Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. New Living Translation “So write down the words of this song, and teach it to the people of Israel. Help them learn it, so it may serve as a witness for me against them. English Standard Version “Now therefore write this song and teach it to the people of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the people of Israel. Berean Standard Bible Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. Berean Literal Bible And now write down for yourselves this song, and teach it to the sons of Israel. Put it in their mouths, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. King James Bible Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. New King James Version “Now therefore, write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. New American Standard Bible “Now then, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it on their lips, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. NASB 1995 “Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it on their lips, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. NASB 1977 “Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it on their lips, in order that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. Legacy Standard Bible “So now, write this song for yourselves and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it in their mouths, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. Amplified Bible “Now then, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel; put it in their mouth, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. Berean Annotated Bible Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites (God prevails); have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. Christian Standard Bible Therefore write down this song for yourselves and teach it to the Israelites; have them sing it, so that this song may be a witness for me against the Israelites. Holman Christian Standard Bible Therefore write down this song for yourselves and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the Israelites. American Standard Version Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach thou it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. Contemporary English Version Moses and Joshua, I am going to give you the words to a new song. Write them down and teach the song to the Israelites. If they learn it, they will know what I want them to do, and so they will have no excuse for not obeying me. English Revised Version Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach thou it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Write down this song, teach it to the Israelites, and have them sing it. This song will be a witness for me against the Israelites. Good News Translation "Now, write down this song. Teach it to the people of Israel, so that it will stand as evidence against them. International Standard Version "Now write this song and teach it to the Israelis. Put this song in their very mouths, so that it will be a witness for me against the Israelis, NET Bible Now write down for yourselves the following song and teach it to the Israelites. Put it into their very mouths so that this song may serve as my witness against the Israelites! New Heart English Bible "Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. Webster's Bible Translation Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. World English Bible “Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it [to] the sons of Israel; put it in their mouths, so that this song is to Me for a witness against the sons of Israel. Berean Literal Bible And now write down for yourselves this song, and teach it to the sons of Israel. Put it in their mouths, so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel. Young's Literal Translation 'And now, write for you this song, and teach it the sons of Israel; put it in their mouths, so that this song is to Me for a witness against the sons of Israel, Smith's Literal Translation And now write ye for you this song, and teach it to the sons of Israel: put it in their mouth so that this song shall be to me for a testimony among the sons of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow therefore write you this canticle, and teach the children of Israel: that they may know it by heart, and sing it by mouth, and this song may be unto me for a testimony among the children of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, write this canticle now, and teach it to the sons of Israel, so that they may retain it in memory, and may chant it by mouth, and so that this verse may be a testimony to me among the sons of Israel. New American Bible Now, write out this song for yourselves. Teach it to the Israelites and have them recite it, so that this song may be a witness for me against the Israelites. New Revised Standard Version Now therefore write this song, and teach it to the Israelites; put it in their mouths, in order that this song may be a witness for me against the Israelites. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow therefore write this song for them, and teach it to the children of Israel; and put it into their mouths; this song will be a witness for me against the children of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Therefore write to them this song and teach it to the children of Israel and put it in their mouths, so that this song may be a testimony to me among the children of Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach thou it the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And now write the words of this song, and teach it to the children of Israel, and ye shall put it into their mouth, that this song may witness for me among the children of Israel to their face. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Commissions Joshua…18And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods. 19Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. 