King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:37 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:37 in the King James Version says “Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 2:37 · KJV


Context

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 exception—'Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not'—demonstrates Israel's obedience to God's earlier prohibition (Deuteronomy 2:19). Despite military momentum and capability, Israel respected God's boundaries regarding Ammon. The specificity 'nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains' shows detailed compliance. True faith obeys God's 'no' as readily as His 'yes.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jabbok River formed the border with Ammon. Israel's restraint despite having just conquered Sihon and Og proved their conquest wasn't mere militaristic expansion but obedience to divine direction. This restraint distinguished Israel from typical ancient Near Eastern powers who conquered whatever they could. God's commands, not human ambition, determined Israel's warfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where is God calling you to restraint despite having capability and opportunity?
  2. How do you demonstrate that obedience to God, not personal ambition, drives your actions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
רַ֛ק1 of 18
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

אֶל2 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ3 of 18

Only unto the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בְּנֵֽי4 of 18

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמּ֖וֹן5 of 18

of Ammon

H5983

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

לֹ֣א6 of 18
H3808

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

קָרָ֑בְתָּ7 of 18

thou camest

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

כָּל8 of 18
H3605

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

יַ֞ד9 of 18

not nor unto any place

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נַ֤חַל10 of 18

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)

יַבֹּק֙11 of 18

Jabbok

H2999

jabbok, a river east of the jordan

וְעָרֵ֣י12 of 18

nor unto the cities

H5892

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

הָהָ֔ר13 of 18

in the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְכֹ֥ל14 of 18
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר15 of 18
H834

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

צִוָּ֖ה16 of 18

forbad

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֥ה17 of 18

nor unto whatsoever the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃18 of 18

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


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 2:37 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 2:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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