King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:31 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:31 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou maye...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.”

Deuteronomy 2:31 · KJV

Context

29

(As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.

30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

31

And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land.

32

Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz.

33

And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people.

Read Deuteronomy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's promise 'Behold, I have begun to deliver him and his land before thee' emphasizes ongoing divine action—'begun to deliver' points to process, not just event. The present tense invitation 'begin to possess' shows simultaneity of divine giving and human taking. God's action precedes and enables ours, yet both are necessary. This models the synergy between divine sovereignty and human responsibility throughout Scripture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This conquest pattern—God delivers, Israel possesses—would repeat throughout Canaan under Joshua. The formula established here became the template: God's promise before battle, miraculous intervention during conflict, and human follow-through to secure victory. Neither divine nor human action alone achieves the goal—both coordinate in covenant partnership.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you partnering with God's initiative rather than waiting passively or acting presumptuously?
  2. What synchronization of divine and human action characterizes your walk with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 16

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלַ֔י3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רְאֵ֗ה4 of 16

“unto me Behold”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָחֵ֣ל5 of 16

“I have begun”

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

תֵּ֣ת6 of 16

“to give”

H5414

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

לְפָנֶ֔יךָ7 of 16

“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

אֶת8 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

סִיחֹ֖ן9 of 16

“Sihon”

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

וְאֶת10 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַרְצֽוֹ׃11 of 16

“and his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָחֵ֣ל12 of 16

“I have begun”

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

לָרֶ֖שֶׁת13 of 16

“that thou mayest inherit”

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

לָרֶ֖שֶׁת14 of 16

“that thou mayest inherit”

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

אֶת15 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַרְצֽוֹ׃16 of 16

“and his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 2:31 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 2:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:8Deuteronomy 2:24

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