20When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant.… Cross References Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song Isaiah 30:8 Go now, write it on a tablet in their presence and inscribe it on a scroll; it will be for the days to come, a witness forever and ever. Jeremiah 30:2 “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. and teach it to the Israelites; Deuteronomy 6:7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. Psalm 78:5-6 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 have them recite it, Joshua 8:35 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. Jeremiah 36:6 so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities. Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. so that it may be a witness for Me against them. Deuteronomy 30:19 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, Joshua 24:27 And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” Joshua 22:27 Rather, let it be a witness between us and you and the generations to come, that we will worship the LORD in His presence with our burnt offerings, sacrifices, and peace offerings.’ Then in the future, your descendants cannot say to ours, ‘You have no share in the LORD!’ Exodus 15:1-18 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. / The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. / The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name. … Psalm 78:1-72 A Maskil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth. / I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, / that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. … Psalm 105:1-45 Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations. / Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. / Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. … Psalm 106:1-48 Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. / Who can describe the mighty acts of the LORD or fully proclaim His praise? / Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice righteousness at all times. … Treasury of Scripture Now therefore write you this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. this song Deuteronomy 31:22,30 Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel… Deuteronomy 32:1,44,45 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth… and teach it Deuteronomy 4:9,10 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; … Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. put it in their Exodus 4:15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. 2 Samuel 14:3 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth. Isaiah 51:16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people. a witness Deuteronomy 31:21,26 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware… Ezekiel 2:5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. Jump to Previous Children Israel Israelites Lips Mouths Sing Song Teach Teaching Witness Write YourselvesJump to Next Children Israel Israelites Lips Mouths Sing Song Teach Teaching Witness Write YourselvesDeuteronomy 31 1. Moses encourages the people7. 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 Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song This command to write a song is significant in the context of ancient Israel, where oral tradition was a primary means of preserving history and teachings. The act of writing signifies the importance and permanence of the message. In biblical history, songs were often used to commemorate significant events or teachings (e.g., the Song of Moses in Exodus 15). This particular song serves as a divine directive, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's laws and the consequences of disobedience. and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is instructed by God to write down a song as a witness. 2. The Israelites The chosen people of God who are to learn and sing the song as a testimony. 3. God The divine author of the command, seeking to remind His people of their covenant and His faithfulness. 4. The Song A divinely inspired composition meant to serve as a witness and reminder of God's covenant with Israel. 5. The Promised Land The destination of the Israelites, where they are to live out the covenant with God. Teaching Points The Power of RemembranceSongs and other forms of art can be powerful tools for remembering God's works and promises. The Role of Witness The song serves as a witness, reminding us that our actions are always before God and that we are accountable to Him. Teaching the Next Generation Just as the Israelites were to teach the song to their children, we are called to pass down the truths of Scripture to future generations. The Importance of Obedience The song is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of following God's commands. God's Faithfulness Despite Israel's future unfaithfulness, the song underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 31:19?2. How does Deuteronomy 31:19 emphasize the importance of remembering God's commandments today? 3. What role does music play in teaching and remembering God's word in Deuteronomy? 4. How can we implement the practice of writing reminders of God's laws today? 5. How does Deuteronomy 31:19 connect with Psalm 119 regarding God's word in our hearts? 6. In what ways can we use songs to teach future generations about God's faithfulness? 7. Why did God command Moses to write a song in Deuteronomy 31:19? 8. How does Deuteronomy 31:19 reflect God's foreknowledge of Israel's future disobedience? 9. What is the significance of a song as a witness in Deuteronomy 31:19? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 31? 11. What is the Bible's perspective on music? 12. What is music's role and purpose in the church? 13. Deuteronomy 19:15-19: How can a strict penalty for false witnesses reconcile with passages elsewhere in the Bible that emphasize forgiveness? 