The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Culture & Lifestyle›Religion›Deuteronomy
Culture & Lifestyle • Religion

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, and the final book of the Torah in Judaism.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, and the final book of the Torah in Judaism. It presents Moses’ farewell speeches to the Israelites before they enter Canaan, along with a restatement and explanation of laws and covenant obligations.

Name and title

The book is known in Hebrew as Devarim, meaning "Words," from its opening phrase. The English name Deuteronomy comes from the Greek title Deuteronomion, often understood as "second law" or "copy of the law."

Place in scripture

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah and the fifth book of the Christian Old Testament. In Jewish tradition it closes the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.

Content and themes

The book presents Moses addressing a new generation of Israelites on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Its major themes include covenant loyalty, obedience to God’s law, remembrance of past failures, and the blessings and curses tied to Israel’s conduct.

Structure and literary character

Deuteronomy is primarily cast as a farewell address, combining historical review, legal instruction, and exhortation. It also includes songs, blessings, and an account of Moses’ death.

Key facts

  • The book is traditionally attributed to Moses and framed as speeches delivered before his death.
  • Its English title comes from a Greek term meaning "second law" or "repeated law."
  • The Hebrew title, Devarim, comes from the opening words meaning "these are the words."
  • Deuteronomy revisits earlier laws and emphasizes covenant faithfulness, worship, and obedience.
  • It is considered part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.
🍁
Canadian context

Deuteronomy is a foundational text for Jewish and Christian communities in Canada and is widely studied in religious education, theology, and biblical scholarship.

Frequently asked questions

What is Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is a book of the Bible that contains Moses’ final speeches and a restatement of laws for the Israelites before they enter Canaan.
Why is it called Deuteronomy?
The name comes from a Greek term meaning "second law" or "repeated law," referring to its presentation of laws already given elsewhere.
What is the Hebrew name of Deuteronomy?
Its Hebrew name is Devarim, meaning "Words," taken from the book’s opening phrase.
Where does Deuteronomy fit in the Bible?
It is the fifth book of the Torah and the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament.
Who speaks in Deuteronomy?
Moses is the main speaker, addressing the Israelites on the plains of Moab before his death.
What are the main themes of Deuteronomy?
Its main themes are covenant faithfulness, obedience to God, remembrance, and the consequences of blessing and disobedience.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Deuteronomy
    Supports: Identifies Deuteronomy as the fifth book of the Old Testament and describes it as Moses’ farewell address before entry into Canaan.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Deuteronomy
    Supports: States that Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Torah and the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament; gives Hebrew title Devarim.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/bible/old-testament/deuteronomy
    Supports: Explains the Hebrew title, the Greek-derived English name, and Deuteronomy’s place as the fifth book of the Pentateuch.
  4. BibleGateway / Encyclopedia of the Bible — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Deuteronomy
    Supports: Describes Deuteronomy as containing Moses’ farewell speeches and emphasizing the relationship between God and Israel.