Book of Deuteronomy — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 34 · Written by: Moses · Approximate date: c. 1406 BC · Theme: Covenant Renewal

Summary of the Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy records Moses' farewell address to Israel before entering Canaan, recalling their history and renewing the covenant with a passionate call to love and obey Jehovah with the whole heart.

The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Hebrew Scriptures and contains 34 chapters. It was written by Moses approximately c. 1406 BC. The central theme running throughout Deuteronomy is covenant renewal — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Deuteronomy

  • Deut 6:4–5
  • Deut 28:1–2
  • Deut 30:19

Notable Passages in Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 6:4–5

The Shema — 'Jehovah our God is one Jehovah' — is the cornerstone of Israel's monotheistic faith and Jesus' own summary of the greatest commandment.

Deuteronomy 28:1–2

Jehovah's promise of abundant blessing upon full obedience demonstrates the direct connection between covenant faithfulness and divine favor.

Deuteronomy 30:19

Jehovah's call to 'choose life' places before every person the personal responsibility to align their will with Jehovah's standards.

Study Questions for Deuteronomy

As you read the book of Deuteronomy, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. Why did Moses emphasize that Israel should love Jehovah 'with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force' (6:5), and how does this apply today?
  2. What does Deuteronomy 18:15–18 say about a prophet like Moses, and how was this prophecy fulfilled by Jesus Christ?
  3. What warnings did Moses give about the dangers of prosperity making Israel forget Jehovah, and how do those warnings apply to us today?
  4. How does Moses' farewell song (Deuteronomy 32) describe Jehovah's qualities, and what lessons can we draw from it?
  5. What does Moses' covenant renewal ceremony teach about the importance of regular reminders and personal recommitment to Jehovah's laws?

How to Study Deuteronomy with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 34 chapters of Deuteronomy in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Deuteronomy as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Deuteronomy

The book of Deuteronomy is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Journey through all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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