Deuteronomy 2:11 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 2:11 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:11 explains that a group of people called the Emims were considered giants, much like the Anakims, but the Moabites had their own name for them. The verse points out that different nations had different names for these ancient, large people who once lived in the land.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they journey toward the Promised Land, recounting the history of the peoples who lived in the region before them. He highlights that the Moabites referred to these giants as Emims, while others called similar people Anakims, showing how local traditions and names varied for the same kinds of people.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:11

• גִּבֹּרִים (giḇbōrîm, transliterated as "giants"): This word is often understood as "mighty ones" or "giants," pointing to people of great size or strength. It signals that the Emims were seen as physically impressive or intimidating.
• עֲנָקִים (ʿanaqîm, transliterated as "Anakims"): This is the name for another group of giants mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, connecting the Emims to a broader tradition of legendary large peoples.
• אֵימִים (ʾēmîm, transliterated as "Emims"): This is the specific name the Moabites used for these giants, showing that different groups had their own terms for the same or similar peoples.
• מוֹאָבִים (mōʾāḇîm, transliterated as "Moabites"): This word identifies the people group who used the name Emims, emphasizing the local perspective in naming.

Why Deuteronomy 2:11 matters

• Deuteronomy 2:11 clarifies that the stories of giants in the region were not unique to Israel; neighboring peoples like the Moabites had their own names and traditions about these ancient inhabitants.
• The verse helps the reader see that the land Israel was entering had a long and complex history, with powerful peoples who had already been displaced or defeated.
• By mentioning both the Anakims and Emims, the verse connects Israel’s story to a wider regional memory, showing that the Israelites’ experiences were part of a larger pattern in the ancient world.