King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:21 in the King James Version says “A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, an...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Deuteronomy 2:21 · KJV

Context

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:

22

As he did to the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed the Horims from before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead even unto this day:

23

And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description 'A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims' provides comparative analysis—the Zamzummim were equivalent to the dreaded Anakim that terrified Israel's spies. Yet the statement 'the LORD destroyed them before them' shows God gave Ammon complete victory. This deliberate parallel teaches Israel: just as God destroyed giants for Ammon, He will destroy the Anakim for you. Past precedent builds present faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The spies' report in Numbers 13:33 described the Anakim as making Israel seem like grasshoppers by comparison. By showing that Ammon had already defeated equally formidable giants, Moses removed Israel's excuse for fear. If God gave Lot's descendants (non-covenant people) such victories, how much more would He give Abraham's descendants?

Reflection Questions

  1. What precedents of God's power can you draw on to strengthen faith for your current challenges?
  2. How does knowing God doesn't show favoritism in His power encourage you personally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
עַ֣ם1 of 11

“A people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

גָּד֥וֹל2 of 11

“great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְרַ֛ב3 of 11

“and many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וָרָ֖ם4 of 11

“and tall”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

כָּֽעֲנָקִ֑ים5 of 11

“as the Anakims”

H6062

an anakite or descendant of anak

וַיַּשְׁמִידֵ֤ם6 of 11

“destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

יְהוָה֙7 of 11

“but the LORD”

H3068

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

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם8 of 11

“them before”

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

וַיִּֽירָשֻׁ֖ם9 of 11

“them and they succeeded”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ10 of 11

“them and dwelt”

H3427

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

תַחְתָּֽם׃11 of 11
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 11:24Habakkuk 1:10-11Jeremiah 27:7-8Deuteronomy 2:10-11Deuteronomy 3:11Deuteronomy 1:28

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