What number verse is Deuteronomy 3:8 in the Bible?

Deuteronomy 3:8 is the 4,984th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Deuteronomy 3:8 sits at position 4,984.

Translation

King James Version

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

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KJV (with Strong's)

And we took ^H3947 at that time ^H6256 out ^H3947 of the hand ^H3027 of the two ^H8147 kings ^H4428 of the Amorites ^H567 the land ^H776 that was on this side ^H5676 Jordan ^H3383, from the river ^H5158 of Arnon ^H769 unto mount ^H2022 Hermon ^H2768;

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Complete Jewish Bible

"At that time we captured the territory of the two kings of the Emori east of the Yarden between the Arnon Valley and Mount Hermon,"

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Berean Standard Bible

At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon—

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American Standard Version

And we took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites that were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon unto mount Hermon

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World English Bible Messianic

We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Thus we tooke at that time out of the hand of two Kings of the Amorites, the land that was on this side Iorden from the riuer of Arnon vnto mount Hermon:

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Young's Literal Translation

`And we take, at that time, the land out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorite, which is beyond the Jordan, from the brook Arnon unto mount Hermon;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 3:8 serves as Moses' concise yet profound summary of a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey: the successful conquest and acquisition of significant territory east of the Jordan River. This verse highlights the divine enablement and military triumph over the formidable Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, securing a vast expanse of land stretching from the Arnon River in the south to Mount Hermon in the north. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and establishes a tangible foundation for Israel's impending inheritance of the Promised Land, demonstrating His power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Deuteronomy 3:8 is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just prior to their entry into Canaan. This discourse, encompassing Deuteronomy 1 through Deuteronomy 4, functions as a comprehensive historical review of their journey from Horeb (Mount Sinai) and a fervent exhortation to covenant obedience. Specifically, this verse encapsulates the victorious campaigns against Sihon, king of Heshbon, detailed in Deuteronomy 2:26-37, and Og, king of Bashan, recounted in Deuteronomy 3:1-7. These conquests represent Israel's initial, tangible land acquisitions, serving as powerful evidence of God's active involvement and faithfulness in their history, designed to instill confidence and foster trust as they prepared to cross the Jordan.
Historical & Cultural Context: The "two kings of the Amorites," Sihon and Og, were formidable rulers controlling strategically vital and agriculturally rich territories east of the Jordan River. The Amorites were a prominent Semitic people group, known for their fortified cities and military prowess in the ancient Near East. Sihon's kingdom was centered on Heshbon, a key city controlling trade routes, while Og's kingdom of Bashan was renowned for its fertile plains and the extraordinary stature of its king (Deuteronomy 3:11). The geographical scope, "from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon," describes a vast region known as Transjordan, extending from the southern border of Moab (Arnon River) northward to the imposing foothills of Mount Hermon, near modern-day Syria and Lebanon. The conquest of these powerful kingdoms, though executed by Israelite forces, was understood by the Israelites as a direct divine intervention, a miraculous fulfillment of God's ancient promise to grant them land (Genesis 15:18-21).
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 3:8 significantly contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Victory and Fulfillment, serving as concrete proof that Israel's success was not born of their own strength but was a direct result of God fighting on their behalf, actively fulfilling His promise of territory. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Progressive Inheritance. This initial conquest of Transjordanian territory marked the first tangible step in Israel's possession of the Promised Land, serving as a "down payment" and a powerful encouragement for the greater task of conquering Canaan proper. It demonstrated that God's plan for Israel to inherit a land "flowing with milk and honey" was actively unfolding, building their faith for future challenges. Finally, the recounting of these victories powerfully reinforces God's Unwavering Faithfulness. Moses repeatedly emphasizes that God consistently keeps His word, reminding the new generation that if God had delivered them from Egyptian bondage and granted them this significant victory, He would certainly enable them to conquer the remaining land.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

took (Hebrew, lâqach', H3947): This verb signifies "to take," "to seize," or "to acquire." In the context of warfare, it denotes a decisive and successful act of possession, implying conquest and gaining control. While the action is attributed to "we" (Israel), the broader theological framework of Deuteronomy consistently emphasizes that Israel's military successes are ultimately divinely enabled. Therefore, "took" here implies a God-empowered acquisition, not merely a human military feat, highlighting God's agency behind Israel's actions.
hand (Hebrew, yâd', H3027): This primitive word for "hand" is used here idiomatically in the phrase "out of the hand of." It signifies power, control, and dominion. To take something "out of the hand of" implies wresting control, overcoming superior force, and decisively defeating an adversary. In this context, it emphasizes the complete subjugation of the Amorite kings, indicating that their power and control were utterly broken by Israel, empowered by God.
on this side (Hebrew, ʻêber', H5676): This term, often translated as "across" or "the other side," is crucial for understanding the geographical perspective. Since Moses is speaking from the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, "on this side Jordan" specifically refers to the Transjordan region, the land situated to the east of the river. This geographical marker is vital for distinguishing this initial conquest from the main land of Canaan, which lay to the west of the Jordan, and for understanding the subsequent tribal allotments.

