I. Covenantal and Legal Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Covenant (Hebrew: berit) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:13, 23, 31; 5:2-3; 7:2, 9, 12; 8:18; 9:9, 11, 15; 10:8; 17:2; 29:1, 9, 12, 14, 21, 25; 31:9, 16, 20, 25-26; 33:9): A solemn, binding agreement or treaty, especially between God and Israel. Deuteronomy emphasizes the covenant made at Horeb (Sinai) and its renewal with the new generation on the plains of Moab. It involves God's promises and Israel's obligations of obedience.;xNLx;Statutes (Hebrew: chuqqim) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-6, 8, 14, 40, 45; 5:1, 31; 6:1, 17, 20, 24-25; 7:11; 8:11; 10:13; 11:1, 8, 32; 12:1; 16:12; 17:19; 26:16-17; 27:1, 10; 28:1, 15, 45; 30:10, 16): Prescribed laws, rules, or decrees given by God that Israel was commanded to follow. Often used alongside "rules," "commandments," and "testimonies.";xNLx;Rules / Judgments / Ordinances (Hebrew: mishpatim) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:1, 5, 8, 14, 45; 5:1, 31; 6:1, 20; 7:11-12; 8:11; 11:1, 32; 12:1; 16:18; 17:8, 9, 11; 21:17; 24:17; 25:1; 26:16-17; 27:11; 30:16; 33:10, 21): Judicial decisions, legal precepts, or established procedures for justice and right living within the community, based on God's revealed will.;xNLx;Commandments (Hebrew: mitsvot) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:2, 13, 40; 5:10, 29, 31; 6:1-2, 6, 17, 25; 7:9, 11; 8:1-2, 6, 11; 10:13; 11:1, 8, 13, 22, 27-28; 13:4, 18; 15:5; 17:20; 19:9; 26:13, 17-18; 27:1, 10; 28:1, 9, 13, 15, 45; 30:8, 10-11, 16; 31:5): Specific instructions or orders from God that require obedience.;xNLx;Testimonies (Hebrew: edot) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:45; 6:17, 20): Solemn declarations or affirmations of God's will and actions; stipulations of the covenant that bear witness to God's character and requirements.;xNLx;Torah / Law (Hebrew: torah) (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:5; 4:8, 44; 17:11, 18-19; 27:3, 8, 26; 28:58, 61; 29:21, 29; 30:10; 31:9, 11-12, 24, 26; 32:46; 33:4, 10): While often translated "law," torah encompasses a broader meaning of "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance." In Deuteronomy, it refers to the body of instruction Moses delivered, rooted in God's covenant.;xNLx;Horeb (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:2, 6, 19; 4:10, 15; 5:2; 9:8; 18:16; 29:1): Another name for Mount Sinai, the place where God made the covenant with Israel and gave them the Ten Commandments and other laws. Deuteronomy frequently refers back to the foundational events at Horeb.;xNLx;Ten Commandments / Ten Words (Deuteronomy 4:13; 5:6-21; 10:4): The foundational summary of God's law given directly to Israel at Horeb, written on two tablets of stone. Deuteronomy 5 provides Moses' recitation of these commandments.;xNLx;Love (the LORD your God) (Hebrew: ahav) (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:5; 7:9; 10:12; 11:1, 13, 22; 13:3; 19:9; 30:6, 16, 20): A central command in Deuteronomy, signifying not just emotion but a deep, loyal commitment and active obedience to God, encompassing heart, soul, and might.;xNLx;Fear (the LORD your God) (Hebrew: yare) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:10; 5:29; 6:2, 13, 24; 8:6; 10:12, 20; 13:4; 14:23; 17:19; 28:58; 31:12-13): To hold God in awe and reverence, leading to obedience and respect for His commands. It's not primarily about terror but about recognizing God's holiness, power, and rightful authority.;xNLx;Serve (the LORD your God) (Hebrew: avad) (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:12, 20; 11:13; 13:4; 28:47): To worship, obey, and work for God; to live in allegiance to Him.;xNLx;Cleave / Hold fast (to the LORD your God) (Hebrew: davaq) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:4; 10:20; 11:22; 13:4; 30:20): To cling to, remain loyal to, and be in close fellowship with God.;xNLx;Walk in His ways (e.g., Deuteronomy 5:33; 8:6; 10:12; 11:22; 13:5; 19:9; 26:17; 28:9; 30:16): To live according to God's prescribed pattern of behavior and commands.;xNLx;Remember (e.g., Deuteronomy 5:15; 7:18; 8:2, 18; 9:7, 27; 15:15; 16:3, 12; 24:9, 18, 20, 22; 25:17; 32:7): A crucial theme, calling Israel to recall God's past acts of deliverance (especially the Exodus), provision, and judgment as a motivation for present and future faithfulness.;xNLx;Forget (not) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:9, 23, 31; 6:12; 8:11, 14, 19; 9:7; 25:19; 31:21; 32:18): The danger of