Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

DEUTERONOMY 11:30KJV
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Deuteronomy 11:30 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 11:30 mean?

Deuteronomy 11:30 describes the location of two mountains, saying they are across the Jordan River, on the west side where the sun sets, in the land of the Canaanites near Gilgal and the plains of Moreh. This verse gives specific directions to help the Israelites identify where an important ceremony will take place once they enter the Promised Land.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter Canaan. He is pointing out the exact area where blessings and curses will later be pronounced from Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The details about the land, the people living there, and the landmarks like Gilgal and Moreh help the audience picture the real, physical setting for these future events.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 11:30

  • "side" (עֵבֶר, ʿēver): This word means "across" or "the other side," emphasizing that the location is on the far side of the Jordan River from where the Israelites currently stand.
  • "champaign" (עֲרָבָה, ʿărābâ): This term refers to a flat, open plain, highlighting that the area is a broad, level region and not mountainous or forested.
  • "plains" (אֵלוֹן, ʾēlôn): This word can mean "oak" or "terebinth," but here it points to a specific landmark, the "plains of Moreh," which would be a well-known spot for the original audience.

Why Deuteronomy 11:30 matters

  • This verse clears up exactly where the Israelites are to perform the ceremony of blessings and curses, preventing confusion about the location.
  • The mention of Canaanite inhabitants and specific landmarks roots the story in real geography and history, showing the Israelites are about to take possession of a tangible land.
  • By giving these detailed directions, Moses is connecting the Israelites' future obedience to concrete places, making the covenant feel more immediate and real.

Where else these words appear

“Moreh” Hebrew H4176 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

“plains” Hebrew H436 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 9:6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

“down” Hebrew H3996 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 1:4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

“against” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.