Deuteronomy 31:12
New International Version
Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.

New Living Translation
Call them all together—men, women, children, and the foreigners living in your towns—so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions.

English Standard Version
Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law,

Berean Standard Bible
Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law.

King James Bible
Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

New King James Version
Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law,

New American Standard Bible
Assemble the people, the men, the women, the children, and the stranger who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to follow all the words of this Law.

NASB 1995
“Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.

NASB 1977
“Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, in order that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.

Legacy Standard Bible
Assemble the people, the men and the women and little ones and the sojourner who is within your gates, so that they may hear and so that they may learn and fear Yahweh your God and be careful to do all the words of this law.

Amplified Bible
Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the stranger (resident alien, foreigner) within your cities, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect], and be careful to obey all the words of this law.

Christian Standard Bible
Gather the people—men, women, dependents, and the resident aliens within your city gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Gather the people—men, women, children, and foreigners living within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law.

American Standard Version
Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and thy sojourner that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Jehovah your God, and observe to do all the words of this law;

English Revised Version
Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Assemble the men, women, and children, as well as the foreigners who live in your cities. Have them listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and faithfully obey every word of these teachings.

Good News Translation
Call together all the men, women, and children, and the foreigners who live in your towns, so that everyone may hear it and learn to honor the LORD your God and to obey his teachings faithfully.

International Standard Version
Gather the people—the men, women, children, and the foreigners that live in your cities—so they may hear and fear the LORD your God, and so they may be careful to obey the words contained in this Law.

Majority Standard Bible
Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law.

NET Bible
Gather the people--men, women, and children, as well as the resident foreigners in your villages--so they may hear and thus learn about and fear the LORD your God and carefully obey all the words of this law.

New Heart English Bible
Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and your foreigner who is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law;

Webster's Bible Translation
Convene the people, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

World English Bible
Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, learn, fear Yahweh your God, and observe to do all the words of this law,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Assemble the people, the men, and the women, and the infants, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates, so that they hear, and so that they learn, and have feared your God YHWH, and observed to do all the words of this law;

Young's Literal Translation
Assemble the people, the men, and the women, and the infants, and thy sojourner who is within thy gates, so that they hear, and so that they learn, and have feared Jehovah your God, and observed to do all the words of this law;

Smith's Literal Translation
Gather the people, the men and the women and the little ones and thy stranger which is in thy gates, so that they shall hear, and so that they shall learn and fear Jehovah your God, and watch to do all the words of this law:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the people being all assembled together, both men and women, children and strangers, that are within thy gates: that hearing they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and keep, and fulfil all the words of this law:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the people have gathered together, men as well as women and little children, and the new arrivals who are within your gates, they shall listen so that they may learn, and may fear the Lord your God, and may keep and fulfill all the words of this law,

New American Bible
Assemble the people—men, women and children, as well as the resident aliens who live in your communities—that they may hear and so learn to fear the LORD, your God, and to observe carefully all the words of this law.

New Revised Standard Version
Assemble the people—men, women, and children, as well as the aliens residing in your towns—so that they may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God and to observe diligently all the words of this law,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Gather the people together, men and women and children and the stranger who is within your cities, that they may hear, and that they may learn and revere the LORD your God and observe and do all the words of this law;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Gather the people, men and women and little ones and settlers who are in your towns, so that they will hear and they will learn and will be in awe of LORD JEHOVAH their God, and they will keep and will do all of the words of this Written Law:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
having assembled the people, the men, and the women, and the children, and the stranger that is in your cities, that they may hear, and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God; and they shall hearken to do all the words of this law.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Reading of the Law
11when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. 12Assemble the people— men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates— so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. 13Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”…

Cross References
Joshua 8:34-35
Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. / There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua failed to read before the whole assembly of Israel, including the women, the little ones, and the foreigners who lived among them.

Nehemiah 8:2-3
On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

2 Chronicles 17:7-9
In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, / accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram. / They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people.

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Psalm 78:5-7
For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children / that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments.

Isaiah 34:16
Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.

Jeremiah 31:33-34
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. / No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”

Hosea 4:1
Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land!

Malachi 2:7
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts.

Acts 15:21
For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

2 Timothy 3:15-17
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / 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.

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.

