King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 2:16 Mean?
“So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,”
Deuteronomy 2:16 · KJV
Context
14
And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them. brook: or, valley
15
For indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host, until they were consumed.
16
So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,
17
That the LORD spake unto me, saying,
18
Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe phrase 'So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people' marks a critical transition—the judgment generation had fully passed, opening the way for renewed blessing. The completion of judgment ('consumed and dead') created space for new beginnings. God's discipline has termination points—consequences run their course, then grace resumes forward movement. Past failure needn't define future possibilities.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This marked approximately 1406 BC, 40 years after the Exodus. The new generation, born in the wilderness and trained in dependence on God's daily provision, would prove more faithful than their fathers. This generational transition illustrates God's patience and redemptive purposes—one generation's failure doesn't thwart His ultimate plans.
Reflection Questions
- What needs to be 'consumed and dead' in your life before God's next phase can begin?
- How can you ensure you're part of the faithful generation rather than the rebellious one?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוַיְהִ֨י1 of 9
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַֽאֲשֶׁר2 of 9
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּ֜מּוּ3 of 9
“were consumed”
H8552to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
כָּל4 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אַנְשֵׁ֧י5 of 9
“So it came to pass when all the men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
מִקֶּ֥רֶב8 of 9
“from among”
H7130properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
הָעָֽם׃9 of 9
“the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
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 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.