Deuteronomy 4:45
New International Version
These are the stipulations, decrees and laws Moses gave them when they came out of Egypt

New Living Translation
These are the laws, decrees, and regulations that Moses gave to the people of Israel when they left Egypt,

English Standard Version
These are the testimonies, the statutes, and the rules, which Moses spoke to the people of Israel when they came out of Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible
These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances that Moses proclaimed to them after they had come out of Egypt,

King James Bible
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

New King James Version
These are the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which Moses spoke to the children of Israel after they came out of Egypt,

New American Standard Bible
these are the testimonies and the statutes, and the ordinances which Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, when they came out of Egypt,

NASB 1995
these are the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances which Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, when they came out from Egypt,

NASB 1977
these are the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances which Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, when they came out from Egypt,

Legacy Standard Bible
these are the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments which Moses spoke to the sons of Israel when they came out from Egypt,

Amplified Bible
these are the testimonies (legal provisions) and the statutes and the judgments which Moses spoke to the sons of Israel when they came out of Egypt,

Christian Standard Bible
These are the decrees, statutes, and ordinances Moses proclaimed to them after they came out of Egypt,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the decrees, statutes, and ordinances Moses proclaimed to them after they came out of Egypt,

American Standard Version
these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, when they came forth out of Egypt,

English Revised Version
these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, when they came forth out of Egypt;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the commandments, laws, and rules Moses gave the Israelites after they had left Egypt.

International Standard Version
These are the instructions, decrees, and ordinances that Moses declared to the Israelis when they came out of Egypt.

NET Bible
These are the stipulations, statutes, and ordinances that Moses spoke to the Israelites after he had brought them out of Egypt,

New Heart English Bible
these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Moses spoke to the children of Israel, when they came forth out of Egypt,

Webster's Bible Translation
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spoke to the children of Israel, after they came forth from Egypt,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances that Moses proclaimed to them after they had come out of Egypt,

World English Bible
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances which Moses spoke to the children of Israel when they came out of Egypt,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
these [are] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses has spoken to the sons of Israel in their coming out of Egypt,

Young's Literal Translation
these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses hath spoken unto the sons of Israel, in their coming out of Egypt,

Smith's Literal Translation
These the testimonies and the laws and the judgments which Moses spake to the sons of Israel in their going forth out of Egypt,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And these are the testimonies and ceremonies and judgments, which he spoke to the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And these are the testimonies and ceremonies as well as judgments, which he spoke to the sons of Israel, when they departed from Egypt,

New American Bible
These are the decrees, and the statutes and ordinances which Moses proclaimed to the Israelites after they came out of Egypt,

New Revised Standard Version
These are the decrees and the statutes and ordinances that Moses spoke to the Israelites when they had come out of Egypt,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These are the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which Moses spoke to the children of Israel after they came forth out of Egypt,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
These are the testimonies and the laws and judgments that Moshe spoke with the children of Israel when they went out from Egypt,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Moses spoke unto the children of Israel, when they came forth out of Egypt;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
These are the testimonies, and the ordinances, and the judgments, which Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Introduction to the Law
44This is the law that Moses set before the Israelites. 45These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances that Moses proclaimed to them after they had come out of Egypt, 46while they were in the valley across the Jordan facing Beth-peor in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon and was defeated by Moses and the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt.…

Cross References
Exodus 21:1
“These are the ordinances that you are to set before them:

Leviticus 26:46
These are the statutes, ordinances, and laws that the LORD established between Himself and the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai.

Numbers 36:13
These are the commandments and ordinances that the LORD gave the Israelites through Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.

Deuteronomy 5:1
Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully.

Deuteronomy 6:1
These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess,

Deuteronomy 12:1
These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to follow all the days you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess.

Joshua 1:7-8
Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / 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.

Joshua 22:5
But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes, commandments, ordinances, and decrees, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn,

2 Kings 17:13
Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”

Nehemiah 9:13-14
You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments. / You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.

Psalm 19:7-8
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.

