Deuteronomy 34:2
And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נַפְתָּלִ֔י
And all Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִ֔י
And all Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
3 of 14
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
6 of 14
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וּמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
and Manasseh
H4519
וּמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
and Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
7 of 14
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
11 of 14
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 11:24Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be your's: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.Exodus 23:31And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.Joshua 15:12And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.Numbers 34:6And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.
Historical Context
This verse traces Canaan from north to south, west to east—a complete survey of the inheritance. The specific mention of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Judah is significant: Ephraim and Manasseh would dominate the northern kingdom (often called 'Ephraim' by prophets), while Judah would become the southern kingdom, preserving David's line through exile to Messiah. Moses's vision encompasses both immediate conquest and distant messianic fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the Messiah's emergence from the land Moses saw deepen your understanding of God's long-term covenantal faithfulness?
- What promises has God shown you 'from afar' that require patient trust in His timing for fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
All Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh—God's panoramic revelation proceeds from north (Naphtali) to central Canaan (Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons). These territories would become the heartland of the northern kingdom after Solomon's reign. Moses sees not just geography but prophetic history—the tribal allotments, future kingdoms, and ultimately the Messiah's ministry in Galilee.
And all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea—Eretz Yehudah ad hayam ha'acharon (land of Judah to the final/western sea) indicates the Mediterranean, Canaan's western boundary. Judah's territory in the southern hill country would produce David's dynasty and ultimately the Messiah. The 'utmost sea' phrase echoes the boundaries God promised Abraham (Genesis 15:18)—from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean. Moses sees the covenantal fulfillment stretching before Israel, contingent on obedience.