King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 31:4 Mean?

Deuteronomy 31:4 in the King James Version says “And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.”

Deuteronomy 31:4 · KJV

Context

2

And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

3

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

4

And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.

5

And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.

6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Read Deuteronomy 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites—Moses references recent history as proof of future victory. Sihon ruled Heshbon, Og ruled Bashan; both attacked Israel and were utterly destroyed (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2:26-3:11). These victories demonstrated Yahweh's power over supposedly invincible foes—Og was a giant of the Rephaim remnant, and both kings had fortified cities and powerful armies. Whom he destroyed (asher hishmadtem)—the verb shamad appears again, emphasizing complete conquest.

This appeal to precedent serves pastoral and theological purposes. Pastorally, it encourages Israel facing the intimidating Canaanite coalition—if God defeated Sihon and Og, He can defeat any enemy. Theologically, it establishes the pattern of divine warfare: God fights for Israel; Israel participates in His victory. The Canaanite conquest isn't human imperialism but divine judgment executed through human agency. Paul applies this principle spiritually in Romans 8:37 and 2 Corinthians 2:14—past victories guarantee future conquest through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sihon and Og's defeats occurred just months earlier in the fortieth year (Numbers 21, circa 1407 BC). These were Israel's first major military victories since leaving Egypt. Sihon controlled the Transjordan from the Arnon River to the Jabbok; Og ruled Bashan north of the Jabbok with sixty fortified cities. Their kingdoms became the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Archaeological evidence confirms destruction layers at several Transjordanian sites dating to the late Bronze Age, consistent with these conquests.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do past spiritual victories strengthen your faith for current battles?
  2. What 'giants' (seemingly invincible obstacles) do you face that God has already proven He can defeat?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עָשָׂ֗ה1 of 13

“shall do”

H6213

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

יְהוָה֙2 of 13

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

לָהֶ֔ם3 of 13
H0
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 13
H834

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

עָשָׂ֗ה5 of 13

“shall do”

H6213

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

לְסִיח֥וֹן6 of 13

“to Sihon”

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

וּלְע֛וֹג7 of 13

“and to Og”

H5747

og, a king of bashan

מַלְכֵ֥י8 of 13

“kings”

H4428

a king

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י9 of 13

“of the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

וּלְאַרְצָ֑ם10 of 13

“and unto the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 13
H834

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

הִשְׁמִ֖יד12 of 13

“of them whom he destroyed”

H8045

to desolate

אֹתָֽם׃13 of 13
H853

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

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 31:4 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 31:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:28-31Deuteronomy 7:16Deuteronomy 3:21Deuteronomy 2:33Deuteronomy 3:3-11Numbers 21:24-35

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Deuteronomy 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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