King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:8 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:8 in the King James Version says “And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from th... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

Deuteronomy 3:8 · KJV


Context

6

And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.

7

But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.

8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

9

( Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' summary—'we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land'—emphasizes the transfer of territorial control from Amorite to Israelite hands. The geographical markers 'from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon' define the full extent of the Transjordan conquest. Specific boundaries demonstrate that God's promises involve concrete, measurable fulfillments, not vague spiritual sentiments.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This territory spanned approximately 100 miles north-south, from the Arnon River (central Transjordan) to Mount Hermon (northern extreme). Control of this region secured Israel's eastern flank and provided inheritance for Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. The conquest fulfilled God's promises regarding the land's extent.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific, measurable promises of God are you trusting Him to fulfill?
  2. How does understanding God's faithfulness in tangible ways strengthen your faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַנִּקַּ֞ח1 of 17

And we took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בָּעֵ֤ת2 of 17

at that time

H6256

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

הַהִוא֙3 of 17
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

אֶת4 of 17
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ5 of 17

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִיַּ֗ד6 of 17

of the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

שְׁנֵי֙7 of 17

of the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מַלְכֵ֣י8 of 17

kings

H4428

a king

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י9 of 17

of the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

אֲשֶׁ֖ר10 of 17
H834

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

בְּעֵ֣בֶר11 of 17

that was on this side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן12 of 17

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

מִנַּ֥חַל13 of 17

from the river

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אַרְנֹ֖ן14 of 17

of Arnon

H769

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

עַד15 of 17
H5704

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

הַ֥ר16 of 17

unto mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

חֶרְמֽוֹן׃17 of 17

Hermon

H2768

chermon, a mount of palestine


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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study