14. Joshua 24:14-15 - How does this pledge to exclusively serve the Lord reconcile with the later biblical narratives showing continued idolatry in Israel? What Does Deuteronomy 31:19 Mean Now therefore“Now therefore” connects this command to the covenant renewal Moses has just rehearsed (Deuteronomy 29–30). Because Israel will soon cross the Jordan under Joshua (31:3) and because God foresees their future drift into idolatry (31:16-18), immediate action is required. Much like Joshua 24:14-15, the phrase signals an urgent, covenant-based response to God’s faithfulness. Crossing references: Deuteronomy 30:19; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 12:24. write down for yourselves this song God orders Moses to put the forthcoming “Song of Moses” (Deuteronomy 32:1-43) into writing—inscripturating truth so it can never be lost. • Writing anchors memory (Exodus 17:14; Isaiah 30:8). • It provides a permanent, authoritative standard, paralleling how the Ten Commandments were written “by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18). • Revelation 15:3 shows the song’s enduring relevance, sung even in heaven. and teach it to the Israelites The song is not for private archive but public discipleship. Israel’s leaders must pass it on, echoing earlier commands: • “Teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7). • “He established a testimony in Jacob…that they should teach them to their children” (Psalm 78:5-7). Teaching ensures each generation knows both God’s character and the consequences of covenant breach. have them recite it, Memorization turns doctrine into personal possession. Recitation: • Fixes truth in the heart (Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 3:3). • Keeps the word always on the lips, as instructed to Joshua (Joshua 1:8). • Fosters community solidarity—everyone knows the same words and the same God (Colossians 3:16). so that it may be a witness for Me against them. The song functions as covenant testimony. When Israel later rebels, the very words they learned will stand in God’s courtroom to prove they knew better (Deuteronomy 31:21). • God’s witnesses expose sin (John 5:39-40; Romans 3:19). • Yet they also vindicate His justice and faithfulness (Deuteronomy 32:4-6). • The warning is ultimately gracious, aiming to bring a repentant remnant back (Hosea 14:1). summary Deuteronomy 31:19 reveals God’s loving foresight. He commands a written, taught, and memorized song so that future generations cannot plead ignorance. The song will remind Israel of the covenant, warn of judgment, and ultimately spotlight God’s unwavering faithfulness. The verse calls believers today to cherish Scripture in written form, teach it diligently, memorize it intentionally, and let it stand as both guide and guardian of our walk with the Lord. (19) Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness.--This method of perpetuating the truth was even better adapted to the times and to the condition of the people than the delivery of a written law. It was not possible to multiply copies of the law among them to any great extent; but the rhythmical form of the song would make it easy to be retained in their memories. There is reason to believe that Samuel, the first person who (so far as we know) effected anything of importance towards the establishment of a system of religious education in Israel, employed the same means for the purpose, viz., psalms and spiritual songs. The first companies of prophets were evidently singers and minstrels (see 1Samuel 10:5-6; 1Samuel 19:20-24); hence their remarkable influence over Saul. And if they taught the psalms to the people, as they learnt them under Samuel and David--especially historical psalms, like the 78th, 105th, and 106th--a very efficacious means of spreading the knowledge of God in Israel was in their hands.Verse 19. - Write ye this song. This refers to the song which follows in next chapter. Moses and Joshua were both to write this song, Moses probably as the author, Joshua as his amanuensis, because both of them were to do their endeavor to keep the people from that apostasy which God had foretold.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now therefore,וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time write down כִּתְב֤וּ (kiṯ·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 3789: To grave, to write for yourselves לָכֶם֙ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew this הַזֹּ֔את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, song הַשִּׁירָ֣ה (haš·šî·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7892: A song, singing and teach וְלַמְּדָ֥הּ (wə·lam·mə·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3925: To exercise in, learn it to the Israelites; בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son have them recite שִׂימָ֣הּ (śî·māh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set it, בְּפִיהֶ֑ם (bə·p̄î·hem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to so that לְמַ֨עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent [it] הַזֹּ֛את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, may be תִּהְיֶה־ (tih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a witness לְעֵ֖ד (lə·‘êḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince for Me לִּ֜י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew against [them]. בִּבְנֵ֥י (biḇ·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son Links Deuteronomy 31:19 NIVDeuteronomy 31:19 NLT Deuteronomy 31:19 ESV Deuteronomy 31:19 NASB Deuteronomy 31:19 KJV Deuteronomy 31:19 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 31:19 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 31:19 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 31:19 French Bible Deuteronomy 31:19 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 31:19 Now therefore write you this song (Deut. De Du) |
    |