Verse Breakdown

"And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites": This opening clause immediately establishes the victorious subject ("we," referring to the Israelites under Moses' leadership) and the successful outcome ("took"). The phrase "out of the hand of" powerfully conveys a decisive victory, signifying that Israel wrested control and dominion from formidable adversaries. The explicit mention of "the two kings of the Amorites"—Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan—underscores the formidable nature of the opposition and, by extension, magnifies the greatness of God's power in overcoming them.
"the land that [was] on this side Jordan": This clause precisely specifies the territory acquired. "The land" refers to the entire region previously controlled by Sihon and Og. "On this side Jordan" (from Moses' perspective) clarifies that this conquest occurred in the Transjordanian region, east of the Jordan River, before Israel entered the main portion of the Promised Land to the west. This geographical detail is key to understanding the progressive unfolding of Israel's inheritance and the distinct nature of this initial acquisition.
"from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon": This clause provides the precise geographical boundaries of the conquered territory, emphasizing its vastness. The Arnon River formed a natural southern boundary for Sihon's kingdom and marked the border with Moab. Mount Hermon, a prominent and imposing landmark in the far north, served as the northern extent of Og's kingdom of Bashan. This sweeping description of territory from south to north highlights the immense scale of the victory and the significant land mass acquired, signaling a substantial fulfillment of God's promises.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 3:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is Recapitulation, as Moses is summarizing and re-telling events previously detailed in Numbers 21 and earlier in Deuteronomy. This serves to reinforce the historical record, impress upon the new generation the faithfulness of God, and provide a succinct overview of past victories. The verse also utilizes Geographical Specificity, naming the Arnon River and Mount Hermon, which grounds the narrative in a tangible, identifiable landscape, making the conquest concrete, verifiable, and emphasizing its vast scope. Furthermore, the concise declaration "And we took" functions as a powerful Summary Statement, compressing a series of complex military campaigns into a single, declarative sentence that emphasizes the decisive and successful outcome. While not explicitly stated, the verse also carries a profound implicit Statement of Divine Agency, as the entire book of Deuteronomy attributes Israel's success to God's power, presence, and covenant faithfulness, making the human "taking" a divinely enabled act.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 3:8 stands as a powerful theological declaration concerning God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His active, decisive involvement in the history of His people. It unequivocally demonstrates that God is not a distant, passive deity but one who directly intervenes to fulfill His promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable human opposition. The conquest of the formidable Amorite kings and the acquisition of their land served as a tangible, undeniable sign that God was meticulously keeping His ancient word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had been promised this very land (e.g., Genesis 12:7). This initial victory east of the Jordan provided a crucial foundation of confidence and courage for the Israelites as they prepared to face even greater challenges in Canaan. It profoundly underscored the theological principle that divine enablement precedes human effort, and that true inheritance is a gracious gift from God, received through obedient faith and reliance on His power.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 3:8, though a historical account of ancient conquest, carries profound and enduring spiritual resonance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is eternally faithful to His promises, even when the obstacles before us appear overwhelming or insurmountable. Just as Israel faced the "giants" of the Amorite kings, we too encounter "giants" in our lives—whether they be personal challenges, spiritual battles, financial struggles, or seemingly impossible circumstances that threaten to block our path to God's promised blessings. This verse encourages us to remember that our victories are ultimately God's victories, achieved not through our own might or cleverness, but through His strength and unwavering faithfulness. It teaches us to trust in His progressive leading, recognizing that He often grants breakthroughs and fulfills promises in stages, building our faith and preparing us for what lies ahead. The initial conquest east of the Jordan was a vital step towards the full inheritance of Canaan, just as present victories in our lives can be stepping stones to greater spiritual growth, deeper intimacy with God, and the progressive realization of His divine purposes. We are called to walk in obedience and courage, confident that the God who fought for Israel will also fight for us, enabling us to possess the spiritual inheritance He has prepared.

Questions for Reflection

What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing in your life, and how might you view them through the lens of God's past victories?
How does remembering God's consistent faithfulness (in your personal history or in biblical accounts) strengthen your trust and reliance on Him for present challenges?
In what ways might God be leading you to possess your "inheritance" progressively, one step or victory at a time, building your faith along the way?
How can the historical account of God fighting for Israel encourage you to surrender your own efforts and rely more fully on His divine power and provision?

FAQ

What does "on this side Jordan" mean in this context, and why is it significant?

