King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:25 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:25 in the King James Version says “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, wh... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 2:25 · KJV


Context

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.

26

And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

27

Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way , I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to put 'dread of thee and fear of thee upon the nations' who hear of Israel. This divine terror goes beyond natural military intimidation—it's supernatural fear that God Himself places on Israel's enemies (as with Rahab's testimony in Joshua 2:9-11). The phrase 'under the whole heaven' emphasizes the universal scope—news of God's acts on Israel's behalf would spread throughout the known world. This fulfilled the promise to Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed (or in this case, warned of God's power).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This promise was fulfilled repeatedly: Rahab's confession (Joshua 2:9-11), the Gibeonites' deception to make peace (Joshua 9:9-10), and various Canaanite nations' fear (Joshua 5:1). The exodus from Egypt, Red Sea crossing, and victories over Sihon and Og created widespread awareness of Israel's God. Ancient Near Eastern records confirm that significant military events and religious claims spread rapidly through trade routes and diplomatic channels.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to fight for His people encourage you when facing overwhelming opposition?
  2. What does the spreading 'fame' of God's works teach about the evangelistic impact of God's mighty acts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הַיּ֣וֹם1 of 18

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

הַזֶּ֗ה2 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אָחֵל֙3 of 18

will I begin

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

תֵּ֤ת4 of 18

to put

H5414

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

פַּחְדְּךָ֙5 of 18

the dread

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

וְיִרְאָ֣תְךָ֔6 of 18

of thee and the fear

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

עַל7 of 18
H5921

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

מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃8 of 18

because of thee

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

הָֽעַמִּ֔ים9 of 18
H5971

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

תַּ֖חַת10 of 18
H8478

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

כָּל11 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם12 of 18

that are under the whole heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

אֲשֶׁ֤ר13 of 18
H834

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

יִשְׁמְעוּן֙14 of 18

who shall hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שִׁמְעֲךָ֔15 of 18

report

H8088

something heard, i.e., a sound, rumor, announcement; abstractly, audience

וְרָֽגְז֥וּ16 of 18

of thee and shall tremble

H7264

to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

וְחָל֖וּ17 of 18

and be in anguish

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃18 of 18

because of thee

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


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 2:25 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 2:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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