So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.

DEUTERONOMY 3:29KJV
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Deuteronomy 3:29 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:29 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:29 places Moses and the Israelites in a valley near Bethpeor, on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses is recalling where the people were staying during the final part of their journey toward the land across the river.

The word “we” includes Moses among the people at that location. Coming after God’s instructions about Joshua in verse 28, the sentence places those instructions within the story of Israel’s journey.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:29

  • “abode” — יָשַׁב (yashav): This word can mean “sit,” “stay,” or “dwell.” Here it describes the people remaining in a place, rather than necessarily building permanent homes.
  • “against” — מוּל (mul): This word often means “opposite” or “facing.” The KJV phrase “over against Bethpeor” gives the valley’s position; it does not describe a conflict with Bethpeor.

Why Deuteronomy 3:29 matters

  • The location helps orient the events that follow. Deuteronomy 4:46 also places the people in the valley opposite Bethpeor, on the east side of the Jordan.
  • Bethpeor is a place name, not the name of a person Moses is addressing. The earlier account in Numbers 25:1–3 connects the nearby area with the worship of Baal of Peor.

Where else these words appear

“Bethpeor” Hebrew H1047 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:46 On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:
  • Deuteronomy 34:6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
  • Joshua 13:20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

“against” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

“valley” Hebrew H1516 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • 1 Chronicles 18:12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.
  • Jeremiah 2:23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;