A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:

DEUTERONOMY 2:21KJV
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Deuteronomy 2:21 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 2:21 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:21 describes how a powerful and numerous people, as tall as the Anakims, were destroyed by the LORD so that others could take their land and live there instead. The verse highlights that it was the LORD who removed these people, allowing a new group to settle in their place.

In this verse, Moses is recounting Israel’s journey to the people, reminding them how God dealt with other nations before them. The verse refers to a group similar in reputation to the Anakims—giants known for their size and strength—but emphasizes that even such mighty peoples were overcome by God’s action, not human effort.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:21

  • אֲנָקִים (Anakim, transliterated "Anakim"): This word refers to a legendary race of giants, known for their great height and strength. Mentioning them sets a comparison for how formidable the destroyed people were.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated "YHWH" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that it was specifically the LORD who acted to destroy these nations, not just fate or military might.
  • הִשְׁמִיד (shamad, transliterated "destroyed"): This verb means to utterly destroy or wipe out, stressing the completeness of what the LORD did to these people.
  • יָרַשׁ (yarash, transliterated "succeeded"): This word means to take possession or inherit, showing that the new inhabitants didn’t just move in—they took over completely, as rightful successors.

Why Deuteronomy 2:21 matters

  • Deuteronomy 2:21 clarifies that the defeat of these powerful peoples was not due to human strength, but because the LORD intervened directly.
  • The verse connects Israel’s story to a wider pattern, showing that God had acted similarly with other nations before Israel’s arrival, reinforcing the idea of divine control over history.
  • By comparing these people to the Anakims, the verse addresses fears about giants in the land, reminding listeners that even the most intimidating obstacles can be overcome when God is involved.