King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:18 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:18 in the King James Version says “And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over a... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Deuteronomy 3:18 · KJV


Context

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;

20

Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' charge to the Transjordan tribes—'I commanded you at that time'—establishes their obligation despite receiving inheritance first. God's promise that He 'hath given you this land to possess it' came with responsibility: 'ye shall pass over armed before your brethren.' Blessing brings duty. Those who receive first must help others obtain their inheritance. This principle of serving others from our blessing runs throughout Scripture.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 32 records the original agreement where Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh promised to lead Israel's army in conquering western Canaan before returning to their families. This conditional inheritance taught that community solidarity must accompany individual blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What blessings has God given you that come with responsibility to help others?
  2. How are you using your advantages to serve those still waiting for their breakthrough?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וָֽאֲצַ֣ו1 of 22

And I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֔ם2 of 22
H853

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

בָּעֵ֥ת3 of 22

you at that time

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֖וא4 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 22

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה6 of 22

The LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם7 of 22

your 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

נָתַ֨ן8 of 22

hath given

H5414

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

לָכֶ֜ם9 of 22
H0
אֶת10 of 22
H853

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

הָאָ֤רֶץ11 of 22

you this land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּאת֙12 of 22
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְרִשְׁתָּ֔הּ13 of 22

to possess

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

חֲלוּצִ֣ים14 of 22

armed

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

תַּֽעַבְר֗וּ15 of 22

it 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

לִפְנֵ֛י16 of 22

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲחֵיכֶ֥ם17 of 22

your brethren

H251

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

בְּנֵי18 of 22

all that are meet

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל19 of 22

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כָּל20 of 22
H3605

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

בְּנֵי21 of 22

all that are meet

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

חָֽיִל׃22 of 22

for the war

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength


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 3:18 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 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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