King James Version

What Does Exodus 23:31 Mean?

Exodus 23:31 in the King James Version says “And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Exodus 23:31 · KJV


Context

29

I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.

30

By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.

31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

32

Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְשַׁתִּ֣י1 of 19

And I will set

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

גְּבֻֽלְךָ֗3 of 19

thy bounds

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

יָ֣ם4 of 19

even unto the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

סוּף֙5 of 19

from the Red

H5488

a reed, especially the papyrus

וְעַד6 of 19
H5704

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

יָ֣ם7 of 19

even unto the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים8 of 19

of the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר9 of 19

and from the desert

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

עַד10 of 19
H5704

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

הַנָּהָ֑ר11 of 19

unto the river

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

כִּ֣י׀12 of 19
H3588

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

אֶתֵּ֣ן13 of 19

for I will deliver

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיֶדְכֶ֗ם14 of 19

into your 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

אֵ֚ת15 of 19
H853

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

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י16 of 19

the inhabitants

H3427

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ17 of 19

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְגֵֽרַשְׁתָּ֖מוֹ18 of 19

and thou shalt drive them out

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

מִפָּנֶֽיךָ׃19 of 19

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


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 23:31 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 23:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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