King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:34 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:34 in the King James Version says “And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every cit...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: the men: Heb. every city of men, and women, and little ones”

Deuteronomy 2:34 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: the men: Heb. every city of men, and women, and little ones

35

Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took.

36

From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

Read Deuteronomy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The systematic conquest 'we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city' describes herem warfare's complete nature. The exception 'we left none to remain' emphasizes thoroughness. This severe judgment served multiple purposes: punishing incorrigible wickedness, preventing cultural contamination, and ensuring Israel's security. While difficult for modern sensibilities, it demonstrates sin's gravity and holiness' demands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Herem (devoted destruction) was commanded primarily for Canaanite nations whose wickedness had reached full measure (Genesis 15:16). The Amorites practiced child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and other abominations. God's patient forbearance had allowed centuries for repentance; when judgment came, it was both just and final. This severity protected Israel from adopting such practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the severity of God's judgment on sin affect your understanding of holiness?
  2. What compromises with sin seem small but threaten spiritual contamination?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד1 of 16

“And we took”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

אֶת2 of 16
H853

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

כָּל3 of 16
H3605

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

עִ֣יר4 of 16

“all his cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בָּעֵ֣ת5 of 16

“at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔וא6 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַֽנַּחֲרֵם֙7 of 16

“and utterly destroyed”

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אֶת8 of 16
H853

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

כָּל9 of 16
H3605

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

עִ֣יר10 of 16

“all his cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מְתִ֔ם11 of 16

“the men”

H4962

properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)

וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים12 of 16

“and the women”

H802

a woman

וְהַטָּ֑ף13 of 16

“and the little ones”

H2945

a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)

לֹ֥א14 of 16
H3808

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

הִשְׁאַ֖רְנוּ15 of 16

“we left”

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

שָׂרִֽיד׃16 of 16

“none to remain”

H8300

a survivor

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 2:34 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 2:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7:21 Samuel 15:3Deuteronomy 3:6Deuteronomy 7:26Deuteronomy 20:16-18Joshua 7:11

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 2 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes