Deuteronomy 1:21 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 1:21 mean?

Deuteronomy 1:21 tells the Israelites that God has given them the land ahead, and they are commanded to go and take possession of it without fear or discouragement. The verse emphasizes trusting in God’s promise and acting with courage as they enter the land He set before them.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they stand on the edge of the Promised Land, reminding them of God’s command and promise to their ancestors. The instruction to “go up and possess it” refers to entering and claiming the land of Canaan. The encouragement not to fear or be discouraged addresses the people’s earlier hesitation and anxiety about facing the inhabitants of the land.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 1:21

• “Behold” (רְאֵה, ra’eh) is a call to attention, urging the people to notice what God has done and what is before them.
• “Set” (נָתַן, natan) means to give or place, highlighting that God has actively provided the land for them, not just promised it in words.
• “Possess” (יָרַשׁ, yarash) carries the idea of taking ownership or inheriting, not just entering but fully claiming the land as their own.
• “Fear” (יָרֵא, yare) and “discouraged” (חָתַת, chatat) both address emotional responses, with “yare” focusing on being afraid and “chatat” on losing heart or confidence.

Why Deuteronomy 1:21 matters

• This verse clarifies that the land is not just a future hope but something God has already “set before” the Israelites, making their action a response to God’s initiative.
• The command to not fear or be discouraged directly addresses the people’s past failures, connecting this moment to their earlier refusal to enter the land due to fear.
• Deuteronomy 1:21 sets the tone for the rest of Moses’ speech, emphasizing trust in God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience as the people prepare to enter a new chapter in their history.