What number verse is Deuteronomy 4:47 in the Bible?

Deuteronomy 4:47 is the 5,052nd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Deuteronomy 4:47 sits at position 5,052.

Translation

King James Version

And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

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KJV (with Strong's)

And they possessed ^H3423 his land ^H776, and the land ^H776 of Og ^H5747 king ^H4428 of Bashan ^H1316, two ^H8147 kings ^H4428 of the Amorites ^H567, which were on this side ^H5676 Jordan ^H3383 toward the sunrising ^{H4217 H8121};

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Complete Jewish Bible

and they took possession of his land and the land of 'Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Emori, who were beyond the Yarden toward the sunrise;

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Berean Standard Bible

They took possession of the land belonging to Sihon and to Og king of Bashan—the two Amorite kings across the Jordan to the east—

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American Standard Version

And they took his land in possession, and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising;

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World English Bible Messianic

They took his land in possession, and the land of Og king of Bashan, the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And they possessed his land, and the lande of Og King of Bashan, two Kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Iorden towarde the sunne rising:

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Young's Literal Translation

and they possess his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorite who are beyond the Jordan, towards the sun-rising;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 4:47 serves as a concise recapitulation of Israel's initial, divinely-empowered conquests east of the Jordan River, specifically highlighting the defeat and territorial possession of the lands belonging to Sihon, king of Heshbon, and Og, king of Bashan. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, providing a tangible demonstration of His power and commitment to His people as they stood poised to enter the main Promised Land.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Deuteronomy 4:47 concludes a significant historical overview within Moses's second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. This verse, along with the preceding verses Deuteronomy 4:44-46, acts as a transitional statement, setting the stage for Moses's profound exposition of the Law, beginning explicitly with the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5. It serves as a final historical anchor, reminding the people of God's mighty acts on their behalf before Moses launches into the detailed covenant stipulations and exhortations to obedience that form the core of the book. The verse's placement at the end of this historical preamble emphasizes that their past successes were a direct result of God's intervention, providing a compelling motivation for future obedience.
Historical & Cultural Context: At the time of this discourse, the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, after forty years of wilderness wandering. They were on the threshold of entering Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. The conquests of Sihon and Og, two formidable Amorite kings, were relatively recent and highly significant events (detailed in Numbers 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 2:26-37 and Deuteronomy 3:1-11). The Amorites were a powerful, indigenous people group in the region, known for their fortified cities and military strength. Their defeat by Israel was not merely a military victory but a profound theological statement: God was fighting for Israel, clearing the way for their inheritance. The "Transjordan" region, though not the primary focus of the Abrahamic land promise, was fertile and strategically important, representing the first tangible portion of the promised inheritance.
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 4:47 powerfully reinforces several central themes of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment. The possession of these lands was a tangible demonstration that God was actively working to fulfill His ancient covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7) to give Israel a land of their own. Secondly, it emphasizes Conquest and Inheritance, showcasing God's enabling power in their successful military campaigns against powerful adversaries. These victories were not achieved by Israel's might but through divine intervention, enabling them to inherit and settle territories even before crossing the Jordan, serving as a foretaste and assurance of God's continued support for their future conquests in Canaan, as later promised to Joshua (Joshua 1:3). Finally, the verse underscores Geographical Significance, with the precise description "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" emphasizing the specific location of these territories, which would later become the inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Possessed (Hebrew, yârash', H3423): This verb (H3423) signifies "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." It implies not merely occupying but legally and divinely sanctioned ownership. In the context of Israel, it highlights that their claim to the land was not by conquest alone, but by divine grant, as they were inheriting what God had promised and was now enabling them to take from its previous inhabitants.
Kings (Hebrew, melek', H4428): From a root meaning "to rule," this noun (H4428) refers to a monarch or sovereign. The mention of "two kings" (Sihon and Og) underscores the significant political and military power that Israel overcame, emphasizing the magnitude of God's intervention rather than Israel's own strength. These were established rulers of powerful kingdoms, not minor chieftains.
Amorites (Hebrew, ʼĔmôrîy', H567): This term (H567) refers to "an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes," likely meaning "a mountaineer" or "prominent." Their inclusion here emphasizes the formidable nature of the enemies Israel overcame. The defeat of "two kings of the Amorites" (Sihon and Og) underscored the magnitude of God's power working on Israel's behalf, as these were not minor skirmishes but significant victories against established kingdoms.
Toward the sunrising (Hebrew, _mizrâch hashshemesh'_, H4217): This phrase, combining H4217 (mizrâch, "sunrise, i.e. the east") and H8121 (shemesh, "the sun; by implication, the east"), precisely indicates "the east." It geographically locates the conquered territories relative to the Jordan River, confirming them as being in the Transjordanian region. This specificity grounds the historical account in verifiable geography, reinforcing its reality and importance for the Israelite audience.