Answer: In Deuteronomy 3:8, the phrase "on this side Jordan" (Hebrew: ever hayarden) refers to the region east of the Jordan River. This phrasing is from Moses' perspective, as he is delivering his discourse on the plains of Moab, which are located east of the river. This area, often called Transjordan, was the first significant territory conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership, comprising the kingdoms of Sihon and Og. It was later allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, as described in Numbers 32:33. Understanding this geographical distinction is crucial for following the narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement, as it highlights the initial fulfillment of God's land promise even before the main invasion of Canaan proper to the west.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 3:8, while a historical account of Israel's physical conquest and land acquisition, profoundly foreshadows the far greater spiritual victory and eternal inheritance found exclusively in Jesus Christ. The "land" taken from the Amorite kings points to the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ, which is not a geographical territory but a participation in His heavenly kingdom and the boundless blessings of salvation. Just as God enabled Israel to "take" the land from formidable adversaries, so too does Christ, the ultimate Captain of the Lord's army, enable His people to conquer spiritual adversaries and strongholds (e.g., Ephesians 6:12). The faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promise of land to Israel finds its ultimate and most glorious expression in His faithfulness to His new covenant people, granting them an eternal inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). The progressive nature of Israel's inheritance, beginning with the Transjordan, mirrors the believer's journey of progressive sanctification and the ultimate full inheritance of glory at Christ's return (Romans 8:17). Thus, Deuteronomy 3:8 is not merely a historical footnote but a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, culminating in the complete and eternal victory and inheritance secured through the finished work of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 3 verses 1–11

1 ¶ Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.

2 And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

3 So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.

4 And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.

6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.

7 But all the cattle, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.

8 And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

9 (Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)

10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

We have here another brave country delivered into the hand of Israel, that of Bashan; the conquest of Sihon is often mentioned together with that of Og, to the praise of God, the rather because in these Israel's triumphs began, Psa 135:11; Psa 136:19, Psa 136:20. See,

I. How they got the mastery of Og, a very formidable prince, 1. Very strong, for he was of the remnant of the giants (Deu 3:11); his personal strength was extraordinary, a monument of which was preserved by the Ammonites in his bedstead, which was shown as a rarity in their chief city. You might guess at his weight by the materials of his bedstead; it was iron, as if a bedstead of wood were too weak for him to trust to: and you might guess at his stature by the dimensions of it; it was nine cubits long and four cubits broad, which, supposing a cubit to be but half a yard (and some learned men have made it appear to be somewhat more), was four yards and a half long, and two yards broad; and if we allow his bedstead to be two cubits longer than himself, and that is as much as we need allow, he was three yards and a half high, double the stature of an ordinary man, and every way proportionable, yet they smote him, Deu 3:3. Note, when God pleads his people's cause he can deal with giants as with grasshoppers. No man's might can secure him against the Almighty. The army of Og was very powerful, for he had the command of sixty fortified cities, besides the unwalled towns, Deu 3:5. Yet all this was nothing before God's Israel, when they came with commission to destroy him. 2. He was very bold and daring: He came out against Israel to battle, Deu 3:1. It was wonderful that he did not take warning by the ruin of Sihon, and send to desire conditions of peace; but he trusted to his own strength, and so was hardened to his destruction. Note, Those that are not awakened by the judgments of God upon others, but persist in their defiance of heaven, are ripening apace for the like judgments upon themselves, Jer 3:8. God bade Moses not fear him, Deu 3:2. If Moses himself was so strong in faith as not to need the caution, yet it is probable that the people needed it, and for them these fresh assurances are designed; "I will deliver him into thy hand; not only deliver thee out of his hand, that he shall not be thy ruin, but deliver him into thy hand, that thou shalt be his ruin, and make him pay dearly for his attempt." He adds, Thou shalt do to him as thou didst to Sihon, intimating that they ought to be encouraged by their former victory to trust in God for another victory, for he is God, and changeth not.

II. How they got possession of Bashan, a very desirable country. They took all the cities (Deu 3:4), and all the spoil of them, Deu 3:7. They made them all their own, Deu 3:10. So that now they had in their hands all that fruitful country which lay east of Jordan, from the river Arnon unto Hermon, Deu 3:8. Their conquering and possessing these countries was intended, not only for the encouragement of Israel in the wars of Canaan, but for the satisfaction of Moses before his death. Since he must not live to see the completing of their victory and settlement, God thus gives him a specimen of it. Thus the Spirit is given to those that believe as the earnest of their inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. 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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Cross-References

Joshua 13:9
From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;
Joshua 13:12
All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
Joshua 12:2
Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;
Joshua 12:6
Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
Numbers 32:33
And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about.
Numbers 32:42
And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.