Deuteronomy 30:19
New International Version
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

New Living Translation
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

English Standard Version
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

Berean Standard Bible
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,

King James Bible
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

New King James Version
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

New American Standard Bible
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have placed before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

NASB 1995
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

NASB 1977
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

Legacy Standard Bible
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your seed,

Amplified Bible
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore, you shall choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

Christian Standard Bible
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,

American Standard Version
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before thee life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that thou mayest live, thou and thy seed;

Contemporary English Version
Now I call the sky and the earth to be witnesses that I am offering you this choice. Will you choose for the LORD to make you prosperous and give you a long life? Or will he put you under a curse and kill you? Choose life!

English Revised Version
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before thee life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that thou mayest live, thou and thy seed:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I call on heaven and earth as witnesses today that I have offered you life or death, blessings or curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants will live.

Good News Translation
I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life.

International Standard Version
I call heaven and earth to testify against you today! I've set life and death before you today: both blessings and curses. Choose life, that it may be well with you—you and your children.

Majority Standard Bible
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,

NET Bible
Today I invoke heaven and earth as a witness against you that I have set life and death, blessing and curse, before you. Therefore choose life so that you and your descendants may live!

New Heart English Bible
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants;

Webster's Bible Translation
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

World English Bible
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have caused the heavens and the earth to testify against you today—I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the reviling, and you have fixed on life, so that you live, you and your seed,

Young's Literal Translation
'I have caused to testify against you to-day the heavens and the earth; life and death I have set before thee, the blessing and the reviling; and thou hast fixed on life, so that thou dost live, thou and thy seed,

Smith's Literal Translation
I called to witness against you this day the heavens and the earth, the life and the death I gave before thee, the blessing and the curse: and choose upon life, so that thou shalt live, thou and thy seed:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I call heaven and earth to witness this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose therefore life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Catholic Public Domain Version
I call heaven and earth as witnesses this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your offspring may live,

New American Bible
I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live,

New Revised Standard Version
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I call heaven and earth to bear witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have called Heaven and Earth to witness before you today: life and death I have put before you, a blessing and a curse; choose life for yourself that you shall live, you and your seed.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before thee life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore choose life, that thou mayest live, thou and thy seed;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I call both heaven and earth to witness this day against you, I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: choose thou life, that thou and thy seed may live;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Choice of Life or Death
18I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. 19I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, 20and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”…

Cross References
Joshua 24:15
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

1 John 5:11-12
And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. / Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!

Jeremiah 21:8
Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.

Psalm 1:1-6
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. ...

Romans 10:9-10
that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. / For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.


Treasury of Scripture

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live:

I call heaven (see note on

Deuteronomy 4:26
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

Deuteronomy 31:28
Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.

Deuteronomy 32:1
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

that I have

Deuteronomy 20:15
Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which are very far off from thee, which are not of the cities of these nations.

Deuteronomy 11:26
Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

choose life

Joshua 24:15-22
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD…

Psalm 119:30,111,173
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me

Proverbs 1:29
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

that both thou

Jeremiah 32:39
And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

Acts 2:39
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

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Blessing Blessings Caused Choose Curse Curses Cursing Death Descendants Earth Heaven Heavens Life Mayest Order Record Reviling Seed Testify Today To-Day Witness Witnesses Yourselves
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Blessing Blessings Caused Choose Curse Curses Cursing Death Descendants Earth Heaven Heavens Life Mayest Order Record Reviling Seed Testify Today To-Day Witness Witnesses Yourselves
Deuteronomy 30
1. Great mercies promised unto the penitent
11. The commandment is manifest
15. Death and life are set before them














I call heaven and earth as witnesses
In the ancient Near Eastern context, calling upon "heaven and earth" as witnesses was a solemn and binding act. This phrase underscores the gravity of the covenant being renewed. The Hebrew word for "call" (קָרָא, qara) implies a proclamation or summoning, indicating that this is not a private matter but a declaration before all creation. The use of "heaven and earth" signifies the totality of creation, emphasizing that the covenant is not just a human affair but one that involves the entire cosmos. This reflects the biblical theme that God's laws and covenants are universal and eternal.

against you today
The phrase "against you today" highlights the immediacy and urgency of the decision facing the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "today" (הַיּוֹם, hayom) is often used in Deuteronomy to stress the present moment's importance. It serves as a reminder that the covenant is not just a historical event but a living, ongoing commitment. The use of "against" (בְּ, be) can also be understood as "before," indicating that the witnesses are present to observe the people's response to God's offer.

that I have set before you
The phrase "that I have set before you" indicates God's initiative in presenting the choices to the Israelites. The Hebrew verb "set" (נָתַן, natan) means to give or place, suggesting that God has laid out the options clearly and deliberately. This reflects the biblical principle of free will, where God provides guidance and options, but the choice ultimately lies with the individual. It underscores God's desire for His people to choose willingly and thoughtfully.

life and death, blessing and cursing
This stark contrast between "life and death, blessing and cursing" encapsulates the essence of the covenant. The Hebrew word for "life" (חַיִּים, chayyim) is often associated with vitality, prosperity, and divine favor, while "death" (מָוֶת, mavet) signifies separation from God and the loss of His blessings. "Blessing" (בְּרָכָה, berakah) and "cursing" (קְלָלָה, qelalah) further emphasize the consequences of obedience or disobedience. This dichotomy is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, illustrating the clear moral and spiritual choices set before God's people.

So choose life
The imperative "So choose life" is a direct and passionate appeal from God through Moses. The Hebrew verb "choose" (בָּחַר, bachar) implies a deliberate and conscious decision. This call to action is not just about survival but about embracing the fullness of life that comes from a relationship with God. It reflects God's heart for His people, desiring that they thrive under His care and guidance.

so that you and your descendants may live
The phrase "so that you and your descendants may live" highlights the generational impact of the Israelites' choices. The Hebrew word for "descendants" (זֶרַע, zera) means seed, indicating that the decision to follow God affects not only the present generation but also future ones. This underscores the biblical principle of legacy and the importance of passing down faith and obedience to subsequent generations. It serves as a reminder that our choices have far-reaching consequences, influencing the spiritual heritage of our families and communities.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I call heaven
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

and earth
הָאָרֶץ֒ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

as witnesses
הַעִידֹ֨תִי (ha·‘î·ḏō·ṯî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5749: To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore

against you
בָכֶ֣ם (ḇā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

today
הַיּוֹם֮ (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

that I have set
נָתַ֣תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

before
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

you life
הַחַיִּ֤ים (ha·ḥay·yîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

and death,
וְהַמָּ֙וֶת֙ (wə·ham·mā·weṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin

blessing
הַבְּרָכָ֖ה (hab·bə·rā·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293: Benediction, prosperity

and cursing.
וְהַקְּלָלָ֑ה (wə·haq·qə·lā·lāh)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7045: Vilification

So choose
וּבָֽחַרְתָּ֙ (ū·ḇā·ḥar·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

life,
בַּֽחַיִּ֔ים (ba·ḥay·yîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

so that
לְמַ֥עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

you
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and your descendants
וְזַרְעֶֽךָ׃ (wə·zar·‘e·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

may live,
תִּחְיֶ֖ה (tiḥ·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 30:18
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