Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! New Living Translation Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever. English Standard Version Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever! Berean Standard Bible If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever. King James Bible 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! New King James Version Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever! New American Standard Bible If only they had such a heart in them, to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it would go well with them and with their sons forever! NASB 1995 ‘Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! NASB 1977 ‘Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! Legacy Standard Bible Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments all the days, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever! Amplified Bible Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear [and worship Me with awe-filled reverence and profound respect] and keep all My commandments always, so that it may go well with them and with their children forever! Christian Standard Bible If only they had such a heart to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that they and their children would prosper forever. Holman Christian Standard Bible If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commands always, so that they and their children will prosper forever. American Standard Version Oh that there were such a 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! Contemporary English Version I wish they would always worship me with fear and trembling and be this willing to obey me! Then they and their children would always enjoy a successful life. English Revised Version Oh 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! GOD'S WORD® Translation If only they would fear me and obey all my commandments as long as they live! Then things would go well for them and their children forever. Good News Translation If only they would always feel this way! If only they would always honor me and obey all my commands, so that everything would go well with them and their descendants forever. International Standard Version If only they would commit to fear me and keep all my commands, then it will go well with them and their children forever. NET Bible If only it would really be their desire to fear me and obey all my commandments in the future, so that it may go well with them and their descendants forever. New Heart English Bible Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever. Webster's Bible Translation O that there were such a 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! Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever. World English Bible Oh that there were such a 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 forever! Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionO that their heart had been thus to them, to fear Me and to keep My commands [for] all the days, that it may be well with them and with their sons for all time! Young's Literal Translation O that their heart had been thus to them, to fear Me, and to keep My commands all the days, that it may be well with them, and with their sons -- to the age! Smith's Literal Translation Who will give, and were this heart in them, for them to fear me and to watch all my commands all the days, so that it shall be well to them and to their sons forever. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho shall give them to have such a mind, to fear me, and to keep all my commandments at all times, that it may be well with them and with their children for ever? Catholic Public Domain Version Who will grant to them to have such a mind, so that they may fear me, and may keep all my commandments at all times, so that it may be well with them and with their sons forever? New American Bible Would that they might always be of such a mind, to fear me and to keep all my commandments! Then they and their descendants would prosper forever. New Revised Standard Version If only they had such a mind as this, to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, so that it might go well with them and with their children forever! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleO that there were such a heart in them, to worship, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them and with their children for ever! Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But, oh that they would have this heart: to be in awe before me and to keep all of my commands all of their days, that it would be well for them and for their children to eternity. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Oh that they had such a heart as this alway, to fear Me, and keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! Brenton Septuagint Translation O that there were such a heart in them, that they should fear me and keep my commands always, that it might be well with them and with their sons for ever. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moses Intercedes for the People…28And the LORD heard the words you spoke to me, and He said to me, “I have heard the words that these people have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken. 29If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever. 30Go and tell them: ‘Return to your tents.’… Cross References Jeremiah 32:39 I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. Psalm 81:13-14 If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, / how soon I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes! Isaiah 48:18 If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea. Ezekiel 11:19-20 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. Proverbs 1:23 If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. Psalm 119:36 Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain. 1 Kings 8:58 May He incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances He commanded our fathers. 2 Chronicles 30:12 Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD. Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart. Matthew 22:37 Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Romans 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. Hebrews 10:16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.” Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. Treasury of Scripture 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! O that there Deuteronomy 32:29,30 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! … Psalm 81:13-15 Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! … Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: keep all Deuteronomy 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway. Psalm 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Psalm 119:1-5 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD… that it might Deuteronomy 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Deuteronomy 4:40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever. Deuteronomy 6:3,18 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey… Jump to Previous Age Alway Always Children Commandments Commands Continually Heart Hearts Inclined Mind Orders TimesJump to Next Age Alway Always Children Commandments Commands Continually Heart Hearts Inclined Mind Orders TimesDeuteronomy 5 1. The covenant in Horeb6. The ten commandments 23. At the people's request Moses receives the law from God If only they had such a heart to fear Me This phrase reflects God's desire for Israel to possess a heart that reveres and respects Him. The "heart" in biblical terms often refers to the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, signifying a deep respect and awe for God's holiness and authority (Proverbs 1:7). This fear is not terror but a recognition of God's power and a commitment to obedience. Historically, Israel's heart condition was often wayward, leading to cycles of disobedience and repentance (Judges 2:11-19). and keep all My commandments always so that it might be well with them and with their children forever Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments to the people. