The Hebrew name of the Book of Deuteronomy is Devarim (דְּבָרִים), meaning "words." This name comes from the opening phrase of the book: "These are the words that Moses spoke to all Yashar'el..." (Deuteronomy 1:1). It is the fifth and final book of the Torah (Pentateuch) in the Hebrew Bible, following Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.

In Hebrew tradition, the book is also referred to as Mishneh Torah, meaning "Repetition of the Torah," derived from Deuteronomy 17:18, where the king is commanded to write a copy of the law. This title reflects the book's role as a restatement and interpretation of the laws given at Sinai, adapted for the new generation about to enter the Promised Land.

The book is structured as three major speeches by Moses delivered on the plains of Moab before his death, summarizing Israel’s journey, reaffirming the covenant with YHWH, and outlining laws for life in the land of Canaan. Key themes include monotheism, exclusive loyalty to Yahuwah, and the consequences of obedience or disobedience, encapsulated in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).