Deuteronomy 12:1
New International Version
These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land.

New Living Translation
“These are the decrees and regulations you must be careful to obey when you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must obey them as long as you live.

English Standard Version
“These are the statutes and rules that you shall be careful to do in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth.

Berean Standard Bible
These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to follow all the days you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess.

King James Bible
These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

New King James Version
“These are the statutes and judgments which you shall be careful to observe in the land which the LORD God of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth.

New American Standard Bible
“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully follow in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth.

NASB 1995
“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth.

NASB 1977
“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth.

Legacy Standard Bible
“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall be careful to do in the land which Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess all the days you live on the earth.

Amplified Bible
“These are the statutes and judgments (precepts) which you shall be careful to do in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth.

Christian Standard Bible
“Be careful to follow these statutes and ordinances in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess all the days you live on the earth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be careful to follow these statutes and ordinances in the land that Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess all the days you live on the earth.

American Standard Version
These are the statutes and the ordinances which ye shall observe to do in the land which Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath given thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

Contemporary English Version
Now I'll tell you the laws and teachings that you have to obey as long as you live. Your ancestors worshiped the LORD, and he is giving you this land.

English Revised Version
These are the statutes and the judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land which the LORD, the God of thy fathers, hath given thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Here are the laws and rules you must faithfully obey in the land that the LORD God of your ancestors is giving you as your own. You must obey them as long as you live in the land.

Good News Translation
"Here are the laws that you are to obey as long as you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Listen to them!

International Standard Version
"These are the statutes and ordinances that you must carefully observe in the land that the LORD God of your ancestors has given you to possess every day that you live on the earth.

Majority Standard Bible
These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to follow all the days you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess.

NET Bible
These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to obey as long as you live in the land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess.

New Heart English Bible
These are the statutes and the ordinances which you shall observe to do in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess it, all the days that you live on the earth.

Webster's Bible Translation
These are the statutes and judgments which ye shall observe to do in the land which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

World English Bible
These are the statutes and the ordinances which you shall observe to do in the land which Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess all the days that you live on the earth.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“These [are] the statutes and the judgments which you observe to do in the land which YHWH, God of your fathers, has given to you to possess it, all the days that you are living on the ground.

Young's Literal Translation
These are the statutes and the judgments which ye observe to do in the land which Jehovah, God of thy fathers, hath given to thee to possess it, all the days that ye are living on the ground:

Smith's Literal Translation
These the laws and the judgments which ye shall watch to do in the land which Jehovah the God of thy fathers gave to thee to possess it all the days which ye live upon the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These are the precepts and judgments, that you must do in the land, which the Lord the God of thy fathers will give thee, to possess it all the days that thou shalt walk upon the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“These are the precepts and judgments which you must do in the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, will give to you, so that you may possess it during all the days that you shall walk upon the soil.

New American Bible
These are the statutes and ordinances which you must be careful to observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess, throughout the time you live on its soil.

New Revised Standard Version
These are the statutes and ordinances that you must diligently observe in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you to occupy all the days that you live on the earth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THESE are the statutes and judgments which you shall observe to do in the land which the LORD God of your fathers gives you to possess all the days that you live upon the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
"These are the laws and judgments that you shall observe and you shall do in the land that LORD JEHOVAH God of your fathers gives you to inherit, all of the days that you live in the land.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
These are the statutes and the ordinances, which ye shall observe to do in the land which the LORD, the God of thy fathers, hath given thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And these are the ordinances and the judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the Lord God of your fathers gives you for an inheritance, all the days which ye live upon the land.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
One Place for Worship
1These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to follow all the days you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess. 2Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree.…

Cross References
Leviticus 18:3-5
You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs. / You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God. / Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.

Exodus 23:24-25
You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces. / So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness from among you.

Joshua 23:6-8
Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, not turning aside from it to the right or to the left. / So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. / Instead, you shall hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day.

2 Kings 17:37-39
And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. / Do not forget the covenant I have made with you. Do not worship other gods, / but worship the LORD your God, and He will deliver you from the hands of all your enemies.”

1 Kings 8:58-61
May He incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances He commanded our fathers. / And may these words with which I have made my petition before the LORD be near to the LORD our God day and night, so that He may uphold the cause of His servant and of His people Israel as each day requires, / so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God. There is no other! ...

Psalm 119:4-5
You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. / Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes!

Nehemiah 1:7-9
We have behaved corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You gave Your servant Moses. / Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses when You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, / but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’

Ezekiel 20:19-20
I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. / Keep My Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us, so that you may know that I am the LORD your God.’

Jeremiah 7:23
but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.

Isaiah 56:6-7
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Matthew 5:17-19
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

John 14:15
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Romans 7:12
So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.

