Deuteronomy 3:17 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:17 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:17 describes the boundaries of the land given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, specifically marking out the area along the Jordan River, from the Sea of Chinnereth (the Sea of Galilee) down to the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea), including the plains and the slopes east of the Jordan. The verse lists these geographic features to define the eastern border of the territory Israel had just taken possession of.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, recounting how the land east of the Jordan was divided among certain tribes. The verse uses specific place names and natural landmarks to make clear which areas were included, helping the people understand exactly what land was theirs. This is part of a larger passage where Moses is reviewing Israel’s recent history and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:17

• עֲרָבָה (‘aravah, H6160) — This word is translated as "plain" and refers to the flat, low-lying area running along the Jordan River valley. Mentioning the ‘aravah helps clarify that the territory included not just the river itself but also the fertile land beside it.
• יַרְדֵּן (yarden, H3383) — This is the Hebrew name for the Jordan River. Naming the Jordan as a border emphasizes its importance as a natural dividing line in the region.
• כִּנֶּרֶת (kinnéreth, H3672) — This is the Sea of Chinnereth, known today as the Sea of Galilee. Including this name shows the northern extent of the territory.
• יַם הַמֶּלַח (yam hammélach, H4417 + H3220) — Literally "the Salt Sea," referring to the Dead Sea. This marks the southern end of the described border.
• אַשְׁדּוֹת הַפִּסְגָּה (ashdot hapisgah, H798, H794) — This phrase refers to the slopes or foothills of Pisgah, a mountain east of the Jordan. It marks a specific eastern landmark, showing the boundary did not just run north-south but also included areas to the east.

Why Deuteronomy 3:17 matters

• Deuteronomy 3:17 clears up exactly which land was given to the tribes east of the Jordan, using well-known landmarks so there would be no confusion among the Israelites.
• The verse shows how carefully the boundaries were set, reflecting the importance of land and inheritance in Israel’s story.
• By naming places like Chinnereth and the Salt Sea, the verse connects the Israelites’ present to familiar locations, grounding their new territory in real geography and history.