King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 2:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 2:8 in the King James Version says “And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Ela... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

Deuteronomy 2:8 · KJV


Context

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.

7

For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

8

And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

9

And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession. Distress: or, Use no hostility against Moab

10

The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description of passing 'by the way of the plain from Elath, and from Ezion-gaber' provides specific geographical markers, grounding the narrative in historical reality. Turning toward 'the wilderness of Moab' shows Israel's continued journey northward. Detailed itinerary demonstrates that God's guidance involves concrete, step-by-step direction, not just vague spiritual impressions. God cares about the practical details of our journey.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Elath and Ezion-gaber were ports on the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea's northeastern arm). This route skirted Edom's southern border before turning north. Later, Solomon would build ships at Ezion-gaber (1 Kings 9:26), and Elath would remain strategically important in Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you seek and follow God's detailed guidance in practical matters?
  2. What confidence does knowing God cares about specifics bring to your daily decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר1 of 17

And when we passed

H5674

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

מֵאֵ֧ת2 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַחֵ֣ינוּ3 of 17

by from our brethren

H251

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

בְנֵֽי4 of 17

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

עֵשָׂ֗ו5 of 17

of Esau

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙6 of 17

which dwelt

H3427

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

בְּשֵׂעִ֔יר7 of 17

in Seir

H8165

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

דֶּ֖רֶךְ8 of 17

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָֽעֲרָבָ֔ה9 of 17

of the plain

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

מֵֽאֵילַ֖ת10 of 17

from Elath

H359

eloth or elath, a place on the red sea

וּמֵֽעֶצְיֹ֣ן11 of 17
H0
גָּ֑בֶר12 of 17

and from Eziongaber

H6100

etsjon-geber, a place on the red sea

וַנֵּ֙פֶן֙13 of 17

we turned

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

וַֽנַּעֲבֹ֔ר14 of 17

And when we passed

H5674

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

דֶּ֖רֶךְ15 of 17

by the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מִדְבַּ֥ר16 of 17

of the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

מוֹאָֽב׃17 of 17

of Moab

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants


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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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