King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:30 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:30 in the King James Version says “Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell i... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

Deuteronomy 11:30 · KJV


Context

28

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

29

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

30

Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

31

For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.

32

And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses provides geographic details: the mountains are 'beyond Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh.' This description locates Gerizim and Ebal west of Jordan ('beyond' from trans-Jordanian perspective), in Canaanite territory, in lowlands near Gilgal, near the oaks/terebinths of Moreh. The Hebrew aravah (עֲרָבָה, 'champaign/plain') and elon Moreh (אֵלוֹן מוֹרֶה, 'oaks of Moreh') specify location. Abraham received God's promise at 'the oak of Moreh' (Genesis 12:6), creating thematic link: where Abraham received covenant promise, Israel will commit to covenant obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The geographic markers confirm Shechem's location. 'Gilgal' here likely refers to a site near Shechem, distinct from the Gilgal near Jericho (Joshua 4:19). The 'oaks of Moreh' (Genesis 12:6) mark the site where Abraham built an altar after God promised the land. This layering of covenant history—Abraham's promise, Israel's commitment ceremony—demonstrates continuity of God's redemptive plan. Geography becomes theology; specific places carry covenant significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use physical places to anchor spiritual memories and commitments?
  2. What significance does connecting Moses's covenant to Abraham's promise have for understanding biblical unity?
  3. How can modern believers create meaningful 'markers' or 'memorials' to remember God's faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הֲלֹא1 of 17
H3808

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

הֵ֜מָּה2 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּעֵ֣בֶר3 of 17

Are they not on the other side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיַּרְדֵּ֗ן4 of 17

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

אַֽחֲרֵי֙5 of 17

by

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

דֶּ֚רֶךְ6 of 17

the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מְב֣וֹא7 of 17

goeth down

H3996

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ8 of 17

where the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

בְּאֶ֙רֶץ֙9 of 17

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י10 of 17

of the Canaanites

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב11 of 17

which dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּֽעֲרָבָ֑ה12 of 17

in the champaign

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

מ֚וּל13 of 17

over against

H4136

properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite

הַגִּלְגָּ֔ל14 of 17

Gilgal

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

אֵ֖צֶל15 of 17

beside

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

אֵֽלוֹנֵ֥י16 of 17

the plains

H436

an oak or other strong tree

מֹרֶֽה׃17 of 17

of Moreh

H4176

moreh, a canaanite; also a hill (perhaps named from him)


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 11:30 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 11:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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