Deuteronomy 9:2

KJV

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!

KJV (with Strong's)

A people {H5971} great {H1419} and tall {H7311}, the children {H1121} of the Anakims {H6062}, whom thou knowest {H3045}, and of whom thou hast heard {H8085} say, Who can stand {H3320} before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Anak {H6061}!

Complete Jewish Bible

a people great and tall, the 'Anakim, whom you know about and of whom you have heard it said, 'Who can stand before the descendants of 'Anak?'

Berean Standard Bible

The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”

American Standard Version

a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the sons of Anak?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:2 vividly portrays the formidable nature of the Anakim, a race of imposing giants, serving as a stark reminder to the Israelites of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they faced upon entering the Promised Land. This verse underscores the pervasive fear associated with these inhabitants, whose reputation for immense stature and strength was encapsulated in the rhetorical question, "Who can stand before the children of Anak!", thereby setting the stage for Moses' subsequent declaration of God's decisive intervention against such overwhelming human opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 9:2 is situated within Moses' second major address to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. This specific verse immediately follows Moses' declaration that the Lord God would go before them as a "consuming fire" to dispossess the nations greater and mightier than them [Deuteronomy 9:1](/deuteronomy/9-1 "Deuteronomy 9:1 - God Goes Before Israel"). The description of the Anakim here serves as a potent illustration of the very "great and fenced cities" and "nations greater and mightier" that God promises to conquer. It sets up the crucial theological point of the entire chapter: Israel's success in conquering Canaan will not be due to their own righteousness or strength, but solely to God's covenant faithfulness and power, a theme explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 9:4-6](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - Not By Your Righteousness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses delivers this powerful exhortation with the recent, painful memory of the previous generation's failure echoing in the minds of the people. Forty years prior, the twelve spies sent into Canaan returned with a terrifying report, specifically highlighting the Anakim, describing them as so massive that the Israelites felt like "grasshoppers" in comparison [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report of Giants"). This fear led to rebellion and a divine decree that the entire generation would perish in the wilderness, save for Caleb and Joshua [Numbers 14:1-35](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Punishment"). By invoking the Anakim, Moses taps into a collective historical trauma and a deep-seated cultural fear, simultaneously reminding them of past failure and preparing them for a future victory that would defy human logic, emphasizing that their conquest would be a testament to divine power, not human might. The Anakim were a known entity in the region, often associated with other formidable groups like the Rephaim, and their reputation preceded them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it highlights **The Formidable Foe**, immediately conveying the immense physical stature and intimidating presence of the Anakim, whose reputation for invincibility is captured in the rhetorical question, "Who can stand before the children of Anak!" Secondly, it sets the stage for the theme of **Human Weakness, Divine Strength**. By drawing attention to such a powerful adversary, Moses underscores that Israel's success would not be due to their own strength or merit, but entirely to the Lord's intervention, a point explicitly made in [Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God as a Consuming Fire"). Finally, it implicitly addresses the theme of **Overcoming Fear with Faith**. The historical context of Israel's past failure due to fear (as seen in [Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faith")) makes this verse a powerful reminder that while obstacles may seem insurmountable from a human perspective, faith in God's promises can conquer even the greatest "giants."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anakims (Hebrew, עֲנָקִים, _‘Anakim'_):** This term refers to a specific group of people known for their extraordinary height and strength, often associated with the Nephilim or Rephaim mentioned elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Nephilim and Anakim")). Their name itself, possibly derived from a root meaning "neck" or "long-necked," evokes a sense of dread and awe due to their reputation as formidable, giant warriors who inspired terror in their adversaries. The mention of "children of the Anakims" emphasizes their lineage and the continuation of their fearsome characteristics.
* **"Who can stand" (Hebrew, מִי יִתְיַצֵּב, _mi yityatzēv'_):** This is a rhetorical question that powerfully conveys the perceived invincibility of the Anakim. The verb _yityatzēv_ (from _yatsav_) means "to stand," "to take one's stand," or "to present oneself." In this context, it implies standing in battle, facing an opponent, or enduring an assault. The question, therefore, expresses the widespread belief that no one could successfully confront or withstand the Anakim in combat, highlighting the overwhelming fear and despair they instilled in those who contemplated opposing them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A people great and tall":** This phrase immediately establishes the physical characteristics of the Anakim, emphasizing their imposing stature and formidable presence. The description "great and tall" is designed to evoke a sense of awe and intimidation, setting the stage for the challenge they represent.
* **"the children of the Anakims":** This identifies the specific group, linking them to a known lineage of giants. The term "children of" reinforces their identity as a distinct, formidable race, not just isolated individuals.
* **"whom thou knowest, and [of whom] thou hast heard [say]":** This clause underscores the Anakim's widespread notoriety and the Israelites' prior, intimate knowledge of their fearsome reputation. Moses is not introducing new information but reminding them of a well-established and deeply ingrained fear, particularly from the spies' report decades earlier. This personal connection makes the subsequent rhetorical question even more impactful.
* **"Who can stand before the children of Anak!":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, expressing the common, despairing sentiment regarding the Anakim's perceived invincibility. It encapsulates the overwhelming fear and sense of helplessness that their presence inspired, serving as the ultimate human assessment of their strength and the seemingly insurmountable challenge they posed.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:2 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Who can stand before the children of Anak!", which is not meant to be answered but rather to emphasize the perceived impossibility of defeating such a foe from a human perspective. This device powerfully communicates the widespread fear and the overwhelming nature of the challenge. Additionally, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the description, "a people great and tall," which, while literally true of the Anakim, is amplified by the context of Israel's fear to suggest an almost insurmountable obstacle. The **Repetition** of "Anak" (Anakims, Anak) reinforces their identity and the deep impression they had made. The verse also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting up the dramatic contrast with God's power, which Moses will immediately declare in the following verses, demonstrating that what is impossible for humans is entirely possible for the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:2 serves as a pivotal theological statement, not merely a description of intimidating foes. By vividly portraying the Anakim, Moses intentionally magnifies the human impossibility of Israel's task, thereby highlighting the absolute necessity and supremacy of divine intervention. This sets the stage for the profound theological truth that Israel's conquest of Canaan would be a testament to God's power and faithfulness, not their own strength or righteousness. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over all human and natural obstacles, demonstrating that God's covenant promises are fulfilled irrespective of the magnitude of the opposition. This verse challenges the human tendency to rely on sight rather than faith, calling the Israelites—and by extension, believers today—to recognize that true victory comes not from human might but from trusting in God's omnipotence to overcome seemingly insurmountable "giants."

