King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:17 Mean?

Exodus 15:17 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast mad...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.”

Exodus 15:17 · KJV

Context

15

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

17

Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

18

The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.

19

For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ultimate destination: 'Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance.' The verb 'plant' (nata, נָטַע) suggests permanent, rooted settlement—not temporary sojourn. The phrase 'the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in' identifies the location as God's chosen dwelling. The parallel 'the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established' specifies both temple mount and temple structure. Redemption's goal is dwelling with God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy looked ahead to both the tabernacle (immediate) and the Jerusalem temple (ultimate). It established that God's presence dwelling with His people was the exodus's ultimate purpose, fulfilled finally in Revelation 21:3.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that God's presence is redemption's goal rather than merely blessing affect your priorities?
  2. What does God 'planting' rather than temporarily placing you teach about His intention for permanent relationship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
תְּבִאֵ֗מוֹ1 of 12

“Thou shalt bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְתִטָּעֵ֙מוֹ֙2 of 12

“them in and plant”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

בְּהַ֣ר3 of 12

“them in the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

נַחֲלָֽתְךָ֔4 of 12

“of thine inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

מָכ֧וֹן5 of 12

“in the place”

H4349

properly, a fixture, i.e., a basis; generally a place, especially as an abode

לְשִׁבְתְּךָ֛6 of 12

“for thee to dwell in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

פָּעַ֖לְתָּ7 of 12

“which thou hast made”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 12

“O LORD”

H3068

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

מִקְּדָ֕שׁ9 of 12

“in the Sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

אֲדֹנָ֖י10 of 12

“O Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

כּֽוֹנְנ֥וּ11 of 12

“have established”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

יָדֶֽיךָ׃12 of 12

“which thy hands”

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 15:17 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 Exodus 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 44:2Psalms 80:8Psalms 78:54-55Jeremiah 32:41Psalms 78:68-69Jeremiah 2:21

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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