neglecting or disregarding God's covenant, commands, and past actions, leading to disobedience.;xNLx;Blessing (Hebrew: berakhah) (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:13; 11:26-29; 12:15; 15:4, 6, 10, 14, 18; 16:10, 15, 17; 23:5, 20; 28:2, 8, 12; 30:1, 19; 33:1, 7, 8, 11, 13, 20, 23-24): Divine favor, prosperity, fertility, success, and well-being promised by God as a result of obedience to the covenant.;xNLx;Curse (Hebrew: qelalah or 'alah) (e.g., Deuteronomy 11:26-29; 13:15-17 [implied destruction]; 21:23; 23:5; 27:13-26; 28:15-68; 29:19-21, 27; 30:1, 7, 19): Divine judgment, calamity, hardship, and alienation from God threatened as a consequence of disobedience and violation of the covenant.;xNLx;Oath (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:8, 35; 2:14; 4:21, 31; 6:10, 18, 23; 7:8, 12-13; 8:1, 18; 9:5, 28; 10:11; 11:9, 21; 13:17; 19:8; 26:3, 15; 28:9, 11; 29:12-14; 30:20; 31:7, 20-21, 23; 34:4): A solemn promise or vow, often invoking God as a witness. Deuteronomy frequently refers to the oath God swore to the patriarchs to give them the land of Canaan.;xNLx;Redeem / Redeemed (Hebrew: padah or ga'al) (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:8; 9:26; 13:5; 15:15; 21:8; 24:18): To deliver, rescue, or buy back, especially referring to God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.;xNLx;Consecrate / Dedicate / Devote (to destruction) (Hebrew: charam) (e.g., Deuteronomy 2:34; 3:6; 7:2, 26; 13:15, 17; 20:17): To set something or someone apart as holy to the LORD, often by completely destroying it as a judgment or as an offering. This applied particularly to Canaanite cities and their inhabitants who were to be utterly destroyed due to their wickedness, to prevent Israel from being corrupted.;xNLx;Holy / Holiness (Hebrew: qadosh) (e.g., Deuteronomy 5:12; 7:6; 12:26; 14:2, 21; 23:14; 26:15, 19; 28:9; 33:2-3): Set apart for God, belonging to God, or reflecting God's perfect and distinct nature. Israel was called to be a holy people, distinct from other nations.;xNLx;Circumcise your heart (Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6): A metaphor for an inward spiritual transformation, removing stubbornness and rebellion, and making the heart receptive and obedient to God. This goes beyond the physical ritual of circumcision.;xNLx;Refuge / Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 4:41-43; 19:1-13): Designated cities where a person who unintentionally killed someone could flee for protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial.;xNLx;Avenger of Blood (Hebrew: go'el haddam) (Deuteronomy 19:6, 12): The closest male relative of a murder victim who had the right and duty to avenge the death. The cities of refuge provided a legal check on this practice.;xNLx;Tithes (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:6, 11, 17; 14:22-29; 26:12-15): A tenth part of agricultural produce and livestock, to be given to the LORD, supporting the Levites, the needy, and for use in sacred feasts. Deuteronomy outlines specific uses and triennial tithing practices.;xNLx;Firstfruits (Hebrew: bikkurim or reshit) (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:4; 26:1-11): The earliest produce of the harvest, offered to God in thanksgiving and acknowledgement of His provision.;xNLx;Sojourner / Stranger (Hebrew: ger) (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:16; 5:14; 10:18-19; 14:21, 29; 16:11, 14; 23:7; 24:14, 17, 19-21; 26:11-13; 27:19; 28:43; 29:11; 31:12): A non-Israelite residing in the land of Israel. Deuteronomy places strong emphasis on treating them justly and with compassion, remembering Israel's own experience as sojourners in Egypt.;xNLx;Orphan / Fatherless (Hebrew: yatom) (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:29; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 26:12-13; 27:19): Children who have lost their fathers. Deuteronomy repeatedly emphasizes their vulnerability and the need for their protection and care.;xNLx;Widow (Hebrew: almanah) (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:29; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 25:5-10 [law of levirate marriage]; 26:12-13; 27:19): Women who have lost their husbands. Like sojourners and orphans, they were a vulnerable group for whom God commanded special care and justice.;xNLx;Levite (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:8-9; 12:12, 18-19; 14:27, 29; 16:11, 14; 18:1-8; 26:11-13; 27:9, 12, 14; 31:9, 25; 33:8-11): Members of the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for