Psalm 119:1-2
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. / Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

Isaiah 42:21
The LORD was pleased, for the sake of His righteousness, to magnify His law and make it glorious.

Jeremiah 7:23
but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.


Treasury of Scripture

These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spoke to the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt.

These

Deuteronomy 6:17,20
Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee…

1 Kings 2:3
And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

Psalm 119:2,14,22,24,111
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart…

statutes

Deuteronomy 4:1
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Psalm 11:5
The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

judgments

Psalm 119:7
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

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Children Decisions Declared Decrees Egypt Israel Judgments Laws Moses Ordinances Rules Statutes Stipulations Testimonies
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Children Decisions Declared Decrees Egypt Israel Judgments Laws Moses Ordinances Rules Statutes Stipulations Testimonies
Deuteronomy 4
1. An exhortation to obedience
41. Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan
44. Recapitulation














These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances
This phrase refers to the legal and moral instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. "Testimonies" often denote the covenantal laws that bear witness to God's relationship with His people. "Statutes" are specific decrees or commands, while "ordinances" refer to judgments or legal decisions. Together, they form a comprehensive guide for living in accordance with God's will. This triad is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch, emphasizing the completeness and divine origin of the law (e.g., Psalm 19:7-9).

that Moses proclaimed to them
Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant, is the central figure in delivering God's law to the Israelites. His role as a prophet and leader is crucial, as he communicates God's will directly to the people. This proclamation is part of his final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, underscoring the importance of obedience to these laws for their success and prosperity (Deuteronomy 5:1).

after they had come out of Egypt
This phrase situates the giving of the law in the historical context of the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history. The deliverance from Egypt is a powerful symbol of God's salvation and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship established at Sinai, where God gave the law as a means to guide His redeemed people. The Exodus is frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a type of Christ's redemptive work, illustrating the transition from bondage to freedom (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader and prophet who delivered God's laws to the Israelites. He is a mediator between God and His people.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the laws, testimonies, and ordinances. They are God's chosen people, delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeying to the Promised Land.

3. Egypt
The land from which the Israelites were delivered. It symbolizes bondage and oppression, from which God rescued His people.

4. Testimonies, Statutes, and Ordinances
These are the laws and commands given by God through Moses. They are meant to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The context in which these laws were given, representing a time of testing, learning, and preparation for entering the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
The Importance of God's Law
The testimonies, statutes, and ordinances are not just historical documents but are vital for understanding God's will and character. They guide us in living a life that pleases God.

Obedience as a Response to Deliverance
Just as the Israelites were called to obey God's laws after being delivered from Egypt, Christians are called to live according to God's Word in response to the salvation we have received through Christ.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses as a mediator points to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us and fulfills the law on our behalf.

Living in Covenant Relationship
The laws were given to maintain a covenant relationship with God. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects our covenant relationship with Him.

Learning from the Past
The history of Israel's deliverance and journey serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of adhering to His commands.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 4:45?

2. How do Deuteronomy 4:45's "laws and decrees" guide our daily decisions today?

3. What significance do the "laws and decrees" hold for Israel's covenant relationship with God?

4. How does Deuteronomy 4:45 connect with Jesus' teachings on the law?

5. How can we apply the principles of Deuteronomy 4:45 in modern Christian life?

6. Why is it important to remember the context of "laws and decrees" in Deuteronomy?

7. What historical context surrounds Deuteronomy 4:45 and its significance for Israel?

8. How does Deuteronomy 4:45 reflect the covenant relationship between God and Israel?

9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Deuteronomy 4:45?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4?

11. Is there a female deity called Mother God?

12. Romans 6:14 claims believers are 'not under law but under grace.' How does this align with the Old Testament emphasis on strict adherence to the Mosaic Law?

