable to fulfill His promise and that He hated His people. This highlights the importance of Israel's faithfulness and obedience to God.
What is the significance of God's reputation in Deuteronomy 9:28?
In Deuteronomy 9:28, Moses emphasizes that the way the Israelites act can affect how others view God. Their failure to enter the promised land could lead to misconceptions about God's power and love.
What does the phrase 'the LORD was not able' imply in Deuteronomy 9:28?
The phrase 'the LORD was not able' in Deuteronomy 9:28 implies a fear that the nations would see God as weak or ineffective if the Israelites did not succeed in entering the promised land.
How does Deuteronomy 9:28 relate to trust in God?
Deuteronomy 9:28 relates to trust in God by reminding the Israelites that their actions and faithfulness are crucial in demonstrating God's character to others, especially in challenging circumstances.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.