Deuteronomy 30:14

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 30:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
Deuteronomy 30:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 30

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, etc.] In the ministration of it by those who clearly, plainly, and faithfully preach it, and in the application of it by the Spirit of God to the heart; and in the gracious experience converted persons have of the power and efficacy of it in them, and of the comfort they receive from it: in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it; in the mouth by confession, being not ashamed to own it, and profess it before men; and in the heart, where it is come with power, has a place, and works effectually, and is cordially believed, and comfortably experienced; and when this is the case, its ordinances will be faithfully kept as delivered, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Ignorance of the requirements of the law cannot be pleaded Deuteronomy 30:10-14; hence, Deuteronomy 30:15-20 life and death, good and evil, are solemnly set before the people for their own choice; and an earnest exhortation to choose the better part concludes the address. Deuteronomy 30:11-14. “The righteousness which is of faith” is really and truly described in these words of the Law; and, under Paul’s guidance (see marginal references) we affirm was intended so to be. For the simplicity and accessibility which Moses here attributes to the Law of God neither is nor can be experimentally found in it except through the medium of faith; even though outwardly and in the letter that Law be…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“In thy mouth - Thou knowest it so well, that it is the matter of thy common discourse. In thy heart - In thy mind, (as the heart is very commonly taken) to understand and believe it. In a word, the Law is plain and easy: but the gospel is much more so. Deuteronomy 30:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“30:14 The message of salvation is objectively close (on your lips) and subjectively near (in your heart). It is capable of being taught and learned (see 6:6-7).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“very: Eze 2:5, Eze 33:33; Luk 10:11, Luk 10:12; Joh 5:46; Act 13:26, Act 13:38-41, Act 28:23-28; Heb 2:1-3 mouth: Jer 12:2; Eze 33:31; Mat 7:21; Rom 10:8-10 Deuteronomy 30:15”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification