King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:4 in the King James Version says “And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

Deuteronomy 2:4 · KJV


Context

2

And the LORD spake unto me, saying,

3

Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.

4

And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

5

Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth ; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. no: Heb. even to the treading of the sole of the foot

6

Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to inform the people they would 'pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau' establishes boundaries and relationships. Though Edom descended from Esau (Jacob's brother), ethnic connection didn't grant Israel military conquest rights. God's instruction to Israel 'take ye good heed unto yourselves' warns against presumption—not every nation was designated for conquest. Respecting boundaries honors God's sovereign distribution of lands.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Edom's descent from Esau made them related to Israel through Jacob. Despite past conflict (Genesis 27), God commanded respect for this familial connection and honored Esau's inheritance of Seir (Deuteronomy 2:5). This shows God's justice extends beyond Israel to other nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance pursuing God's promises while respecting others' legitimate boundaries?
  2. What relationships require careful wisdom and self-control to navigate well?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֶת1 of 16
H853

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

הָעָם֮2 of 16

thou the people

H5971

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

צַ֣ו3 of 16

And command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

לֵאמֹר֒4 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַתֶּ֣ם5 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹֽבְרִ֗ים6 of 16

Ye are to pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בִּגְבוּל֙7 of 16

through the coast

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם8 of 16

of your brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בְּנֵֽי9 of 16

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

עֵשָׂ֔ו10 of 16

of Esau

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים11 of 16

which dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר12 of 16

in Seir

H8165

seir, a mountain of idumaea and its indigenous occupants, also one in palestine

וְיִֽירְא֣וּ13 of 16

and they shall be afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִכֶּ֔ם14 of 16
H4480

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

וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם15 of 16

heed

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מְאֹֽד׃16 of 16

of you take ye good

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or


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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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