Deuteronomy 11:31

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
For you are to pass over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God gives you, and you shall possess it, and dwell therein.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For yee shall passe ouer Iorden, to goe in to possesse the land, which ye Lord your God giueth you, and ye shall possesse it, and dwell therein.
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Young's Literal Translation
for ye are passing over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which Jehovah your God is giving to you; and ye have possessed it, and dwelt in it,
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See also
Joshua 1:11Deuteronomy 9:1Joshua 3:13Joshua 3:17
In the KJVVerse 5,240 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 11:31 serves as a foundational declaration from Moses to the new generation of Israelites, poised at the threshold of the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates the absolute certainty of God's unwavering promise regarding their entry into Canaan, emphasizing that their passage into the land, its possession, and their secure dwelling within it are divinely assured outcomes, contingent not on their own strength or merit, but solely on the LORD's faithful provision and covenant commitment. It sets the stage for their imminent conquest and settled life, rooted in divine initiative.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Deuteronomy 11:31 is strategically placed within Moses' second major address to Israel on the plains of Moab, a discourse (Deuteronomy 5-28) that functions as a comprehensive restatement and exposition of the covenant Law for the generation about to enter Canaan. Specifically, chapter 11 concludes a powerful exhortation to love the LORD and diligently obey His commands, promising profound blessings for faithfulness and severe curses for disobedience. Verses 26-32 present a vivid choice between "blessing" and "curse," with verse 31 serving as the bedrock assurance of their divinely guaranteed entry into the land. This certainty underpins the subsequent detailed instructions for covenant renewal ceremonies upon entering Canaan, as outlined in Deuteronomy 27-28. It firmly establishes that despite the formidable challenges ahead, God's promise to bring them into the land remains immutable.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop is crucial: the Israelites, having completed forty years of wilderness wandering, are encamped on the plains of Moab, directly east of the Jordan River. The rebellious generation that departed Egypt has perished, and a new generation, born and raised under miraculous divine provision, stands ready to inherit the promises made to their ancestors. The Jordan River is more than a geographical boundary; it is a profound symbolic threshold, marking the transition from their nomadic past to their future as a settled, sovereign nation. Culturally, the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: נַחֲלָה, nachalah) was deeply significant, representing a divinely apportioned land that provided identity, security, and the sacred space for covenant worship. This inheritance was not merely a conquest but the fulfillment of the unconditional covenant God established with Abraham, promising him and his descendants the land of Canaan, as first articulated in Genesis 12:7.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, Divine Certainty and Faithfulness are paramount; the repeated, emphatic declarations—"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 Gracious 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 military might or inherent merit, but is a sovereign, unmerited gift, fulfilling the ancient promises of a land flowing with milk and honey, as revealed in Exodus 3:8. Thirdly, Possession and Dwelling signify not just a temporary occupation but a permanent, secure habitation, implying peace, stability, and the establishment of a national identity under God's favor. These themes collectively reinforce the idea that Israel's future is secured by God's faithfulness, contingent only on their obedient response to live righteously within the land He provides.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Jordan (Hebrew, Yardên', H3383): This refers to the Jordan River (H3383), the principal river of Palestine, which served as the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. Symbolically, it represented a formidable natural barrier and a crucial threshold that Israel had to cross to enter their promised inheritance. Its mention here underscores the imminent and divinely enabled transition from forty years of wilderness wandering to a settled existence in the land of promise.
  • Possess (Hebrew, yârash', H3423): This verb (H3423) carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place)," "to seize," "to inherit," or "to dispossess." In this context, it signifies not merely entering the land but actively taking full, rightful ownership, displacing the existing inhabitants, and establishing a lasting claim. The repetition of this word emphasizes the certainty and completeness of Israel's future ownership and secure tenure.
  • Giveth (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): Derived from the primitive root (H5414), meaning "to give," "to grant," or "to place," this word highlights the divine initiative and boundless generosity behind the provision of the land. It emphatically underscores that the land is a gracious, sovereign gift from the LORD (H3068), their covenant God (H430), an act of His unwavering will and covenant faithfulness, rather than something Israel achieved solely through their own strength, conquest, or merit.

Verse Breakdown

  • "For ye shall pass over Jordan": This initial clause declares the absolute certainty of Israel's imminent crossing of the Jordan River. It speaks to a divinely guaranteed passage, implying that no physical or spiritual obstacle, however formidable, will ultimately prevent their entry into the Promised Land. This is a powerful statement of divine enablement and assurance, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's ancient promises.
  • "to go in to possess the land": This phrase articulates the explicit, divinely ordained purpose of their crossing. It is not merely to enter the territory, but to actively take full, rightful ownership and control of it. The land is presented not just as a destination, but as a sacred inheritance to be actively claimed, occupied, and stewarded by God's people.
  • "which the LORD your God giveth you": This crucial clause identifies the ultimate, sovereign source of the land. It is unequivocally declared to be a direct, gracious gift from Yahweh (H3068), their covenant God (H430). This emphasizes God's sovereign initiative, His boundless generosity, and His unwavering faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant, underscoring that the land's provision is an act of divine grace, not human achievement.
  • "and ye shall possess it": This repetition of "possess" serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the previous statement, intensifying the certainty and completeness of their future ownership. It reinforces the idea that their claim to the land will be absolute, enduring, and divinely sanctioned, leaving no room for doubt regarding their secure tenure.
  • "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. This speaks to the fulfillment of God's promise to provide a permanent home for His people.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 11:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and reassuring message. The most prominent is Repetition, particularly of the verb "possess" ("to possess the land... 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 guaranteed 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 or suggestion. The Jordan River itself can be seen as a Metaphor for a significant threshold or formidable barrier that must be crossed to enter into a new, divinely ordained phase of God's plan. Finally, the entire verse is steeped in Covenant Language, reflecting the binding, solemn agreement between God and His people, where God's unwavering 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 absolute certainty of His covenant promises. The theological implication is profound: God's covenant with His people is not fundamentally based on their merit but on His immutable character and sovereign will. While Israel's continued blessing and prosperity within the land were indeed conditional upon their obedience, their initial entry and possession were a guaranteed act of divine grace, fulfilling ancient, unconditional promises. This highlights the crucial distinction between God's sovereign, unconditional promise (the gift of the land itself) and the conditional aspects of living in fellowship and blessing within that promise (their obedient response). It teaches that God initiates and enables, providing the secure foundation upon which His people are called to respond in faith and obedience. The certainty of this physical inheritance powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

