Deuteronomy 11:31

KJV

For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

For ye shall pass over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} to go in {H935} to possess {H3423} the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} giveth {H5414} you, and ye shall possess {H3423} it, and dwell {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you are to cross the Yarden to enter and take possession of the land ADONAI your God is giving you; you are to own it and live in it.

Berean Standard Bible

For you are about to cross the Jordan to enter and possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you. When you take possession of it and settle in it,

American Standard Version

For ye are to pass over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which Jehovah your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 11:31 serves as a powerful declaration from Moses to the Israelites, standing on the precipice of a momentous transition from wilderness wandering to settled habitation. This verse encapsulates the absolute certainty of God's promise regarding the Promised Land, emphasizing that their entry, possession, and dwelling within the land are divinely assured outcomes, not contingent on their might but on the LORD's faithful provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 11:31 is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. This discourse (Deuteronomy 5-28) is a comprehensive restatement and exposition of the Law, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Specifically, chapter 11 concludes a section that exhorts Israel to love God and obey His commands, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Verses 26-32 present a vivid choice between blessing and curse, with verse 31 serving as a foundational assurance of their entry into the land, setting the stage for the formal covenant renewal ceremonies described later in [Deuteronomy 27-28](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27-28 - Blessings and Curses"). It underscores that despite the challenges, God's promise to bring them into the land remains firm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is crucial: the Israelites, having endured forty years of wilderness wandering, are encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The generation that rebelled in the wilderness has passed away, and a new generation, born and raised under the cloud and manna, stands ready to inherit the promises made to their ancestors. The Jordan River represents not merely a geographical barrier but a symbolic threshold between their nomadic past and their future as a settled nation. Culturally, the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) was deeply significant, referring to a divinely apportioned land that provided identity, security, and a place to worship God. This inheritance was rooted in the unconditional covenant God made with Abraham, promising him and his descendants the land of Canaan, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Abrahamic Covenant Regarding Land").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Certainty and Faithfulness** are paramount; the repeated phrases "ye shall pass over," "ye shall possess it," and "ye shall dwell therein" underscore the absolute assurance of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Secondly, the theme of **God's Gift and Inheritance** is highlighted by the declaration that the land is "which the LORD your God giveth you." This emphasizes that the land is not earned by Israel's might or merit, but is a gracious, sovereign gift, fulfilling the ancient promises of [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"). Thirdly, **Possession and Dwelling** signify not just a temporary occupation but a permanent, settled habitation, implying peace, security, and the establishment of a nation under God's favor. These themes collectively reinforce the idea that Israel's future is secured by God's faithfulness, contingent only on their obedience to live righteously within the land He provides.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yarden'_):** This refers to the Jordan River, a significant geographical landmark that served as the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. Symbolically, it represented a formidable natural barrier and a threshold that Israel had to cross to enter their inheritance. Its mention here underscores the imminent and divinely enabled transition from wilderness wandering to a settled existence.
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to inherit," "to take possession of," or "to dispossess." In this context, it signifies not merely entering the land but actively taking full ownership, displacing the current inhabitants, and establishing a lasting claim. The repetition of this word emphasizes the certainty and completeness of Israel's future ownership.
* **Giveth (Hebrew, נָתַן, _natan'_):** Derived from the Hebrew verb נָתַן, _natan_, meaning "to give," "to grant," or "to place." This word highlights the divine initiative and generosity behind the provision of the land. It underscores that the land is a gracious gift from the LORD, an act of His sovereign will and covenant faithfulness, rather than something Israel achieved solely through their own strength or conquest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye shall pass over Jordan":** This clause declares the absolute certainty of Israel's crossing of the Jordan River. It speaks to a divinely guaranteed passage, implying that no obstacle, however formidable, will prevent their entry into the Promised Land. This is a statement of divine enablement and assurance.
* **"to go in to possess the land":** This phrase articulates the explicit purpose of their crossing. It is not merely to enter, but to take full, rightful ownership and control of the territory. The land is not just a destination but an inheritance to be actively claimed and occupied.
* **"which the LORD your God giveth you":** This crucial clause identifies the ultimate source of the land. It is not a prize won by military might or human endeavor alone, but a direct, gracious gift from Yahweh, their covenant God. This emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and His faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant.
* **"and ye shall possess it":** This repetition of "possess" serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the previous statement. It underscores the certainty and completeness of their future ownership, reinforcing the idea that their claim to the land will be absolute and enduring.
* **"and dwell therein.":** This final clause describes the ultimate outcome and desired state: a settled, secure, and lasting habitation in the land. It implies not just temporary occupation but a permanent dwelling, signifying peace, stability, and the establishment of a national identity under God's favor.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:31 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the verb "possess" ("ye shall possess it, and ye shall possess it"). This repetition serves to underscore the absolute certainty and divine assurance of Israel's future ownership of the land. It creates a sense of emphatic promise, leaving no doubt about the outcome. The verse also utilizes **Affirmation** through the repeated use of "ye shall," which functions as a prophetic declaration of what *will* happen, rather than a mere possibility. The Jordan River itself can be seen as a **Metaphor** for a significant threshold or barrier that must be crossed to enter into a new phase of God's plan. Finally, the entire verse is steeped in **Covenant Language**, reflecting the binding agreement between God and His people, where God's faithfulness is the bedrock of His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 11:31 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. The theological implication is profound: God's covenant with His people is not based on their merit but on His character. While Israel's continued blessing *in* the land was conditional upon obedience, their initial entry and possession were a guaranteed act of divine grace, fulfilling ancient promises. This highlights the distinction between God's sovereign, unconditional promise (the gift of the land) and the conditional aspects of living in fellowship and blessing within that promise (obedience). It teaches that God initiates and enables, providing the foundation upon which His people are called to respond in faith and obedience. The certainty of this physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ.

* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - Every Place Your Footsteps Tread")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance")
* [Hebrews 4:1](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1 - Entering God's Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 11:31 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God's promises are firm and His faithfulness is unshakeable. Just as Israel stood on the brink of a new season, facing a "Jordan" to cross, we too encounter transitions, challenges, and new callings in our lives. This verse calls us to step forward in faith, trusting that God will enable us to "pass over" obstacles and "possess" the spiritual blessings, purposes, and callings He has for us. It encourages us to embrace our spiritual inheritance in Christ with confidence, knowing that our ultimate "dwelling" is secure in Him. It's a call to active faith, to claim and live out the realities of God's provision, rather than passively waiting. We are invited to trust in God's divine provision and certainty, even when the path ahead seems daunting, remembering that He is the one who "giveth" and enables us to "possess" and "dwell."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's promises in this verse encourage you in areas of uncertainty or transition in your life?**
* **In what ways do you perceive God "giving" you an inheritance or purpose today, and how are you called to "possess" it through faith and action?**
* **What "Jordans" (significant obstacles or thresholds) are you currently facing, and how can you trust God to enable you to "pass over" them and "dwell" in the blessings on the other side?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Jordan River in this context?**

Answer: The Jordan River is highly significant both geographically and symbolically. Geographically, it was the final natural barrier separating the Israelites from the Promised Land after their forty years of wilderness wandering. Symbolically, crossing the Jordan represented a monumental transition—from a nomadic, wilderness existence to a settled, national life in their promised inheritance. It marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, signifying God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and to bring His people into the fulfillment of His promises, as vividly demonstrated in the miraculous crossing described in [Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan").

**Is the "possession" of the land entirely unconditional?**

Answer: While the *gift* of the land itself was an unconditional promise rooted in God's covenant with Abraham, the *continued possession, blessing, and prosperity within* the land were highly conditional upon Israel's obedience to God's laws and covenant stipulations. Deuteronomy, particularly chapters like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"), makes it abundantly clear that while God would certainly bring them into the land ("ye shall pass over Jordan... and ye shall possess it"), their ability to "dwell therein" in peace and prosperity was directly tied to their faithfulness. This verse emphasizes the initial certainty of entry and possession, setting the stage for the ongoing covenant relationship that would determine their long-term well-being in the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 11:31, with its emphasis on a promised land, divine gift, and secure dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical inheritance of Canaan foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel was assured of passing over Jordan to possess a land, so too are believers assured of entering into the "rest" and "inheritance" that Christ provides. Jesus is our true "Promised Land," the one who enables us to "pass over" from the wilderness of sin and death into the abundant life and spiritual blessings of the Kingdom of God. Through His atoning work, we are given a spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us, as described in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable"). We are no longer wanderers but are brought near and given a secure "dwelling" in Christ, becoming fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to "give" us a place to "dwell," providing eternal life and reconciliation with God, enabling us to truly "possess" all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 1:11

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

Deuteronomy 9:1

¶ Hear, O Israel: Thou [art] to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

Joshua 3:13

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

Joshua 3:17

And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.