King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:23 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:23 in the King James Version says “And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.)”

Deuteronomy 2:23 · KJV

Context

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.)

24

Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. begin: Heb. begin, possess

25

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

Read Deuteronomy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The note about the Avims and Caphtorims describes yet another historical displacement—'the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.' This reference to non-Israelite conquest (Philistines from Crete/Caphtor displacing Avvites) shows God's sovereignty extends even to peoples outside the covenant narrative. All human history unfolds under divine providence, not just Israel's story.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Caphtorims (Philistines) migrated from Caphtor (Crete/Cyprus region) and settled in southern coastal Canaan, displacing the Avvim. Amos 9:7 confirms God directed even the Philistines' migration. This shows that while Israel was God's chosen people, He remained sovereign over all nations' movements and destinies. Providence is universal, not limited to the elect.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over all peoples and nations inform your understanding of His character?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing God directs all history, not just the history of His chosen people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהָֽעַוִּ֛ים1 of 11
H5757

an avvite or native of avvah (only plural)

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֥וּ2 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

בַּֽחֲצֵרִ֖ים3 of 11

“in Hazerim”

H2699

chatserim, a place in palestine

עַד4 of 11
H5704

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

עַזָּ֑ה5 of 11

“even unto Azzah”

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

כַּפְתֹּרִים֙6 of 11

“the Caphtorims”

H3732

a caphtorite (collectively) or native of caphtor

הַיֹּֽצְאִ֣ים7 of 11

“which came forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִכַּפְתֹּ֔ר8 of 11

“out of Caphtor”

H3731

caphtor (i.e., a wreath-shaped island), the original seat of the philistines

הִשְׁמִידֻ֖ם9 of 11

“destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 10:14Joshua 13:3Amos 9:7Jeremiah 47:4Jeremiah 25:201 Kings 4:24

Places in This Verse

CaphtorIsland · Modern: Crete · 35.31°N, 24.89°E5 verses across 5 books
GazaSettlement · Modern: Tell Harube · 31.50°N, 34.46°E22 verses across 12 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 2 →

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