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

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the certainty of God's promises in this verse encourage you in areas of uncertainty or significant transition in your life?
  • In what specific ways do you perceive God "giving" you an inheritance or purpose today, and how are you called to "possess" it through faith and obedient action?
  • What "Jordans" (significant obstacles, fears, 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 in Deuteronomy 11:31. Geographically, it represented 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. It was a physical manifestation of God's faithfulness to His covenant.

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, 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, security, and prosperity was directly tied to their faithfulness and adherence to the covenant. 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 and flourishing in the land.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 11:31, with its profound emphasis on a promised land, a divine gift, and a secure dwelling, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical inheritance of Canaan, though significant, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel was assured of passing over Jordan to possess a physical land, so too are believers assured of entering into the true "rest" and "inheritance" that Christ alone provides. Jesus is our true "Promised Land," the one who enables us to "pass over" from the wilderness of sin and spiritual death into the abundant life and immeasurable spiritual blessings of the Kingdom of God. Through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, we are given a spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us, as beautifully described in 1 Peter 1:4. We are no longer spiritual wanderers but are brought near to God and given a secure "dwelling" in Christ, becoming fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's own household, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to "give" us a place to "dwell," providing eternal life, reconciliation with God, and enabling us to truly "possess" every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Him (Ephesians 1:3).

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 11 verses 26–32

Here Moses concludes his general exhortations to obedience; and his management is very affecting, and such as, one would think, should have engaged them for ever to God, and should have left impressions upon them never to be worn out.

I. He sums up all his arguments for obedience in two words, the blessing and the curse (Deu 11:26), that is, the rewards and the punishments, as they stand in the promises and the threatenings, which are the great sanctions of the law, taking hold of hope and fear, those two handles of the soul, by which it is caught, held, and managed. These two, the blessing and the curse, he set before them, that is, 1. He explained them, that they might know them; he enumerated the particulars contained both in the blessing and in the curse, that they might see the more fully how desirable the blessing was, and how dreadful the curse. 2. He confirmed them, that they might believe them, made it evident to them, by the proofs he produced of his own commission, that the blessing was not a fool's paradise, nor the curse a bugbear, but that both were real declarations of the purpose of God concerning them. 3. He charged them to choose which of these they would have, so fairly does he deal with them, and so far is he from putting out the eyes of these men, as he was charged, Num 16:14. They and we are plainly told on what terms we stand with Almighty God. (1.) If we be obedient to his laws, we may be sure of a blessing, Deu 11:27. But, (2.) If we be disobedient, we may be as sure of a curse, Deu 11:28. Say you to the righteous (for God has said it, and all the world cannot unsay it) that it shall be well with them: but woe to the wicked, it shall be ill with them.

II. He appoints a public and solemn proclamation to be made of the blessing and curse which he had set before them, upon the two mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Deu 11:29, Deu 11:30. We have more particular directions for this solemnity in Deu 27:11, etc., and an account of the performance of it, Jos 8:33, etc. It was to be done, and was done, immediately upon their coming into Canaan, that when they first took possession of that land they might know upon what terms they stood. The place where this was to be done is particularly described by Moses, though he never saw it, which is one circumstance among many that evidences his divine instructions. It is said be near the plain, or oaks, or meadows, of Moreh, which was one of the first places that Abraham came to in Canaan; so that in sending them thither, to hear the blessing and the curse, God reminded them of the promise he made to Abraham in that very place, Gen 12:6, Gen 12:7. The mention of this appointment here serves, 1. For the encouragement of their faith in the promise of God, that they should be masters of Canaan quickly. Do it (says Moses) on the other side Jordan (Deu 11:30), for you may be confident you shall pass over Jordan, Deu 11:31. The institution of this service to be done in Canaan was an assurance to them that they should be brought into possession of it, and a token like that which God gave to Moses (Exo 3:12): You shall serve God upon this mountain. And, 2. It serves for an engagement upon them to be obedient, that they might escape that curse, and obtain that blessing, which, besides what they had already heard, they must shortly be witnesses to the solemn publication of (Deu 11:32): "You shall observe to do the statutes and judgements, that you may not in that solemnity be witnesses against yourselves."

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 26–32. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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