Deuteronomy 2:11

KJV

Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {H1992} also were accounted {H2803} giants {H7497}, as the Anakims {H6062}; but the Moabites {H4125} call {H7121} them Emims {H368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are also considered Refa'im, as are the 'Anakim, but the Mo'avim call them Emim.

Berean Standard Bible

Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites.

American Standard Version

these also are accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 2:11 serves as a significant historical interjection within Moses's address, revealing that the formidable original inhabitants of Moab, known by the Moabites as the Emims, were a people of immense stature, comparable to the infamous Anakims. This verse not only provides crucial demographic detail about the ancient Near East but also subtly underscores God's sovereign power in orchestrating the displacement of powerful nations to establish others, thereby setting a divine precedent for Israel's impending conquest of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses's second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses is recounting their forty years of wilderness wanderings, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness and providential guidance. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Not to Distress Moab") records God's explicit command to Israel not to engage the Moabites in battle or seize their land, as it had already been divinely appointed to them. Verses [Deuteronomy 2:10-12](/deuteronomy/2-10-12 "Deuteronomy 2:10-12 - Historical Note on Former Inhabitants") function as a parenthetical explanation, offering a powerful historical parallel: just as God had previously enabled the Moabites and Ammonites to dispossess their formidable predecessors, so too would He enable Israel to conquer the inhabitants of Canaan. This historical note reinforces the overarching theme of divine sovereignty over land allocation and conquest, providing profound encouragement and contextualizing Israel's impending invasion. The narrative flow uses these historical asides to build confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was populated by various groups described in biblical texts as possessing unusual size or strength, often referred to as "giants." The Anakims, mentioned here, were a particularly well-known and feared group, associated with the mountainous region of Hebron in Canaan ([Numbers 13:22](/numbers/13-22 "Numbers 13:22 - Anakim in Hebron")). The Emims were the specific "giant" inhabitants of the territory later occupied by the Moabites, who were descendants of Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). The mention of these groups reflects a common understanding of the ancient demographics of the land and the challenges faced by early settlers. For the Israelites, who had previously been terrified by the report of the Anakim by the faithless spies ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim Seen by the Spies")), this historical note about the Emims served as a potent reminder that God had already demonstrated His ability to empower nations to overcome such formidable adversaries, thus preparing them psychologically for their own battles.
* **Key Themes:** One primary theme illuminated by this verse is **Divine Allocation of Land and Sovereignty Over Nations**. This verse, alongside [Deuteronomy 2:20-23](/deuteronomy/2-20-23 "Deuteronomy 2:20-23 - Other Dispossessed Peoples"), unequivocally underscores that God is the ultimate arbiter of national boundaries and possessions, a truth explicitly affirmed in [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations"). He not only meticulously prepared the land for Israel but had also previously prepared territories for Moab and Ammon by enabling them to dispossess the "giants." Another crucial theme is **God's Power to Overcome Formidable Obstacles**. The Emims, like the Anakims, represented a significant physical and psychological barrier, embodying the seemingly insurmountable challenges of conquest. Their removal by the Moabites, empowered by divine providence, served as a powerful precedent and a profound source of encouragement for Israel, assuring them that their own "giants" in Canaan would likewise fall before the Lord. This also highlights the **Reality of Ancient Giant Races** in biblical history, reinforcing the magnitude of the challenges and the necessity of divine intervention for the establishment of God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **accounted (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," extending figuratively to "to plot or contrive," and more generally, "to think, regard, value, compute." In this context, it signifies that the Emims were "regarded" or "reckoned" as giants. It speaks to a common perception or understanding among the inhabitants of the region, emphasizing their recognized formidable nature rather than merely a physical measurement. The term conveys that their status as "giants" was a widely accepted fact.
* **giants (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** This term, derived from a root suggesting "invigorating," refers to a giant or a member of the Rephaim. While the KJV translates it as "giants," the Hebrew term specifically points to a race or tribe known for their imposing stature and strength. The use of this word immediately conveys the extraordinary physical presence of the Emims, linking them to a class of formidable beings that required divine intervention to overcome. It emphasizes their power and the challenge they posed to potential conquerors.
* **Emims (Hebrew, _ʼÊymîym'_):** This plural noun, derived from a word meaning "terrors," literally translates to "terrors" or "dreadful ones." It is the specific name given by the Moabites to the early Canaanitish (or Moabitish) tribe that inhabited their land before them. This name itself encapsulates the fearsome reputation and intimidating presence of these original inhabitants, highlighting the awe and dread they inspired in the local populace. The fact that the Moabites had their own distinct, fear-inducing name for them underscores their formidable nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims":** This opening clause immediately establishes the formidable nature of the Emims. By stating they "were accounted giants," it conveys a widespread recognition of their immense stature and strength. The crucial comparison "as the Anakims" leverages a well-known reference point for the Israelite audience. The Anakims were infamous for their daunting size and had previously instilled terror in the Israelite spies ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim Seen by the Spies")). This analogy effectively communicates the overwhelming challenge these people represented, setting the stage for the narrative of their displacement.
* **"but the Moabites call them Emims":** This second clause provides specific local nomenclature, adding a layer of historical and cultural authenticity to Moses's account. It indicates that while universally recognized as "giants" (like the Anakims), they were known by a distinct, locally derived name within the Moabite territory. This detail not only demonstrates Moses's precise knowledge of the region's ancient inhabitants and their local designations but also reinforces the reality and tangibility of these groups. The name "Emims" itself, meaning "terrors" or "dreadful ones," further underscores their intimidating presence from the perspective of the Moabites who eventually dispossessed them.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 2:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Parenthesis** is evident as the verse, along with [Deuteronomy 2:10](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10 - The Emims Formerly Dwelt in Moab") and [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Deuteronomy 2:12 - Seir and the Horites"), functions as a historical aside within Moses's broader recount of Israel's wilderness journey. This explanatory interjection provides crucial background information and theological precedent without disrupting the main narrative flow. **Comparison** is central to the verse's impact, as the Emims are explicitly "accounted giants, as the Anakims." This direct analogy immediately allows the Israelite audience to grasp the formidable nature of the Emims by referencing a group they were intimately familiar with and had previously feared. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Historical Annotation**, providing specific demographic and linguistic details ("but the Moabites call them Emims") that lend credibility and depth to Moses's historical account, grounding the divine narrative in tangible ancient realities and demonstrating the meticulousness of the inspired text.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 2:11 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all of history and every nation. It reveals His meticulous involvement in the affairs of humanity, not just concerning Israel, but also in establishing the boundaries and destinies of other peoples. By demonstrating how He empowered the Moabites to dispossess the "dreadful" Emims, God sets a clear precedent for His future actions on behalf of Israel. This historical detail serves as a powerful theological statement: no obstacle, no matter how "giant" or terrifying, is insurmountable for the Lord. He is the one who prepares the way, clears the land, and enables His chosen instruments to fulfill His purposes. This truth would have been immensely encouraging to a generation on the cusp of confronting their own "giants" in Canaan, assuring them that divine power would precede and accompany their conquest, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises and His unwavering commitment to His people's inheritance.