Verse Breakdown

"And they possessed his land": This refers to the land of Sihon, king of Heshbon, whose territory Israel conquered first. The use of "possessed" (from yârash) emphasizes the divinely granted right of Israel to take ownership of this land, not merely to occupy it temporarily. This was the initial fulfillment of God's promise of land.
"and the land of Og king of Bashan": This clause adds the second major conquest, that of Og, king of Bashan. Bashan (H1316) was known for its fertility and strong fortifications, making Og (H5747) a formidable adversary. The inclusion of both kings highlights the comprehensive nature of Israel's victories in the Transjordan region.
"two kings of the Amorites": This phrase categorizes both Sihon and Og as Amorite (H567) kings. This serves to emphasize their shared ethnic identity and, by extension, the unified and powerful opposition Israel faced. It also underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's victories, as they overcame not just one, but two powerful rulers of this dominant people group.
"which [were] on this side Jordan toward the sunrising": This precise geographical descriptor locates the conquered territories from Moses's perspective on the plains of Moab. "On this side Jordan" (H5676, ʻêber and H3383, Yardên) here means "beyond the Jordan" or "across the Jordan" from the perspective of someone in Canaan, but from Moses's vantage point on the eastern bank, it refers to the eastern side. "Toward the sunrising" (H4217, H8121) further clarifies it as the eastern region, firmly establishing the Transjordan as the site of these initial, significant conquests.

Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs Recapitulation and Geographical Specificity. As part of Moses's extended discourse, this verse serves to recap and summarize previous historical events, specifically the victories over Sihon and Og, which were detailed earlier in Deuteronomy 2 and Deuteronomy 3. This Recapitulation reinforces the narrative for the new generation, reminding them of God's past faithfulness and power. The Geographical Specificity of "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" grounds the narrative in concrete reality, making the conquests tangible and verifiable. This precise location marker emphasizes the literal fulfillment of God's promise of land (H776, ʼerets), highlighting that Israel's inheritance was not a vague concept but a real, physical territory. The mention of "two kings" (H8147, shᵉnayim) of the Amorites also functions as a form of Emphasis, underscoring the magnitude of the victories achieved through divine intervention.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 4:47 is a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign power to fulfill His promises. The possession of the lands of Sihon and Og was not merely a territorial gain but a tangible sign that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was actively working on behalf of His people. This initial inheritance served as a "firstfruits" or down payment on the greater promise of the entire land of Canaan, demonstrating God's reliability and building the nation's trust for the challenges ahead. It underscores the principle that God's promises are not contingent on human strength but on His divine will and power, equipping His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This historical precedent becomes a theological anchor, reminding Israel that their future success in the land would similarly depend on their obedience to the God who had already proven Himself faithful.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 4:47 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the same faithful God who empowered ancient Israel to overcome formidable enemies and possess their promised land continues to work in our lives. Just as Israel looked back at the tangible evidence of God's past provision and deliverance, we are called to remember God's faithfulness in our own histories. This reflection builds our trust and confidence for present and future challenges, assuring us that God's promises are reliable and that He will equip us to navigate obstacles and inherit the spiritual blessings He has prepared. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is secured by the very same God who delivered Israel, empowering us to live in the reality of His kingdom and to overcome spiritual adversaries not by our might, but by His Spirit.

Questions for Reflection

How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your trust for future challenges?
What "promised lands" (spiritual blessings, callings, or areas of growth) are you trusting God to help you possess in your life today?
In what ways do you see God equipping you to overcome obstacles, just as He did for Israel in their conquest?

FAQ

Why is "on this side Jordan" important in this verse?

