But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

DEUTERONOMY 12:10KJV
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Deuteronomy 12:10 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 12:10 mean?

Deuteronomy 12:10 tells the Israelites that after they cross the Jordan River and settle in the land God is giving them, God will give them peace from their enemies so they can live there safely. The verse promises a future time of security and rest once they have received their inheritance.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter Canaan. The setting is just before they cross the Jordan River, with Moses explaining what life will be like once God fulfills His promise. The verse highlights both the physical act of entering the land and the spiritual assurance of safety and rest provided by God.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 12:10

  • "over" (עָבַר, avar): This word means to cross or pass over, specifically referring here to crossing the Jordan River, which marks a major transition for the Israelites from wandering to settling.
  • "rest" (נוּחַ, nuach): This word carries the sense of relief, settling down, or being at ease. It emphasizes that God is not just giving land, but also a deep sense of peace and security from threats.
  • "safety" (בֶּטַח, betach): This word means security or confidence, highlighting that the Israelites will not just live in the land, but will do so without fear, truly at peace.

Why Deuteronomy 12:10 matters

  • Deuteronomy 12:10 clarifies that God’s promise to Israel is not only about land, but also about lasting peace and safety, which would have been especially meaningful after years of wandering and conflict.
  • The verse sets up the context for later instructions about worship and community life, which depend on the people being settled and secure in the land.
  • This verse helps readers see that God’s gifts to Israel include both physical provision (land) and emotional/spiritual well-being (rest and safety), showing the completeness of His care.

Where else these words appear

“safety” Hebrew H983 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
  • Psalms 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
  • Ezekiel 28:26 And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.

“inherit” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 21:10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered neither the birds of the air to rest on them by day, nor the beasts of the field by night.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.