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 4:46KJV
Know the Bible

Deuteronomy 4:46 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 4:46 mean?

Deuteronomy 4:46 identifies the specific location where Moses spoke to the Israelites, describing it as the area east of the Jordan River, in the valley near Bethpeor, within the territory that once belonged to Sihon, king of the Amorites, whom the Israelites defeated after leaving Egypt. The verse serves as a geographic marker, anchoring Moses’ words in a real place and time.

Moses is addressing the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of a larger section that recounts the journey and victories of Israel after leaving Egypt, especially their conquest of Sihon’s land. The details about the land and its former ruler help the reader understand the historical and physical context of Moses’ teachings.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 4:46

  • "side" (עֵבֶר, ʿeber): This word often means "region" or "area across from," and here it clarifies that the events took place on the eastern side of the Jordan River, not yet in the Promised Land itself.
  • "Jordan" (יַרְדֵּן, yarden): Naming the Jordan River roots the story in a real, well-known landmark, emphasizing the boundary Israel was about to cross.
  • "Bethpeor" (בֵּית פְּעוֹר, beit-peor): Mentioning this specific location ties the narrative to a place that would have been familiar to the original audience, marking a significant spot in Israel’s journey.
  • "Sihon" (סִיחוֹן, siḥon): Naming Sihon, the Amorite king, highlights the military victory that allowed Israel to occupy this land, reminding readers of God’s help in their journey.

Why Deuteronomy 4:46 matters

  • This verse clears up exactly where Moses’ instructions were given, showing that these teachings were rooted in real events and places, not just abstract ideas.
  • By mentioning Sihon and the Amorites, the verse connects Moses’ speech to Israel’s recent victories, reinforcing the sense of progress and fulfillment of God’s promises.
  • The verse helps the reader see the continuity between Israel’s past (leaving Egypt), their present (camped east of the Jordan), and their future (about to enter Canaan), making the narrative flow clearer.

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 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.

“Sihon” Hebrew H5511 · used in 34 verses

  • Numbers 21:21 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
  • Deuteronomy 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.
  • Joshua 13:10 And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

“Heshbon” Hebrew H2809 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 21:25 And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.
  • Deuteronomy 3:2 And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
  • Judges 11:19 And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon; and Israel said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, through thy land into my place.