King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:36 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:36 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Deuteronomy 2:36 · KJV


Context

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:

37

Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The geographical summary 'From Aroer... even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us' emphasizes the comprehensive nature of victory. The phrase 'not one city too strong' testifies to God's overwhelming power—no human defense could withstand divine purposes. The attribution 'the LORD our God delivered all unto us' ensures proper credit. Human strength is irrelevant when God determines to give victory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aroer marked the southern boundary of Sihon's kingdom on the Arnon River, while Gilead represented the northern region. This complete territorial conquest from south to north demonstrated that God systematically fulfilled His promises. Every city's fall built cumulative evidence of divine faithfulness, erasing doubt about God's ability to conquer Canaan proper.

Reflection Questions

  1. What strongholds in your life have you written off as 'too strong' that God wants to conquer?
  2. How does remembering past comprehensive victories build faith for current challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֡ר1 of 23

From Aroer

H6177

aror, the name of three places in or near palestine

אֲשֶׁר֩2 of 23
H834

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

עַל3 of 23
H5921

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

שְׂפַת4 of 23

which is by the brink

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

בַּנַּ֙חַל֙5 of 23

of the river

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אַרְנֹ֜ן6 of 23

of Arnon

H769

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

וְהָעִ֨יר7 of 23

and from the city

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר8 of 23
H834

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

בַּנַּ֙חַל֙9 of 23

of the river

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

וְעַד10 of 23
H5704

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

הַגִּלְעָ֔ד11 of 23

even unto Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

לֹ֤א12 of 23
H3808

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

הָֽיְתָה֙13 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

קִרְיָ֔ה14 of 23

there was not one city

H7151

a city

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 23
H834

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

שָֽׂגְבָ֖ה16 of 23

too strong

H7682

to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ17 of 23
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֶת18 of 23
H853

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

הַכֹּ֕ל19 of 23
H3605

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

נָתַ֛ן20 of 23

delivered

H5414

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

יְהוָ֥ה21 of 23

for us the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ22 of 23

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְפָנֵֽינוּ׃23 of 23

all unto us

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 2:36 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 2:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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