King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:19 in the King James Version says “And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not gi...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.”

Deuteronomy 2:19 · KJV

Context

17

That the LORD spake unto me, saying,

18

Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day:

19

And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.

20

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

21

A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:

Read Deuteronomy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's instruction regarding Ammon—'distress them not, nor meddle with them'—extends the same restriction placed on Edom and Moab. The reason 'for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession' clarifies divine land distribution. The additional explanation 'because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession' shows God's promises extend beyond Abraham's line. His sovereignty includes gracious provision for other descendants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ammon, like Moab, descended from Lot through incestuous union with his daughters (Genesis 19:38). Despite this shameful origin, God protected Ammon's territorial rights, showing that His mercy transcends human failure. Later, Ammon would oppose Israel (Judges 11; 1 Samuel 11), yet at this point God commanded restraint, teaching that current obedience matters more than future hostility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's protection of peoples outside His covenant people challenge nationalistic or exclusive thinking?
  2. What restraint is God calling you to exercise despite apparent opportunity or justification for action?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְקָֽרַבְתָּ֗1 of 22

“And when thou comest nigh”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

מ֚וּל2 of 22

“over against”

H4136

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

לִבְנֵי3 of 22

“it unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֤וֹן4 of 22

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

אַל5 of 22
H408

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

תְּצֻרֵ֖ם6 of 22

“distress”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

וְאַל7 of 22
H408

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

תִּתְגָּ֣ר8 of 22

“them not nor meddle”

H1624

properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger

בָּ֑ם9 of 22
H0
כִּ֣י10 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא11 of 22
H3808

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

נְתַתִּ֥יהָ12 of 22

“because I have given”

H5414

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

מֵאֶ֨רֶץ13 of 22

“thee of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לִבְנֵי14 of 22

“it unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֤וֹן15 of 22

“of Ammon”

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

לְךָ֙16 of 22
H0
יְרֻשָּֽׁה׃17 of 22

“any possession”

H3425

something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony

כִּ֥י18 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לִבְנֵי19 of 22

“it unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

ל֖וֹט20 of 22

“of Lot”

H3876

lot, abraham's nephew

נְתַתִּ֥יהָ21 of 22

“because I have given”

H5414

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

יְרֻשָּֽׁה׃22 of 22

“any possession”

H3425

something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 2:9Judges 11:13-27Genesis 19:36-382 Chronicles 20:10Deuteronomy 2:5

Places in This Verse

AmmonRegion · Modern: Amman · 31.95°N, 35.93°E106 verses across 19 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 2 →

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