Deuteronomy 27 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter begins Moses’ third speech to the Israelites.

1. Instructions for construction the altar (1–8)
2. Covenant curses (9–26)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Cursed is the one … And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

This phrase framing is repeated several times in this chapter. This repetition serves as a warning to the Israelites when they will live in the land that Yahweh had promised them. This is part of the covenant Yahweh made with Moses. Translate it the same way each time.

Use of “you”

Throughout this chapter “you” is singular except for where noted in verses 1–2, 4, 12. Even though Moses is addressing all the Israelites, he uses the singular forms of “you.” If the singular forms of these pronouns would not be natural in your language, you could use the plural forms in your translation. (See: figs-youcrowd)