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the law and commandments through Moses. 3. Mount Sinai The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. 4. God The speaker of the verse, expressing His desire for the Israelites' obedience and reverence. 5. The Covenant The agreement between God and the Israelites, which includes the commandments and laws. Teaching Points The Heart's InclinationGod desires not just outward obedience but a heart that is genuinely inclined to fear and love Him. This involves a transformation that starts from within. The Fear of the Lord This is not about being afraid but having a deep respect and reverence for God, recognizing His authority and holiness. Generational Blessing Obedience to God's commandments brings blessings not only to the individual but also to their descendants, highlighting the impact of faithfulness across generations. Consistency in Obedience The call to keep God's commandments "always" suggests a lifestyle of continuous faithfulness, not just occasional adherence. The Role of the Law The commandments serve as a guide for living a life that is pleasing to God, reflecting His character and will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 5:29?2. How can we cultivate a heart that fears God as in Deuteronomy 5:29? 3. What does "keep all My commandments" imply for daily Christian living? 4. How does Deuteronomy 5:29 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience? 5. What practical steps ensure our children follow God's ways as instructed here? 6. How does fearing God lead to blessings for "you and your children forever"? 7. What does Deuteronomy 5:29 reveal about God's desire for human obedience and reverence? 8. How does Deuteronomy 5:29 emphasize the importance of fearing God for future generations? 9. In what ways does Deuteronomy 5:29 challenge believers to maintain a heart for God's commandments? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 5? 11. What does the Bible say about godly parenting? 12. Is situational ethics supported by the Bible? 13. If Deuteronomy 6:5 commands total love for God, doesn't this undermine genuine free will by requiring absolute devotion? 14. In 2 Chronicles 25:4, how can Amaziah's execution of his father's assassins yet sparing their children be reconciled with other Old Testament commands on punishment and inheritance of guilt? What Does Deuteronomy 5:29 Mean If only they had such a heartGod’s words reveal longing, not limitation. He desires a willing, responsive heart in His people. Scripture shows the same yearning elsewhere: “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer” (Deuteronomy 10:16). Centuries later He promises, “I will give them an undivided heart” (Ezekiel 11:19). The pattern is clear—He calls, we decide. Practical takeaway: • Guard your inner life (Proverbs 4:23). • Ask Him to shape the heart you cannot shape alone (Psalm 139:23-24). to fear Me “Fear” here is reverent awe, the foundation of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). It is not terror that drives us away but reverence that draws us nearer. Moses had already said, “What does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God…?” (Deuteronomy 10:12). A right view of God keeps everything else in its place. Indicators of healthy fear: • Humble worship that puts God first (Revelation 14:7). • Quick repentance when convicted (Isaiah 66:2). • Steadfast confidence in His protection (Psalm 34:7). and keep all My commandments always Reverence naturally flows into obedience. Jesus echoes this heart posture: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). James warns against merely hearing without doing (James 1:22). The phrase “all…always” rules out selective or seasonal obedience. Keys to consistent obedience: • Remember obedience is love in action (1 John 5:3). • Stay in the Word daily (Joshua 1:8). • Walk in the Spirit so you do not carry out the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). so that it might be well with them Obedience brings blessing, not bondage. The LORD had just spelled out the Ten Commandments; now He explains the purpose—well-being. “If you carefully obey the LORD… all these blessings will come upon you” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). Jeremiah later summarizes God’s heart: “Obey… that it may go well with you” (Jeremiah 7:23). Prosperity here is holistic—peace, protection, fruitfulness (Psalm 1:1-3). Evidence of “well-being”: • Inner peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). • Material provision according to His riches (Philippians 4:19). • Fruitful influence on others (Matthew 5:16). and with their children forever God’s promises ripple through generations. He “shows loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Exodus 20:6). David declares, “The LORD’S loving devotion… is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17-18). Obedience sets a trajectory that outlives us. Practical ways to pass the blessing: • Talk about God’s works at home (Deuteronomy 6:7). • Model consistent faith (2 Timothy 1:5). • Pray and stand in faith for future descendants (Acts 2:39). summary Deuteronomy 5:29 unveils God’s heart: He longs for people who will cultivate a reverent heart, translate that reverence into wholehearted obedience, and thus enjoy His abundant, multi-generational blessing. Choosing reverence and obedience today positions both us and our children to experience His enduring goodness tomorrow. Hebrew If onlyמִֽי־ (mî-) Interjection Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix they had וְהָיָה֩ (wə·hā·yāh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be such זֶ֜ה (zeh) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 2088: This, that a heart לְבָבָ֨ם (lə·ḇā·ḇām) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart to fear לְיִרְאָ֥ה (lə·yir·’āh) Direct object marker | first person common singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten Me אֹתִ֛י (’ō·ṯî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and keep וְלִשְׁמֹ֥ר (wə·liš·mōr) Direct object marker 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 My commandments מִצְוֺתַ֖י (miṣ·wō·ṯay) Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 4687: Commandment always, כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every so that לְמַ֨עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent it might be well יִיטַ֥ב (yî·ṭaḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing with them לָהֶ֛ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew and their children וְלִבְנֵיהֶ֖ם (wə·liḇ·nê·hem) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1121: A son forever. לְעֹלָֽם׃ (lə·‘ō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always Links Deuteronomy 5:29 NIVDeuteronomy 5:29 NLT Deuteronomy 5:29 ESV Deuteronomy 5:29 NASB Deuteronomy 5:29 KJV Deuteronomy 5:29 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 5:29 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 5:29 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 5:29 French Bible Deuteronomy 5:29 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh that there were such a heart (Deut. 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