King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:4 in the King James Version says “And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea t... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;

Deuteronomy 11:4 · KJV


Context

2

And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,

3

And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;

4

And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;

5

And what he did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came into this place;

6

And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel: substance: or, living substance which followed them was: Heb. was at their feet


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea (Yam Suph, יַם־סוּף) represents the definitive defeat of Israel's oppressors. The phrase 'made the water of the Red sea to overflow them' uses vivid Hebrew imagery of waters covering and destroying. This wasn't drowning by misadventure but divine execution—Yahweh wielded the sea as His weapon. The concluding 'the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day' emphasizes the permanent nature of Egypt's defeat—they never recovered enough military strength to threaten Israel again. This complete victory demonstrates God's ability to utterly destroy His people's enemies, providing assurance for future conflicts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 14-15 records this climactic event. Archaeological evidence shows Egypt's 18th-19th dynasty military power declined significantly after this period, never again dominating Canaan as before. The Red Sea victory became Israel's defining salvation event, referenced throughout Scripture as proof of God's redemptive power (Psalms 78, 106, 136; Isaiah 43:16-17). It became the Old Testament parallel to Christ's resurrection—the decisive victory over the enemy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the finality of God's victory over our spiritual enemies (sin, death, Satan) mirror Egypt's permanent defeat?
  2. What 'Red Sea moments' in your spiritual journey have witnessed God's decisive deliverance?
  3. Why is it important to remember that God doesn't just weaken enemies but destroys them completely?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 21
H834

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

עָשָׂה֩2 of 21

And what he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְחֵ֨יל3 of 21

unto the army

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

מִצְרַ֜יִם4 of 21

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְסוּסָ֣יו5 of 21

unto their horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וּלְרִכְבּ֗וֹ6 of 21

and to their chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

אֲשֶׁ֨ר7 of 21
H834

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

הֵצִ֜יף8 of 21

to overflow

H6687

to overflow

אֶת9 of 21
H853

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

מֵ֤י10 of 21

how he made the water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

יַם11 of 21

sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

סוּף֙12 of 21

of the Red

H5488

a reed, especially the papyrus

עַל13 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם14 of 21

them

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

בְּרָדְפָ֖ם15 of 21

as they pursued

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אַֽחֲרֵיכֶ֑ם16 of 21

after

H310

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

וַיְאַבְּדֵ֣ם17 of 21

hath destroyed

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

יְהוָ֔ה18 of 21

you and how the LORD

H3068

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

עַ֖ד19 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם20 of 21

them unto this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃21 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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