And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

EXODUS 13:11KJV
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Exodus 13:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 13:11 mean?

Exodus 13:11 says that when the LORD brings the Israelites into the land of the Canaanites, as He promised to their ancestors, He will give them that land. This verse points to God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to the people of Israel.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to leave Egypt. He reminds them that God had made a solemn promise to their forefathers to give them the land of the Canaanites. The verse sets up instructions that follow, showing that entering the promised land is not just a hope, but something God has sworn to do for them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 13:11

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God's covenant relationship and faithfulness to Israel.
  • sware (שָׁבַע, shava‘): This word means to swear or make an oath. Its use here highlights that God’s promise is not casual but a binding commitment.
  • give (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give or grant. It shows that the land is not something Israel earns, but a gift from God.

Why Exodus 13:11 matters

  • Exodus 13:11 clarifies that the land of Canaan is given by God’s initiative and promise, not by Israel’s own power or merit.
  • The verse connects the current generation of Israelites to their ancestors, showing that God’s promises span generations.
  • This verse sets the stage for the instructions that follow, grounding them in God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His promise.

Where else these words appear

“Canaanites” Hebrew H3669 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Numbers 21:1 And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.
  • Judges 1:4 And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.