Deuteronomy 11:31
For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֹֽבְרִ֣ים
For ye shall pass over
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֣ים
For ye shall pass over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֥ם
to possess
H3423
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֥ם
to possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
7 of 18
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֣ן
giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 18
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֥ם
to possess
H3423
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֥ם
to possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
15 of 18
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֹתָ֖הּ
H853
אֹתָ֖הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Joshua 1:11Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.Deuteronomy 9:1Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,
Historical Context
Joshua 1-12 narrates the conquest: crossing Jordan (ch. 3-4), Jericho's fall (ch. 6), Ai campaign (ch. 7-8), southern conquest (ch. 10), northern conquest (ch. 11), summary of defeated kings (ch. 12). The process took approximately seven years. However, Judges 1 reveals incomplete conquest—Israel failed to drive out all inhabitants, leading to persistent idolatry. Full possession required full obedience; partial obedience yielded partial blessing and ongoing conflict.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate that God's promises require active faith to appropriate?
- What 'promised land' blessings has God given you that require effort to fully possess?
- What are the consequences of partial obedience—settling for less than God's full provision?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The imminence of conquest: 'For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.' The double use of 'possess' emphasizes certainty and ownership. The Hebrew yarash (יָרַשׁ, possess/dispossess) indicates both taking and inhabiting. God 'gives' the land, but Israel must actively 'possess' it—grace enables, effort applies. The sequence: pass over → possess → dwell describes conquest process. The promise combines divine gift ('the LORD giveth') with human responsibility ('ye shall possess'). This partnership of grace and works appears throughout Scripture: God provides what He commands, but we must appropriate what He provides.