13. Does John 1:1 imply multiple gods since 'the Word' is both with God and is God?

14. What are Hippolytus of Rome's views on heresies?
What Does Deuteronomy 4:45 Mean
These are

The verse opens with a demonstrative focus: “These are…” (Deuteronomy 4:45). Moses draws the people’s attention to something specific and immediate—not theoretical principles in the abstract, but concrete words they are now hearing. Compare how Joshua later echoes the same tone—“These are the inheritances…” (Joshua 13:1). Scripture frequently uses this phrase to mark a decisive moment when God’s revelation is set before His people (e.g., Leviticus 11:1; Deuteronomy 6:1). By saying “These are,” Moses presents the covenant requirements as settled and authoritative.


the testimonies

“Testimonies” highlight the witness God gives about Himself and His works. They remind Israel of the record of divine faithfulness.

Psalm 19:7 calls God’s testimonies “trustworthy,” linking them to wisdom.

Psalm 78:5 says God “established a testimony in Jacob… that they should make them known to their children,” underscoring the multi-generational aspect.

In Deuteronomy, the testimony encompasses events such as the plagues (Exodus 7–12) and the Sinai revelation (Exodus 19–20), which prove the Lord alone is God (Deuteronomy 4:35). Accepting these testimonies means accepting God’s authority.


statutes

Statutes are fixed instructions that shape daily conduct. Deuteronomy often pairs “statutes and judgments” (Deuteronomy 6:1).

Leviticus 18:4–5 shows statutes carry life-or-death consequences: “The one who does them will live by them.”

Nehemiah 9:13–14 praises God for “right statutes and true laws,” linking obedience to blessing.

Statutes in Deuteronomy include commands about worship (Deuteronomy 12), leadership (17:14-20), and festivals (16:1-17). They reveal God’s moral order, guarding His people from the practices of the surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 12:29-31).


and ordinances

Ordinances (often rendered “judgments”) govern how justice is administered among the people.

Exodus 21–23 gives many such ordinances, from property rights to social justice.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 stresses appointing judges who will apply these ordinances impartially.

Together with testimonies and statutes, ordinances round out the covenant’s holistic scope—covering worship, morality, and civil life so that Israel might function as a righteous community (Deuteronomy 4:6-8).


that Moses proclaimed to them

Moses serves as the mediator, faithfully relaying God’s word.

Deuteronomy 5:1: “Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I declare in your hearing today.’”

Acts 7:38 calls Moses the one “who received living words to pass on to us.”

His proclamation models pastoral responsibility: receive from God, deliver to the people without alteration (Deuteronomy 12:32).


after they had come out of Egypt

The timing grounds the commands in redemption history. The people are already delivered; obedience is their response to grace.

Exodus 20:2 frames the Ten Commandments the same way: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 echoes the pattern: redeemed first, then called to holy living.

Remembering Egypt keeps gratitude fresh and guards against relapse into bondage-like patterns (Deuteronomy 6:12).


summary

Deuteronomy 4:45 identifies the covenant content (“testimonies, statutes, ordinances”), the messenger (Moses), and the context (post-Exodus redemption). The verse reminds God’s people that His authoritative word flows from His saving acts; therefore, obedience is both a grateful response and the pathway to ongoing blessing.

Verse 45. - Testimonies; ordinances attested and confirmed by God; the word used here (עֵדות, plu. of עֵדַה) occurs only in Deuteronomy (here and Deuteronomy 6:17, 20) and in the Psalms. Statutes and judgments (cf. Deuteronomy 4:1). After they came forth out of Egypt; "i.e. not immediately after their exit, But, as ver. 46 shows, when they were already beyond Jordan" (Herxheimer); literally, in their coming out: i.e. during the process of their passing from Egypt to Canaan; more exactly defined by what follows.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These [are]
אֵ֚לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

the testimonies,
הָֽעֵדֹ֔ת (hā·‘ê·ḏōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5713: Testimony, witness

statutes,
וְהַֽחֻקִּ֖ים (wə·ha·ḥuq·qîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

and ordinances
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים (wə·ham·miš·pā·ṭîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

Moses
מֹשֶׁה֙ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

proclaimed
דִּבֶּ֤ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

them
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

after they had come out
בְּצֵאתָ֖ם (bə·ṣê·ṯām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of Egypt,
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃ (mim·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:45 These are the testimonies and the statutes (Deut. De Du)
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