Answer: The phrase "on this side Jordan toward the sunrising" is crucial because it precisely locates the conquered territories (Sihon's and Og's lands) in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. From Moses's perspective on the plains of Moab, this was the first portion of the promised land that Israel physically possessed. It highlights that even before crossing into Canaan proper, God had begun to fulfill His promise, providing a tangible down payment of their inheritance. This geographical specificity also sets the stage for the later division of this land among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (Numbers 32).

Who were Sihon and Og, and why were their conquests significant?

Answer: Sihon was the king of the Amorites in Heshbon, and Og was the king of Bashan, also an Amorite. Both were powerful and formidable rulers whose kingdoms controlled strategic territories east of the Jordan. Their conquests, detailed in Numbers 21:21-35 and Deuteronomy 2-3, were highly significant for several reasons: they demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to fight for Israel, serving as the first major victories that allowed Israel to possess land; they provided a vital logistical pathway for Israel to approach Canaan; and they served as a clear sign to the surrounding nations that the God of Israel was mighty.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Deuteronomy?

Answer: Deuteronomy 4:47 strongly reinforces the central themes of Deuteronomy, particularly God's covenant faithfulness and the importance of obedience. By summarizing the initial conquests, Moses reminds the new generation that God has already proven Himself faithful to His promises. This historical precedent then serves as a powerful motivation for them to obey the laws and commands that Moses is about to expound. The possession of the land is directly tied to their covenant relationship with God; therefore, remembering God's past acts of power and provision is essential for cultivating a heart of obedience and trust for their future in the land.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 4:47, recounting Israel's physical possession of land east of the Jordan, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and victory secured for believers in Christ. Just as Israel received a tangible down payment on their promised land, believers in Jesus receive a spiritual inheritance that is infinitely richer and eternal. Christ, the ultimate fulfiller of God's promises, has secured our "possession" not of earthly territory, but of eternal life, reconciliation with God, and citizenship in His heavenly kingdom (Ephesians 1:11). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated the spiritual "kings" of sin, death, and Satan, dispossessing them of their power over us and transferring us from the domain of darkness into His glorious kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). Our inheritance is not merely a future hope but a present reality, as we already participate in the "rest" that God provides through faith (Hebrews 4:1-11). The physical land was a type and shadow of the spiritual dwelling place Jesus prepares for us (John 14:2-3), ensuring that through Him, we possess an eternal, unshakeable inheritance.

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 4 verses 41–49

41 ¶ Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:

43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

44 And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:

45 These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

46 On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:

47 And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

48 From Aroer, which is by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which is Hermon,

49 And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.

Here is, 1. The nomination of the cities of refuge on that side Jordan where Israel now lay encamped. Three cities were appointed for that purpose, one in the lot of Reuben, another in that of Gad, and another in that of the half tribe of Manasseh, Deu 4:41-43. What Moses could do for that people while he was yet with them he did, to give example to the rulers who were settled that they might observe them the better when he was gone. 2. The introduction to another sermon that Moses preached to Israel, which we have in the following chapters. Probably it was preached the next sabbath day after, when the congregation attended to receive instruction. He had in general exhorted them to obedience in the former chapter; here he comes to repeat the law which they were to observe, for he demands a universal but not an implicit obedience. How can we do our duty if we do not know it? Here therefore he sets the law before them as the rule they were to work by, the way they were to walk in, sets it before them as the glass in which they were to see their natural face, that, looking into this perfect law of liberty, they might continue therein. These are the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments, the moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws, which had been enacted before, when Israel had newly come out of Egypt, and were now repeated, on this side Jordan, Deu 4:44-46. The place where Moses gave them these laws in charge is here particularly described. (1.) It was over-against Beth-peor, an idol-temple of the Moabites, which perhaps Moses sometimes looked towards, with a particular caution to them against the infection of that and other such like dangerous places. (2.) It was upon their new conquests, in the very land which they had got out of the hands of Sihon and Og, and were now actually in possession of, Deu 4:47. Their present triumphs herein were a powerful argument for obedience.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 41–49. 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

Deuteronomy 29:7
And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them:
Deuteronomy 29:8
And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.
Numbers 21:33
And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
Numbers 21:35
So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.
Deuteronomy 3:1
¶ 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.
Deuteronomy 3:14
Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.