This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

DEUTERONOMY 2:25KJV
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Deuteronomy 2:25 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 2:25 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:25 says that God is starting to make other nations deeply afraid of the Israelites, so that when these nations hear about Israel, they will be terrified and distressed. This verse shows that God is preparing the way for Israel by causing fear to spread among the peoples they will encounter.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they are about to enter the land God promised them. The context is a turning point in their journey, where God promises to put a sense of dread and fear on all the nations "under the whole heaven" who hear about Israel's approach. The verse highlights God's active role in shaping how other nations will react to Israel, making it clear that their success is not just about their own strength, but about God's intervention.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 2:25

  • "dread" (פַּחַד, pachad): This word means a deep, overwhelming fear or terror. It is not just nervousness, but a kind of fear that can paralyze or cause panic, showing the seriousness of the reaction God is causing.
  • "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah): This word often means reverence or awe, but here it emphasizes a fearful respect or anxiety about Israel, adding another layer to the emotional impact on the nations.
  • "tremble" (רָעַד, ra'ad): This word means to shake or quake, suggesting a physical reaction to fear. The nations will not just be worried; they will be visibly shaken.
  • "anguish" (חִיל, chil): This word can mean to writhe or be in pain, often used for labor pains. Here, it paints a picture of nations being in deep distress, not just afraid but suffering emotionally because of Israel's reputation.

Why Deuteronomy 2:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel's victories are not only due to military power, but because God is actively working to influence the hearts and minds of other nations.
  • It connects to the larger story by showing that God is fulfilling promises made earlier to protect and establish Israel, not just by direct miracles but by shaping the attitudes of others.
  • The verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that Israel's journey was only about physical battles; it shows that psychological and spiritual factors, directed by God, played a major role.

Where else these words appear

“report” Hebrew H8088 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 29:13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.
  • Job 28:22 Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

“tremble” Hebrew H7264 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 45:24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
  • Psalms 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
  • Isaiah 32:11 Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
  • Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

“dread” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.