King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:21 in the King James Version says “And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two ki... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

Deuteronomy 3:21 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.

22

Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

23

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' encouragement to Joshua—'Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done'—grounds future faith in past evidence. Joshua witnessed Egypt's plagues, Red Sea crossing, Sinai revelation, and recent Transjordan victories. The promise 'so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest' assures consistent divine faithfulness. God's character doesn't change with circumstances—He who was faithful yesterday will be faithful tomorrow.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This charge prepared Joshua for leadership succession (formally commissioned in Deuteronomy 31). Joshua had served as Moses' assistant for 40 years, giving him firsthand experience of God's faithfulness. This experiential knowledge would sustain him through the challenges of conquering Canaan and leading a new generation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What past evidences of God's faithfulness anchor your confidence in future challenges?
  2. How can you mentor others by pointing them to God's proven track record?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְאֶת1 of 26
H853

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

יְהוֹשׁ֣וּעַ2 of 26

Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

צִוֵּ֔יתִי3 of 26

And I commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

בָּעֵ֥ת4 of 26

at that time

H6256

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

הַהִ֖וא5 of 26
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

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 26

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֵינֶ֣יךָ7 of 26

Thine eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָֽרֹאֹ֗ת8 of 26

have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵת֩9 of 26
H853

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

כָּל10 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר11 of 26
H834

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

יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה12 of 26

do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָה֙13 of 26

all that the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֙14 of 26

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

לִשְׁנֵי֙15 of 26

unto these two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַמְּלָכִ֣ים16 of 26

kings

H4428

a king

הָאֵ֔לֶּה17 of 26
H428

these or those

כֵּֽן18 of 26
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַעֲשֶׂ֤ה19 of 26

do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָה֙20 of 26

all that the LORD

H3068

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

לְכָל21 of 26
H3605

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

הַמַּמְלָכ֔וֹת22 of 26

unto all the kingdoms

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 26
H834

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

אַתָּ֖ה24 of 26
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹבֵ֥ר25 of 26

whither thou passest

H5674

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

שָֽׁמָּה׃26 of 26
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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