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.

DEUTERONOMY 34:6KJV
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Deuteronomy 34:6 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 34:6 mean?

Deuteronomy 34:6 says that Moses was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, near Bethpeor, but no one knows where his grave is to this day. The verse highlights that the exact location of Moses’ burial remains unknown.

This verse comes at the end of Deuteronomy, after Moses has died on Mount Nebo. The narrative voice is describing what happened to Moses after his death, emphasizing that his burial place was kept hidden. This detail sets Moses apart from other leaders in Israel’s history and adds a sense of mystery to his story.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 34:6

  • The word for "buried" is קָבַר (qavar), which simply means to bury. The verse does not specify who performed the burial, which is unusual and adds to the sense of mystery.
  • "Valley" is עֵמֶק (ʿemeq), meaning a low-lying area or valley. This gives a specific geographic setting, not just a general region.
  • "Sepulchre" is קֶבֶר (qever), meaning a grave or burial place. The verse’s use of this word underlines the physical reality of Moses’ death and burial, even though the location is hidden.
  • "Knoweth" is יָדַע (yadaʿ), meaning to know or be aware. The verse stresses that no one has knowledge of the grave’s location, not just at the time of writing but continuing "unto this day."

Why Deuteronomy 34:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Moses’ burial site was intentionally left unknown, which prevents it from becoming a place of pilgrimage or idolization.
  • By stating that "no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day," the text emphasizes the unique relationship between Moses and God, as well as the finality of Moses’ leadership.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by marking the end of Moses’ life and leadership, preparing the way for Joshua to lead the people into the promised land.

Where else these words appear

“Bethpeor” Hebrew H1047 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:29 So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.
  • 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:
  • Joshua 13:20 And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

“sepulchre” Hebrew H6900 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 35:20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
  • 2 Kings 21:26 And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 14:20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

“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;