Why is there a Book called Deuteronomy, and why is it named that?

In Hebrew, this book is called “Devarim,” meaning “Words.” The opening verse reflects this, saying:

“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel…” (Deuteronomy 1:1)

[1] These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—now in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Dizahab.

In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint (LXX), the book is called “Deuteronomion,” meaning “Second Law” or “Repetition of the Law.” This reflects the book’s purpose as a restating and reaffirming of God’s covenant law for a new generation (Deuteronomy 17:18–19).

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, traditionally ascribed to Moses). Moses wrote it near the end of the Israelites’ 40 years wandering in the wilderness, while camped east of the Jordan River in Moab (Deuteronomy 1:3).

What can we learn from this?

God calls us to keep His covenant alive in our hearts and to teach His Word diligently to future generations. The Bible is not just a book to be read but a living covenant to be remembered, obeyed, and passed on (Psalm 78:5-7; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Just as Moses reminded the Israelites, we too must regularly teach and remind others of God’s commands—both in the church and in our families—so faith remains strong and vibrant.

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