King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:21 in the King James Version says “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said u... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 1:21 · KJV


Context

19

And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.

20

And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.

21

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

22

And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.

23

And the saying pleased me well : and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe :


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's direct speech—'Behold, I have set the land before you'—personalizes the promise and emphasizes divine initiative. The imperative 'go up and possess it' removes all excuse for delay or disobedience. The concluding phrase 'fear not, neither be discouraged' addresses the dual enemies of faith: fear (emotional paralysis) and discouragement (mental defeat). God's command includes both mission and encouragement, showing that He equips what He calls.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This echoes God's encouragement to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6-9), establishing a pattern of divine reassurance before daunting tasks. The land was inhabited by fortified cities and powerful nations, making courage and faith essential for obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What mission is God calling you to that requires courage over fear?
  2. How does God's past faithfulness strengthen you against present discouragement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
רְ֠אֵה1 of 19

Behold

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נָתַ֨ן2 of 19

hath set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֜ה3 of 19

it as the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֤י4 of 19

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְפָנֶ֖יךָ5 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶת6 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֑רֶץ7 of 19

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עֲלֵ֣ה8 of 19

thee go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

רֵ֗שׁ9 of 19

and possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩10 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֨ר11 of 19

hath said

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֜ה12 of 19

it as the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֤י13 of 19

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲבֹתֶ֙יךָ֙14 of 19

of thy fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לָ֔ךְ15 of 19
H0
אַל16 of 19
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֖א17 of 19

unto thee fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וְאַל18 of 19
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּחָֽת׃19 of 19

not neither be discouraged

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 1:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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