King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 27:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 27:2 in the King James Version says “And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou sh... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:

Deuteronomy 27:2 · KJV


Context

1

And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.

2

And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister:

3

And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.

4

Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set up thee great stones, and plaister them with plaister. The command to erect memorial stones immediately upon entering Canaan demonstrates that covenant commitment must mark the beginning of inheritance. Before enjoying the land's benefits, Israel must publicly declare allegiance to God's law.

The specification great stones ensures visibility - these monuments must be large enough to be noticed and to bear substantial text. Public witness to covenant commitment requires prominent, unmistakable declaration.

Plastering the stones prepares them for inscription. The smooth plastered surface allows clear writing of the law, making the text readable for all who pass by. God's word must be clearly communicated, not obscurely presented.

This physical memorial serves as continuing testimony - future generations would see the stones and be reminded of Israel's covenant obligations and the law's authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Large plastered stones with inscribed text were known in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Similar monuments marked treaties and important declarations, serving as permanent public records.

Joshua 8:30-32 records the fulfillment of this command, with the stones erected on Mount Ebal and the law written on them.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does erecting memorial stones upon entering the land teach about priorities?
  2. How do physical monuments serve as continuing testimony to covenant commitment?
  3. Why is public, visible declaration of allegiance to God's law important?
  4. What does the requirement for clear inscription teach about communicating God's word?
  5. How might contemporary believers create visible reminders of commitment to God's commands?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 20
H1961

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

בַּיּוֹם֮2 of 20

And it shall be on the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 20
H834

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

תַּֽעַבְר֣וּ4 of 20

when ye shall pass over

H5674

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

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

הַיַּרְדֵּן֒6 of 20

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֕רֶץ8 of 20

unto the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר9 of 20
H834

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

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 20

which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ11 of 20

thy 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

נֹתֵ֣ן12 of 20

giveth

H5414

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

לָ֑ךְ13 of 20
H0
וַהֲקֵֽמֹתָ֤14 of 20

thee that thou shalt set thee up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לְךָ֙15 of 20
H0
אֲבָנִ֣ים16 of 20

stones

H68

a stone

גְּדֹל֔וֹת17 of 20

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְשַׂדְתָּ֥18 of 20

and plaister

H7874

to plaster

אֹתָ֖ם19 of 20
H853

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

בַּשִּֽׂיד׃20 of 20

them with plaister

H7875

lime (as boiling when slacked)


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 27:2 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 27:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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