Deuteronomy

1 synonym for Deuteronomy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and of the Christian Old Testament, presented as Moses's farewell addresses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab before they enter Canaan. It restates the law, including a version of the Ten Commandments, and sets out blessings and curses tied to keeping the covenant.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

Devarim

How to use Deuteronomy

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

the book of Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 6:4 Deuteronomic

Always capitalised. Abbreviated Deut. in references.

Etymology

From Greek deuteronomion 'second law', from deuteros 'second' plus nomos 'law', a name that arose in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew name, Devarim, means 'words', from the book's opening phrase.

Full origin of Deuteronomy →

Frequently asked questions

What is Deuteronomy about?

It is framed as Moses speaking to Israel just before his death and their entry into the promised land. He reviews their journey, repeats and expands the law, urges exclusive loyalty to one God, and lays out the consequences of obedience and disobedience.

Why is Deuteronomy called the second law?

The Greek name reflects the fact that the book restates laws already given earlier in the Pentateuch, particularly at Sinai. It is a retelling and expansion for a new generation rather than a genuinely separate legal code.

Where is the Shema in Deuteronomy?

The Shema, beginning 'Hear, O Israel', is at Deuteronomy 6:4-9. It is the central declaration of Jewish daily prayer and is quoted in the Gospels as the greatest commandment.

Nearby words

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