King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:28 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:28 in the King James Version says “But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause th... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 3:28 · KJV


Context

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.

29

So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to Moses—'charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him'—shifts focus from personal disappointment to investing in the next generation. Moses must actively prepare his successor through specific charge (instruction), encouragement (emotional support), and strengthening (confidence-building). The reason 'for he shall go over before this people... cause them to inherit' emphasizes Joshua's crucial role. Finishing well means empowering others to continue God's work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This began Joshua's formal preparation for leadership, culminating in public commissioning (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23). Moses' willingness to invest in Joshua despite personal disappointment models selfless leadership. Joshua's success depended partly on Moses' faithful mentoring, showing how leaders create legacy through developing others.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are you actively encouraging and strengthening to continue God's work after you?
  2. How can personal disappointment become motivation to invest in others' success?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְצַ֥ו1 of 18

But charge

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 18
H853

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

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ3 of 18

Joshua

H3091

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

וְחַזְּקֵ֣הוּ4 of 18

and encourage

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְאַמְּצֵ֑הוּ5 of 18

him and strengthen

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

כִּי6 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ה֣וּא7 of 18
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

יַֽעֲבֹ֗ר8 of 18

him for he shall go over

H5674

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

לִפְנֵי֙9 of 18

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

הָעָ֣ם10 of 18

this people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֔ה11 of 18
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְהוּא֙12 of 18
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

יַנְחִ֣יל13 of 18

and he shall cause them to inherit

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

אוֹתָ֔ם14 of 18
H853

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

אֶת15 of 18
H853

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

הָאָ֖רֶץ16 of 18

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

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

תִּרְאֶֽה׃18 of 18

which thou shalt see

H7200

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


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 3:28 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 3:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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