And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
DEUTERONOMY 31:2KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 31:2 mean?
Deuteronomy 31:2 records Moses telling the Israelites that he is now 120 years old and can no longer lead them by going out and coming in; he also explains that the LORD has told him he will not cross the Jordan River with them. This verse marks a transition in leadership and signals that Moses’ time as their leader is ending.
Moses is speaking directly to the people of Israel as they are about to enter the Promised Land. He is both acknowledging his old age and sharing God’s command that he will not be the one to lead them across the Jordan River. This sets the stage for Joshua to take over leadership and for the Israelites to prepare for a new chapter in their journey.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:2
- "Go out" (יָצָא, yatsa’ H3318) and "come in" (בּוֹא, bo’ H935) are Hebrew phrases often used together to describe the full range of a leader’s public activity—leading, guiding, and caring for the people. Moses is saying he can no longer fulfill these duties.
- "Over" (עָבַר, avar H5674) means to cross or pass over. Moses is making clear that he will not be the one to cross the Jordan River (יַרְדֵּן, yarden H3383) with them, emphasizing the boundary he cannot pass.
Why Deuteronomy 31:2 matters
- This verse clarifies that Moses’ leadership is ending not just because of age, but also because of God’s specific instruction.
- The mention of the Jordan River highlights the significance of the moment: the people are on the edge of entering the land God promised, but Moses will not go with them.
- It prepares the people for a change in leadership and helps them understand that the journey ahead will continue under God’s direction, even without Moses.