* [Deuteronomy 2:20](/deuteronomy/2-20 "Deuteronomy 2:20 - Zamzummims Accounted Rephaim")
* [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim Seen by the Spies")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 2:11, though rooted in ancient history, offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today. Just as God cleared the way for the Moabites by dispossessing the terrifying Emims, and later for Israel by enabling them to conquer the Anakim and other formidable inhabitants of Canaan, so too does He work providentially in our lives. We often encounter "giants"—insurmountable challenges, overwhelming fears, deeply entrenched sins, or seemingly impossible circumstances—that appear to block our path or threaten our peace and progress. This verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and no adversary is too great for Him. His faithfulness in the past, both in biblical history and in our personal testimonies, serves as a powerful foundation for trusting Him with present and future obstacles. It calls us to shift our gaze from the imposing size of our problems to the infinite power and unwavering faithfulness of our God, knowing that He is always working, often in unseen ways, to prepare the path for His people and to fulfill His good purposes, ultimately for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (insurmountable challenges, fears, or spiritual strongholds) do you currently face in your life?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereign hand in dispossessing the Emims for the Moabites, and later the Canaanites for Israel, encourage you to trust Him with your own seemingly overwhelming obstacles?**
* **In what specific ways can recognizing God's historical faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your personal journey, strengthen your faith for future challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Emims and Anakims, and why are they mentioned together?**

