Exodus 23:31
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
גְּבֻֽלְךָ֗
thy bounds
H1366
גְּבֻֽלְךָ֗
thy bounds
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
H3220
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 19
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
H3220
יָ֣ם
even unto the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
7 of 19
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
8 of 19
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר
and from the desert
H4057
וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר
and from the desert
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
9 of 19
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
10 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַנָּהָ֑ר
unto the river
H5104
הַנָּהָ֑ר
unto the river
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
11 of 19
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
כִּ֣י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶתֵּ֣ן
for I will deliver
H5414
אֶתֵּ֣ן
for I will deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיֶדְכֶ֗ם
into your hand
H3027
בְּיֶדְכֶ֗ם
into your hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
14 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י
the inhabitants
H3427
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י
the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Cross References
Genesis 15:18In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: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.Joshua 21:44And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.Joshua 1:4From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.Psalms 72:8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.Joshua 24:18And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.1 Kings 4:24For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.1 Kings 4:21And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.Judges 1:4And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.Judges 11:21And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And 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.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.