James 1:22-25
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Gather the people together, men and women, and children, and your stranger that is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

Gather

Deuteronomy 4:10
Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

men

Deuteronomy 6:6,7
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: …

Ezra 10:1
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.

Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…

that they may

Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Psalm 34:11-14
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Alien Aliens Assemble Carefully Children Convene Country Hear Hearing Heed Infants Learn Little Observe Ones Stranger Together Towns Within Women Words
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Alien Aliens Assemble Carefully Children Convene Country Hear Hearing Heed Infants Learn Little Observe Ones Stranger Together Towns Within Women Words
Deuteronomy 31
1. Moses encourages the people
7. He encourages Joshua
9. He delivers the law unto the priests to be read in the seventh year
14. God gives a charge to Joshua
19. and a song to testify against the people
24. Moses delivers the book of the law to the Levites to keep
28. He makes a protestation














Assemble the people
The Hebrew root for "assemble" is "קהל" (qahal), which signifies a gathering or congregation. This term is foundational in understanding the communal aspect of Israelite worship and instruction. Historically, the assembly of the people was a significant event, emphasizing unity and collective responsibility in the covenant community. It underscores the importance of coming together as a body to hear God's Word, reflecting the New Testament church's practice of gathering for teaching and fellowship.

men, women, children
This phrase highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, religious instruction was often limited to men. However, this command breaks cultural norms by including women and children, emphasizing that the knowledge and fear of the Lord are for everyone. It reflects the biblical principle that all members of the community, regardless of age or gender, are integral to the faith journey and are called to participate in the covenant relationship with God.

and the foreigners within your gates
The inclusion of "foreigners" (Hebrew: "גֵּרִים" gerim) within the assembly is significant. It demonstrates God's heart for inclusivity and His desire for all nations to know Him. This command foreshadows the New Testament revelation that the Gospel is for all people, Jew and Gentile alike. It also reflects the historical reality of Israel as a nation that, while distinct, was to be a light to the nations, drawing others to the worship of the one true God.

so that they may listen and learn
The verbs "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) and "learn" (לָמַד, lamad) are central to the Hebrew understanding of acquiring wisdom. Listening implies an active, attentive posture, while learning suggests a process of internalizing and applying knowledge. This dual action is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It highlights the importance of not just hearing God's Word but understanding and integrating it into one's life.

to fear the LORD your God
The "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) of the Lord is a foundational concept in the Hebrew Bible, denoting reverence, awe, and respect. It is not a fear that paralyzes but one that inspires obedience and worship. This fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is crucial for a right relationship with God. It acknowledges His holiness, sovereignty, and love, motivating believers to live in a way that honors Him.

and to follow carefully
The phrase "follow carefully" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies diligent observance and guarding of God's commandments. It suggests an intentional and conscientious effort to live according to God's standards. This careful following is a response to God's grace and a demonstration of love and commitment to Him. It reflects the biblical call to holiness and the pursuit of a life that reflects God's character.

all the words of this law
The "law" (תּוֹרָה, torah) refers to the teachings and instructions given by God through Moses. It encompasses not just legalistic commands but the entire covenantal framework that guides the Israelites' relationship with God. The emphasis on "all the words" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's revelation and the necessity of adhering to it fully. It calls believers to a holistic obedience that encompasses every aspect of life, recognizing that God's Word is the ultimate authority and guide.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Assemble
הַקְהֵ֣ל (haq·hêl)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6950: To gather as an assembly or congregation

the people—
הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

men,
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

women,
וְהַנָּשִׁים֙ (wə·han·nā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

children,
וְהַטַּ֔ף (wə·haṭ·ṭap̄)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2945: A family

and the foreigners
וְגֵרְךָ֖ (wə·ḡê·rə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1616: A guest, a foreigner

within your gates—
בִּשְׁעָרֶ֑יךָ (biš·‘ā·re·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

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

they may listen
יִשְׁמְע֜וּ (yiš·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

and learn
יִלְמְד֗וּ (yil·mə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3925: To exercise in, learn

to fear
וְיָֽרְאוּ֙ (wə·yā·rə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

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

your God
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

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

carefully
וְשָֽׁמְר֣וּ (wə·šā·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

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

the words
דִּבְרֵ֖י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of this
הַזֹּֽאת׃ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

law.
הַתּוֹרָ֥ה (hat·tō·w·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 31:12 Assemble the people the men and (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 31:11
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