Answer: The Emims were the original inhabitants of the land later occupied by the Moabites, described as a formidable people of great stature. The name "Emims" itself is believed to mean "the dreadful ones" or "terrible ones," reflecting their intimidating presence. The Anakims were another well-known group of imposing size and strength, primarily associated with the land of Canaan, particularly Hebron ([Numbers 13:22](/numbers/13-22 "Numbers 13:22 - Anakim in Hebron")). They are mentioned together in [Deuteronomy 2:11](/deuteronomy/2-11 "Deuteronomy 2:11 - Emims Accounted Giants as Anakims") to emphasize the formidable nature of the Emims by equating them to the Anakims, a group the Israelites were already familiar with and feared ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim Seen by the Spies")). This comparison highlights that God had already demonstrated His power to enable nations to overcome such "giants," providing a powerful precedent for Israel.

**What is the significance of the Moabites calling them "Emims"?**

Answer: The detail that "the Moabites call them Emims" adds a crucial layer of historical and cultural specificity to Moses's account. It indicates that these formidable peoples were known by different local names, even if their general characteristics (like great size) were similar across regions. This specific nomenclature lends authenticity to the biblical narrative, showing Moses's precise knowledge of the demographics and local traditions of the ancient Near East. It also reinforces the idea that these were real, tangible groups of people, not mythical figures, and that God's actions in dispossessing them were concrete historical events, known and remembered by the local populations.

**How does this verse relate to God's plan for Israel?**

Answer: This verse serves as a crucial precedent and profound encouragement for Israel. As the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land, facing their own formidable adversaries, including the Anakim, Moses reminded them that God had already empowered other nations, like the Moabites, to dispossess their "giants" (the Emims). This historical parallel would have instilled immense confidence in the Israelites that if God could enable the Moabites to conquer the "dreadful ones," He would certainly enable His chosen people, Israel, to conquer their own powerful enemies in Canaan. It underscores God's sovereign control over land allocation and conquest, assuring Israel that their victory would be by His hand and not by their own strength, thus building their faith for the challenges ahead in [Deuteronomy 2](/deuteronomy/2 "Deuteronomy 2 - The Wilderness Journey and Dispossessed Nations").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 2:11 describes a historical event of physical conquest and the displacement of formidable "giants," its theological undercurrents find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ. The "giants" of the ancient world—the imposing Emims and Anakims—foreshadow the far more daunting spiritual "giants" that humanity faces: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as God empowered the Moabites to clear the land for their inheritance, and later Israel for theirs, Christ is the ultimate Conqueror who decisively disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ Disarmed the Powers")). He has prepared an eternal inheritance for His people, not a physical land, but a spiritual kingdom and an everlasting place in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has conquered the "dreadful ones" of our spiritual reality—the dominion of sin ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Sin Shall Not Have Dominion Over You")) and the sting of death ([1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - O Death, Where Is Your Sting?")). He enables believers to inherit eternal life and live in victory over these spiritual adversaries. He is our champion, who has gone before us, clearing the way for us to enter into His promised rest and the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Deuteronomy 9:2

A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and [of whom] thou hast heard [say], Who can stand before the children of Anak!

Numbers 13:28

Nevertheless the people [be] strong that dwell in the land, and the cities [are] walled, [and] very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

Deuteronomy 1:28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Numbers 13:33

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, [which come] of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Genesis 14:5

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)