Deuteronomy 31:29
For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 31:29 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, warning them about the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. He foresees that after his death, the people will stray from the path that God has set before them and engage in evil deeds. As a result, they will bring upon themselves great misfortune in the future. The verse serves as a reminder that obedience to God's will is essential in order to avoid angering Him and incurring His punishment. The phrase "to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands" emphasizes the idea that the actions and choices that people make have a direct impact on their relationship with God.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, there is a clear warning from Moses to the Israelites about the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The phrase "evil will befall you in the latter days" can be interpreted as a prediction of the future suffering that will come upon the Israelites if they choose to stray from the path set by God. The emphasis on the Israelites provoking the Lord to anger through their actions serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for the Israelites to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's ways.
Deuteronomy 31:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
World English Bible
For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days; because you will do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”
Douay-Rheims
For I know that, after my death, you will do wickedly, and will quickly turn aside form the way that I have commanded you: and evils shall come upon you in the latter times, when you shall do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him by the works of your hands.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For I am sure that after my death ye will vtterly be corrupt and turne from the way, which I haue commanded you: therefore euill will come vpon you at the length, because ye will comit euill in the sight of the Lord, by prouoking him to anger through the worke of your hands.