King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:26 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:26 in the King James Version says “But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; sp... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.

Deuteronomy 3:26 · KJV


Context

24

O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

25

I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.

26

But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.

27

Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. Pisgah: or, the hill

28

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response—'the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes'—reveals that Moses' consequences resulted from Israel's provocation. The command 'would not hear me' shows even persistent, passionate prayer doesn't guarantee the answer we desire. God's refusal 'speak no more unto me of this matter' establishes boundaries—some decisions are final. Submission to God's 'no' is as important as faith for His 'yes.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' sin at Meribah occurred because Israel's rebellion provoked him to angry disobedience (Psalm 106:32-33). Though Moses bore personal responsibility, the people's pattern of complaint contributed to his failure. This illustrates how sustained exposure to negativity can erode even strong leadership, requiring vigilant self-control.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when God says 'no' to passionate, persistent prayer?
  2. What boundaries has God established that require your acceptance rather than argument?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּתְעַבֵּ֨ר1 of 19

was wroth

H5674

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

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 19

But the LORD

H3068

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

בִּי֙3 of 19
H0
לְמַ֣עַנְכֶ֔ם4 of 19
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

וְלֹ֥א5 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֖ע6 of 19

with me for your sakes and would not hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֵלָ֑י7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר8 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה9 of 19

But the LORD

H3068

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

אֵלַי֙10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רַב11 of 19

unto me Let it suffice

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

לָ֔ךְ12 of 19
H0
אַל13 of 19
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תּ֗וֹסֶף14 of 19

no more

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

דַּבֵּ֥ר15 of 19

thee speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלַ֛י16 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ע֖וֹד17 of 19
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בַּדָּבָ֥ר18 of 19

unto me of this matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּֽה׃19 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 3:26 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 3:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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