religious service and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Deuteronomy emphasizes the community's responsibility to support them.;xNLx;Prophet (Hebrew: navi) (e.g., Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:15-22; 34:10): An individual called by God to speak His message to the people. Deuteronomy 18 anticipates a future prophet like Moses (interpreted by Christians as referring to Christ) and provides criteria for distinguishing true prophets from false ones.;xNLx;Idol / Image (Graven image, molten image) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:15-20, 23, 25, 28; 5:8; 7:5, 25-26; 9:12, 16; 12:2-3; 13:6-18 [worshipping other gods]; 16:21-22; 27:15; 29:17; 32:16-17, 21): Representations of deities (either Yahweh incorrectly, or false gods) whose worship was strictly forbidden as a violation of the first and second commandments.;xNLx;High Places (Hebrew: bamot) (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:2; 33:29 [figurative]): Localized places of worship, often on hilltops, which were typically associated with Canaanite idolatrous practices. Deuteronomy commands the centralization of worship at "the place the LORD your God will choose.";xNLx;The place that the LORD your God will choose (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:5, 11, 14, 18, 21, 26; 14:23-25; 15:20; 16:2, 6-7, 11, 15-16; 17:8, 10; 18:6; 23:16; 26:2; 31:11): A recurring phrase referring to the single, central sanctuary where Israel was to bring their sacrifices and observe major feasts. This command aimed to unify worship and prevent syncretism with pagan practices. Later, this was understood to be Jerusalem.;xNLx;Abomination (Hebrew: toevah) (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:25-26; 12:31; 13:14; 14:3; 17:1, 4; 18:9, 12; 20:18; 22:5; 23:18; 24:4; 25:16; 27:15; 32:16): Something detestable, disgusting, or ritually offensive to God, often associated with idolatrous practices, sexual immorality, or injustice.;xNLx;II. Geographical and Peoples' Names (Context Specific):;xNLx;While many place and people names are straightforward, their significance in Deuteronomy often relates to Israel's journey, conquests, or warnings.;xNLx;;xNLx;Canaan (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:7; 32:49): The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which Israel is on the verge of entering.;xNLx;Moab (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:5; 2:8-9, 18; 29:1; 32:49; 34:1, 5-6, 8): The region east of the Dead Sea where Israel camped before entering Canaan and where Moses delivered his final addresses.;xNLx;Amorites (e.g., Deuteronomy 1:4, 7, 19-20, 27, 44; 2:24; 3:2, 8-9; 4:46-47; 7:1; 9:1; 20:17; 31:4): One of the powerful groups of Canaanite peoples whom Israel was to dispossess. Kings Sihon and Og were notable Amorite kings defeated by Israel.;xNLx;Hittites, Girgashites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:1; 20:17): Other Canaanite peoples listed among those Israel was to drive out and devote to destruction.;xNLx;Mount Nebo / Pisgah (Deuteronomy 32:49; 34:1): The mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.;xNLx;III. General Terms with Specific Nuance:;xNLx;;xNLx;Heart (Hebrew: lev or levav) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:9, 29, 39; 5:29; 6:5-6; 8:2, 5, 14, 17; 9:4-5; 10:12, 16; 11:13, 16, 18; 13:3; 15:7, 9-10; 17:17, 20; 20:3, 8; 26:16; 28:28, 35, 47, 65, 67; 29:4, 18-19; 30:1-2, 6, 10, 14, 17; 32:46): In Hebrew thought, the heart is not merely the seat of emotion but also of will, intellect, and conscience. Commands to love God "with all your heart" or to "circumcise your heart" refer to the totality of one's inner being and commitment.;xNLx;Soul (Hebrew: nephesh) (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 29; 6:5; 10:12; 11:13, 18; 12:15, 20-21, 23; 13:3, 6; 14:26; 18:6; 19:21; 21:14; 24:6-7, 15; 26:16; 28:65; 30:2, 6, 10): Often refers to the life principle, the whole person, appetite, or desire. "With all your soul" signifies the entirety of one's being and desires.;xNLx;Might (Hebrew: me'od) (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:5): Strength, power, abundance. "With all your might" in the command to love God refers to dedicating all of one's resources and abilities to Him.;xNLx;This list aims to provide clarity on some of the key vocabulary encountered in the Book of Deuteronomy (ESV), enabling a richer understanding of its profound message of covenant faithfulness as Israel stood on the threshold of the Promised Land.