Deuteronomy 4:48
From Aroer, which is by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which is Hermon,
Original Language Analysis
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֞ר
From Aroer
H6177
מֵֽעֲרֹעֵ֞ר
From Aroer
Strong's:
H6177
Word #:
1 of 11
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפַת
which is by the bank
H8193
שְׂפַת
which is by the bank
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 11
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
נַ֧חַל
of the river
H5158
נַ֧חַל
of the river
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
5 of 11
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אַרְנֹ֛ן
Arnon
H769
אַרְנֹ֛ן
Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
6 of 11
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַ֥ר
even unto mount
H2022
הַ֥ר
even unto mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 11
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:9(Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)Deuteronomy 2:36From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:Psalms 133:3As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.Deuteronomy 3:12And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.
Historical Context
Moses defines the southern and northern boundaries of the conquered trans-Jordan territory: from Aroer on the Arnon River to Mount Hermon. This geographical precision established the extent of the promised land's eastern portion, serving as earnest for the greater inheritance awaiting across the Jordan in Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the concrete, measurable nature of Israel's inheritance inform your understanding of Christian hope for the new creation?
- What does it mean that God's promises have specific, definable content rather than being vague spiritual aspirations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From Aroer, which is by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which is Hermon.
Moses traces the north-south extent of conquered territory. Me'Aro'er (מֵעֲרֹעֵר) in the south, perched on the Arnon gorge's edge, marked the boundary with Moab. Har Si'on (הַר שִׂיאֹן, 'Mount Sion/Sirion')—identified as Hermon—towers in the north, its snow-capped peak visible for miles. The territory spans approximately 150 miles, from desert canyon to alpine summit.
The alternative name 'Sion' (Si'on) for Hermon demonstrates the mountain's importance to surrounding peoples—it bore different names in different cultures (cf. Deuteronomy 3:9). The Sidonians called it Sirion; the Amorites called it Senir. Moses here uses yet another name, showing the mountain's widespread recognition as a landmark and boundary marker.
Geographical boundaries matter. They define what belongs to whom, what falls under what jurisdiction, what has been conquered and secured. Israel's inheritance had measurable extent—not vague spiritual promise but land that could be surveyed and mapped. God's promises are concrete, not ethereal. The same specificity characterizes Christian hope: a new heavens and new earth, the resurrection of the body, the New Jerusalem with measured dimensions (Revelation 21). Biblical faith concerns actual reality, not mere religious sentiment.