King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:37 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:37 in the King James Version says “Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.”

Deuteronomy 1:37 · KJV

Context

35

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,

36

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. wholly: Heb. fulfilled to go after

37

Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.

38

But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

39

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even Moses, despite his faithfulness, bears consequences for the people's sin—'the LORD was angry with me for your sakes.' The Hebrew 'hit'anaph' indicates God's wrath extending even to His chosen mediator. Moses' exclusion from Canaan (Numbers 20:12) demonstrates that covenant privileges don't exempt leaders from accountability. Yet this suffering also prefigures Christ, who bore the ultimate consequence for His people's sins. Moses' vicarious punishment typifies the Mediator who would suffer for the covenant community he represented.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Refers to the incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13) where Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, failing to sanctify God before Israel. Though Moses had faithfully led Israel for 40 years—delivering them from Egypt, mediating the law, interceding repeatedly—this single act of unbelief resulted in forfeiting Canaan entry. He would only view the land from Mount Nebo before death (Deuteronomy 34:1-5).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' exclusion from Canaan demonstrate that even faithful leaders must submit to God's justice?
  2. In what ways does Moses' vicarious suffering for the people point forward to Christ's substitutionary atonement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
גַּם1 of 11
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בִּי֙2 of 11
H0
הִתְאַנַּ֣ף3 of 11

“was angry”

H599

to breathe hard, i.e., be enraged

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 11

“Also the LORD”

H3068

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

בִּגְלַלְכֶ֖ם5 of 11

“with me for your sakes”

H1558

a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 11

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּם7 of 11
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתָּ֖ה8 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹֽא9 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָבֹ֥א10 of 11

“Thou also shalt not go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָֽׁם׃11 of 11

“in thither”

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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 1:37 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 1:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 20:12Deuteronomy 4:21Deuteronomy 34:4Numbers 27:13-14Psalms 106:32-33Deuteronomy 3:23-26

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