Deuteronomy 4:47 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 4:47 mean?

Deuteronomy 4:47 states that the Israelites took possession of the land belonging to Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan—two Amorite kings whose territories lay east of the Jordan River, toward the sunrise. This verse summarizes a key moment when Israel gained control of these lands before crossing into Canaan.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of their recent victories over Sihon and Og, highlighting that these lands are on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the direction of the rising sun. This sets the stage for understanding the boundaries of Israel’s inheritance and the fulfillment of God’s promises up to that point.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 4:47

• "Possessed" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) means to take possession or inherit. This word often carries the sense of settling in and making the land one’s own, not just conquering it.
• "Land" (אֶרֶץ, erets) appears twice, emphasizing both the specific territories taken and the broader idea of land as inheritance.
• "Sunrising" (מִזְרָח־שֶׁמֶשׁ, mizrach-shemesh) literally means "toward the east, where the sun rises," clarifying the geographic orientation and showing that these lands are east of the Jordan.

Why Deuteronomy 4:47 matters

• This verse clarifies that Israel’s possession of land began before entering Canaan proper, showing God’s faithfulness in giving them victories even before crossing the Jordan.
• The mention of Sihon and Og, both powerful Amorite kings, highlights the significance of these victories and the security of Israel’s eastern borders.
• By specifying the location "toward the sunrising," the verse helps readers understand the geography of Israel’s early conquests and the division of land among the tribes.