Deuteronomy 32:47
New International Version
They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

New Living Translation
These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”

English Standard Version
For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

Berean Standard Bible
For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

King James Bible
For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

New King James Version
For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.”

New American Standard Bible
For it is not a trivial matter for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.”

NASB 1995
“For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.”

NASB 1977
“For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you shall prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.”

Amplified Bible
For it is not an empty or trivial matter for you; indeed it is your [very] life. By [honoring and obeying] this word you will live long in the land, which you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Christian Standard Bible
For they are not meaningless words to you but they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For they are not meaningless words to you but they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

American Standard Version
For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it.

Contemporary English Version
The Law isn't empty words. It can give you a long life in the land that you are going to take."

English Revised Version
For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days upon the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't think these words are idle talk. They are your life! By these words you will be able to live for a long time in the land that you are going to take possession of when you cross the Jordan River."

Good News Translation
These teachings are not empty words; they are your very life. Obey them and you will live long in that land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy."

International Standard Version
because they're not just empty words for you—they are your very life. Through these instructions you will live long in the land that you are about to cross over the Jordan River to possess."

Majority Standard Bible
For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

NET Bible
For this is no idle word for you--it is your life! By this word you will live a long time in the land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess."

New Heart English Bible
For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it."

Webster's Bible Translation
For it is not a vain thing for you: because it is your life; and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

World English Bible
For it is no vain thing for you, because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for it [is] not a vain thing for you, for it [is] your life, and by this thing you prolong days on the ground to where you are passing over the Jordan to possess it.”

Young's Literal Translation
for it is not a vain thing for you, for it is your life, and by this thing ye prolong days on the ground whither ye are passing over the Jordan to possess it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For it is not an empty word for you, but it is your life; and in this word ye shall prolong the days upon the land which ye pass through Jordan there to inherit it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For they are not commanded you in vain, but that every one should live in them, and that doing them you may continue a long time in the land whither you are going over the Jordan to possess it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For these things have not been entrusted to you to no purpose, but so that each one would live by them, and so that, in doing these, you may continue for a long time in the land, which you will enter upon crossing the Jordan in order to possess it.”

New American Bible
For this is no trivial matter for you, but rather your very life; by this word you will enjoy a long life on the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

New Revised Standard Version
This is no trifling matter for you, but rather your very life; through it you may live long in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For it is not a vain thing for you, because it is your life; and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land which you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because it is not a worthless word to you, because it is your life and by this word you will multiply days in the land when you pass over the Jordan there to possess it.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing ye shall prolong your days upon the land, whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For this is no vain word to you; for it is your life, and because of this word ye shall live long upon the land, into which ye go over Jordan to inherit it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Song of Moses
46he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law. 47For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Cross References
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. / Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. / For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body.

Matthew 4:4
But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

John 6:63
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

James 1:22
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

Psalm 19:7-11
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...

John 5:39
You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Isaiah 55:10-11
For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

1 Peter 1:23-25
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. / For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

Luke 11:28
But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.


Treasury of Scripture

For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over Jordan to possess it.

Deuteronomy 30:19
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:

Leviticus 18:5
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 3:1,2,18,22
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: …

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Cross Heritage Idle Indeed Jordan Life Passing Possess Prolong Small Thereby Trifle Vain Whereunto Whither Word Words
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Deuteronomy 32
1. Moses' song, which sets forth God's mercy and vengeance
46. He exhorts them to set their hearts upon it
48. God sends him up to mount Nebo to see the land, and to die














For they are not idle words to you
The phrase "idle words" in Hebrew is "davar reik," which implies words that are empty or without substance. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is emphasizing the significance and weight of God's commandments. These are not mere suggestions or trivial sayings; they are divinely inspired instructions meant to guide the Israelites. Historically, the Israelites were on the brink of entering the Promised Land, and Moses was reiterating the importance of adhering to God's law as a foundation for their community and spiritual life. This phrase serves as a reminder that God's words are active and powerful, meant to be lived out with intention and purpose.

because they are your life
The Hebrew word for "life" here is "chayim," which encompasses not just physical existence but a holistic sense of well-being, prosperity, and spiritual vitality. In the conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief that God's Word is essential for true life. It is not just about survival but thriving in a relationship with God. The scriptures are seen as a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance, providing the wisdom and strength needed to navigate life's challenges. This phrase highlights the transformative power of God's Word, which sustains and enriches the believer's life.

and by them you will live long
The promise of longevity is tied to obedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew verb "chayah" means to live or to have life, and it suggests a quality of life that is blessed and fulfilling. In the historical context, this was a literal promise to the Israelites that their obedience would result in a prolonged and prosperous life in the land God was giving them. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this can also be understood metaphorically as the promise of eternal life through faith and obedience to God's Word. It reflects the belief that living according to God's principles leads to a life of purpose and blessing.

in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess
The "land" refers to the Promised Land, a central theme in the Old Testament narrative. Crossing the Jordan River was a significant event for the Israelites, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. The Hebrew word for "possess" is "yarash," which means to inherit or take possession of. This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience to His Word is directly linked to the blessings of the covenant. For conservative Christians, this serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of living in accordance with His will to receive His promises. The crossing of the Jordan is also seen as a metaphor for entering into the fullness of God's promises through faith and obedience.

(47) For it is not a vain thing for you.--Not too light a thing for you, not unworthy of your attention.

It is your life.--For the last time in this book the people are assured that the very end of their existence in Canaan was the observance of the law of Jehovah as the law of the land.

Verse 47. It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life; these are not mere empty words; they are of vital import (cf. Deuteronomy 30:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֠י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

are not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

idle
רֵ֥ק (rêq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7386: Empty, worthless

words
דָבָ֨ר (ḏā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

to you,
מִכֶּ֔ם (mik·kem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they
ה֖וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

are your life,
חַיֵּיכֶ֑ם (ḥay·yê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

and by them
הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

you will live long
תַּאֲרִ֤יכוּ (ta·’ă·rî·ḵū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 748: To be, long

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the land
הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 127: Ground, land

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

are crossing
עֹבְרִ֧ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

to possess.”
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ (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 32:47 For it is no vain thing (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 32:46
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