Deuteronomy 3:20
Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֠ד
H5704
עַ֠ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 24
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָנִ֨יחַ
have given rest
H5117
יָנִ֨יחַ
have given rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
3 of 24
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
יְהוָ֧ה
Until the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
Until the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮
unto your brethren
H251
לַֽאֲחֵיכֶם֮
unto your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 24
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וְיָֽרְשׁ֣וּ
as well as unto you and until they also possess
H3423
וְיָֽרְשׁ֣וּ
as well as unto you and until they also possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
7 of 24
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
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֧ה
Until the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
Until the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֛ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
14 of 24
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
נָתַ֖תִּי
hath given
H5414
נָתַ֖תִּי
hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
15 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
them beyond
H5676
בְּעֵ֣בֶר
them beyond
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֗ם
and then shall ye return
H7725
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֗ם
and then shall ye return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
19 of 24
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אִ֚ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֚ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
20 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לִֽירֻשָּׁת֔וֹ
unto his possession
H3425
לִֽירֻשָּׁת֔וֹ
unto his possession
Strong's:
H3425
Word #:
21 of 24
something occupied; a conquest; also a patrimony
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
22 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This military service lasted approximately 7 years during Joshua's conquest campaigns. Joshua 22 records their honorable discharge and return home with blessing. Their faithful service despite having received inheritance first became a model of covenant loyalty and communal responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- What temporary sacrifices is God calling you to make for others' blessing?
- How does knowing the sacrifice has an endpoint help you endure faithfully?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise 'Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you' establishes the time limit for military service—until all tribes possess their inheritance. The phrase 'they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them' emphasizes corporate blessing—everyone receives what God promised. The release 'then shall ye return every man unto his possession' assures them their sacrifice has an end point. Temporary sacrifice yields permanent blessing.