1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

Hebrews 8:10
For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.


Treasury of Scripture

These are the statutes and judgments, which you shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of your fathers gives you to possess it, all the days that you live on the earth.

the statues

Deuteronomy 4:1,2,5,45
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you…

Deuteronomy 6:1,2
Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: …

all the days

Deuteronomy 12:19
Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

Deuteronomy 4:19
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

1 Kings 8:40
That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.

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Care Careful Carefully Decisions Decrees Earth Heed Heritage Judgments Live Observe Ordinances Possess Statutes
Deuteronomy 12
1. Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed
4. The place of God's service to be kept
15. Blood is forbidden
17. Holy things must be eaten in the holy place
19. The Levite is not to be forsaken
20. Blood is again forbidden
26. and holy things must be eaten in the holy place
29. Idolatry is not to be enquired after














These are the statutes and ordinances
This phrase introduces a set of divine laws and regulations. In the context of Deuteronomy, these statutes and ordinances are part of the covenantal framework given to Israel. They are not merely legalistic commands but are intended to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with each other. The term "statutes" often refers to permanent laws, while "ordinances" can imply judgments or decisions that apply to specific situations. This duality underscores the comprehensive nature of God's law, covering both general principles and specific applications.

you must be careful to follow
The emphasis on careful observance highlights the importance of intentionality and diligence in obeying God's commands. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is a response to God's grace and a means of maintaining fellowship with Him. The call to carefulness suggests that obedience is not automatic but requires conscious effort and commitment. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live out their faith with intentionality (Philippians 2:12).

all the days you live in the land
This phrase underscores the perpetual nature of the covenantal obligations. The laws are not temporary but are to be observed continually as long as the Israelites inhabit the Promised Land. This reflects the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The land itself is a significant theme in Deuteronomy, symbolizing God's promise and blessing. The Israelites' tenure in the land is contingent upon their obedience, as seen in the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28.

that the LORD, the God of your fathers,
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with Israel. The reference to "the God of your fathers" connects the present generation to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—highlighting the faithfulness of God across generations. It serves as a reminder of the historical and relational context of the covenant, rooted in God's promises to the forefathers of Israel. This continuity is a recurring theme in Scripture, affirming God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people.

has given you to possess.
The land is described as a gift from God, underscoring His sovereignty and grace. The concept of possession implies both a privilege and a responsibility. The Israelites are to steward the land according to God's laws, reflecting His holiness and justice. This idea of divine gift and human responsibility is a recurring biblical theme, seen in the stewardship of creation (Genesis 1:28) and the parables of Jesus (e.g., Matthew 25:14-30). The land as a divine gift also foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ (Ephesians 1:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, preparing to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who has given the land to His people.

5. Statutes and Ordinances
The laws and commands given by God for the Israelites to follow.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The importance of adhering to God's statutes and ordinances is emphasized. Obedience is not just a one-time act but a lifelong commitment.

Living in the Promised Land
The Israelites are reminded that their possession of the land is a gift from God, contingent upon their faithfulness to His commands.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The passage underscores God's sovereignty in giving the land and His faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs.

Holiness and Distinctiveness
The statutes and ordinances are designed to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples.

Application for Today
Believers today are called to live by God's Word, recognizing that His commands are for our good and His glory.XII.

(1) These are the statutes and judgments.--The word Mitzvah--commandment, or duty--is not used here. Particular institutions and requirements are now before us.

Ver 1. - These are the statutes and judgments (cf. Deuteronomy 4:1; Deuteronomy 6:1). Moses, as the servant of God, had taught Israel statutes and rights, as God had commanded him (Deuteronomy 4:5); and now he recapitulates the principal of these for their guidance in the way of obedience. These they were to observe all the days of their life upon the land that was to be given them; the land was the Lord's, and there, as long as they possessed it, the Law of the Lord was to be paramount.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These [are]
אֵ֠לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

the statutes
הַֽחֻקִּ֣ים (ha·ḥuq·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

and ordinances
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֮ (wə·ham·miš·pā·ṭîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

you must be careful
תִּשְׁמְר֣וּן (tiš·mə·rūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

to follow
לַעֲשׂוֹת֒ (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the days
הַיָּמִ֔ים (hay·yā·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

you
אַתֶּ֥ם (’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

live
חַיִּ֖ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

in the land
בָּאָ֕רֶץ (bā·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD,
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the God
אֱלֹהֵ֧י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of your fathers,
אֲבֹתֶ֛יךָ (’ă·ḇō·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

has given
נָתַ֨ן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you to possess.
לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ (lə·riš·tāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 12:1 These are the statutes and the ordinances (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 11:32
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