King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:17 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:17 in the King James Version says “The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, un...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward. Ashdothpisgah; or, the springs of Pisgah, or, the hill”

Deuteronomy 3:17 · KJV

Context

15

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

16

And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward. Ashdothpisgah; or, the springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

18

And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war. meet: Heb. sons of power

19

But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, ( for I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you;

Read Deuteronomy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description 'The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof' details the western boundary along the Jordan River valley. Mentioning specific locations 'from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain... Ashdothpisgah' provides precise geographical markers. The 'salt sea' (Dead Sea) marks the southern extreme. These details ensure accurate inheritance understanding and demonstrate God's attention to particulars in fulfilling promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Chinnereth (later called Gennesaret or Galilee) to the Dead Sea spans the entire Jordan valley, approximately 65 miles. This fertile valley provided agricultural wealth. Ashdoth-pisgah refers to the slopes of Mount Pisgah in the Abarim range, from where Moses would later view the Promised Land.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to detail in Scripture strengthen your confidence in His care for you?
  2. What specific details of God's promises bring you greatest confidence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הָֽעֲרָבָה֙1 of 13

“The plain”

H6160

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

וְהַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן2 of 13

“also and Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וּגְבֻ֑ל3 of 13

“and the coast”

H1366

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

מִכִּנֶּ֗רֶת4 of 13

“thereof from Chinnereth”

H3672

kinneroth or kinnereth, a place in palestine

וְעַ֨ד5 of 13
H5704

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

יָ֣ם6 of 13

“even unto the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הָֽעֲרָבָה֙7 of 13

“The plain”

H6160

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

יָ֣ם8 of 13

“even unto the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

הַמֶּ֔לַח9 of 13

“even the salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

תַּ֛חַת10 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת11 of 13
H794

a ravine

הַפִּסְגָּ֖ה12 of 13
H6449

pisgah, a mountain east of jordan

מִזְרָֽחָה׃13 of 13

“eastward”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 12:3Genesis 14:3Joshua 3:16Deuteronomy 4:49Joshua 18:19Joshua 13:27

Places in This Verse

ArabahRegion · Modern: Arabah · 30.42°N, 35.15°E26 verses across 10 books
ChinnerethSettlement · Modern: Tel Kinrot · 32.87°N, 35.54°E4 verses across 3 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
PisgahMountain · Modern: Rujm Siyaghah · 31.77°N, 35.73°E8 verses across 3 books
Salt SeaBody of Water · Modern: Dead Sea · 31.50°N, 35.50°E21 verses across 11 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 3 →

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