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    Deuteronomy 5 (KJV)

    Read Deuteronomy chapter 5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Deuteronomy 5

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    Word Meaning

    Covenant (בְּרִית (Berit))

    A solemn, binding agreement between God and His people

    Strong's

    Strong's H1285 — Covenant

    בְּרִית (Berit) • A solemn, binding agreement between God and His people

    Bible Quiz

    Exodus 20 Quiz — The Ten Commandments

    God's law given on Mount Sinai.

    Deuteronomy 5 Summary

    Deuteronomy 5 records Moses restating the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites standing on the border of the Promised Land. Unlike Exodus 20, this retelling includes Moses' personal reflections and the people's terrified response to hearing God's voice from the fire.

    Moses reminds the people that the covenant was not made with their ancestors alone but with 'us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.' This emphasis on present-tense covenant responsibility makes the commandments personal and urgent for every generation.

    Key Themes

    Ten Commandments restatedCovenant renewalThe fear of GodGenerational responsibilityMediator between God and people

    Key Verses in Deuteronomy 5

    "The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day."

    — Deuteronomy 5:3

    Makes the covenant personal — not just ancient history but a living relationship.

    "O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!"

    — Deuteronomy 5:29

    Reveals God's longing heart — obedience flows from a transformed heart, not mere compliance.

    "Thou shalt have none other gods before me."

    — Deuteronomy 5:7

    The first commandment remains the foundation of all others.

    Life Application

    God's cry in verse 29 — 'O that there were such a heart in them!' — reveals that He wants more than rule-following. He desires a heart that loves what He loves. This chapter challenges you to move beyond dutiful obedience to a relationship where God's commands feel like guardrails of love rather than restrictions on freedom.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are the Ten Commandments repeated in Deuteronomy 5?

    Moses restated them for the new generation that had grown up in the wilderness and was about to enter Canaan. Deuteronomy means 'second law' — it's a covenant renewal address, making the commandments relevant and binding for those who hadn't been at Sinai.

    How does Deuteronomy 5 differ from Exodus 20?

    The commandments are essentially the same, but Deuteronomy 5 gives a different reason for Sabbath observance (remembering slavery in Egypt rather than creation) and includes Moses' personal narration of the people's fear at Sinai.

    Read the full summary of Deuteronomy

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