Deuteronomy 4:22
But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵת֙
But I must die
H4191
מֵת֙
But I must die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
3 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֵינֶ֥נִּי
H369
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
I must not go over
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
I must not go over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
7 of 16
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 #:
8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
I must not go over
H5674
עֹֽבְרִ֔ים
I must not go over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
11 of 16
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֕ם
and possess
H3423
וִֽירִשְׁתֶּ֕ם
and possess
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
12 of 16
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 #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:25I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.Deuteronomy 3:27Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
Historical Context
Moses reiterates his impending death on the eastern side of the Jordan, speaking from the plains of Moab around 1406 BC. Despite leading Israel for 40 years through wilderness wandering, Moses would only view Canaan from Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34:1-4) while the new generation would possess the land their parents forfeited through unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' example of preparing others for success he will not share challenge your approach to mentoring and discipleship?
- In what ways does this passage point forward to Christ as the greater Mediator who both dies and enters the promised inheritance on our behalf?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.
The stark contrast between Moses' fate and Israel's future underscores a profound theological truth: God's purposes advance beyond any individual servant. The Hebrew construction emphasizes certainty—anoki met (אָנֹכִי מֵת, 'I am dying') and eineni over (אֵינֶנִּי עֹבֵר, 'I am not crossing'). Moses states his death as present reality, already determined and accepted.
Yet the conjunction ve'atem (וְאַתֶּם, 'but you') pivots to hope: 'ye shall go over, and possess that good land.' Moses' exclusion does not diminish Israel's inheritance. The servant dies; the mission continues. This anticipates the greater truth that no human mediator is ultimately sufficient—Moses, like all Old Testament figures, pointed forward to Christ, the only Mediator who both dies and enters glory on our behalf (Hebrews 9:15).
Moses' willingness to speak of his own death while encouraging others reveals mature spiritual leadership. He does not sulk or diminish their inheritance because he cannot share it. Instead, he prepares them for success without him, modeling the selfless investment every generation must make in the next.