* [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim")
* [Joshua 14:12](/joshua/14-12 "Joshua 14:12 - Caleb's Request to Conquer the Anakim")
* [Psalm 20:7-8](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7-8 - Trust in God, Not Human Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:2 speaks powerfully to the "giants" we face in our own lives—whether they are overwhelming challenges, deep-seated fears, seemingly impossible situations, or systemic injustices. Just as the Anakim represented an insurmountable obstacle from Israel's human perspective, we often encounter circumstances that make us feel like "grasshoppers" in comparison. This verse reminds us that the magnitude of our problems does not diminish the power of our God. The historical context of Israel's past failure due to fear serves as a potent warning: succumbing to fear paralyzes faith and prevents us from stepping into God's promises. Instead, we are called to confront our "giants" not with our own strength or ingenuity, but with an unwavering trust in God's active presence and power. Our victory, like Israel's, depends entirely on God fighting for us, transforming what seems impossible into a testimony of His faithfulness. This passage encourages us to shift our gaze from the size of the challenge to the greatness of our God, remembering that He is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (overwhelming challenges or fears) are you currently facing that seem insurmountable from a human perspective?**
* **How does the memory of past failures or fears prevent you from trusting God with present or future challenges?**
* **In what ways might you be relying on your own strength or resources rather than God's power to overcome obstacles?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your own life, help you confront your current "giants" with faith rather than fear?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Anakim, and why were they so feared by the Israelites?**

Answer: The Anakim were a group of people known for their extraordinary height and physical prowess, often described as giants in the biblical narrative. They were descendants of Anak and were part of the indigenous populations of Canaan. The Israelites feared them intensely because of their intimidating stature and reputation as fierce warriors, which made the Israelites feel like "grasshoppers" in comparison, as reported by the spies in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Report of Giants"). This fear was so profound that it led the previous generation of Israelites to rebel against God's command to enter the Promised Land, resulting in their forty-year wandering in the wilderness. Moses reminds the new generation of this fear in [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "Deuteronomy 9:2 - The Anakim") to highlight the magnitude of the challenge and underscore that their victory would be by divine power, not human might.

**How does Deuteronomy 9:2 relate to the broader message of Deuteronomy?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 9:2 is crucial to the broader message of Deuteronomy because it sets the stage for Moses' central theological argument in this chapter: Israel's success in conquering Canaan would not be due to their own righteousness or strength, but solely to the Lord's covenant faithfulness and power. By emphasizing the formidable nature of the Anakim and other inhabitants of Canaan, Moses highlights the human impossibility of the task, thereby magnifying the Lord's omnipotence and grace. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the divine promise that God Himself would go before them as a "consuming fire" to dispossess these nations [Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God as a Consuming Fire"). It reinforces the core Deuteronomic themes of remembering God's past acts, trusting in His sovereignty, and understanding that obedience flows from a recognition of His unmerited favor, not from a sense of earned merit.

**Did the Israelites eventually defeat the Anakim?**

Answer: Yes, the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, did eventually defeat the Anakim, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promise. While the Anakim were widespread throughout the land, Joshua specifically "cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel; he devoted them to destruction with their cities" [Joshua 11:21](/joshua/11-21 "Joshua 11:21 - Joshua Conquers the Anakim"). Notably, Caleb, one of the two faithful spies from the previous generation, specifically requested and was granted the territory of Hebron, where the Anakim were still present, and he personally drove them out [Joshua 14:12-15](/joshua/14-12 "Joshua 14:12-15 - Caleb Conquers Hebron"). This fulfillment vividly illustrates the truth of [Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God Fights for Israel"), that the Lord God would indeed go before them and dispossess their enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:2, with its vivid portrayal of the Anakim as seemingly insurmountable giants, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The physical giants that Israel faced foreshadow the spiritual "giants" that humanity could never overcome through its own strength: sin, death, and the power of Satan. Just as Israel's victory over the Anakim was not by their might but by God's intervention, humanity's victory over these ultimate foes is achieved solely through the divine power of Jesus Christ. He is the true "consuming fire" who goes before us, disarming the powers of darkness and conquering what was humanly impossible [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). In His life, death, and resurrection, Christ confronted and decisively defeated the spiritual Anakim that held humanity captive, fulfilling the promise that God would fight for His people. Through faith in Him, believers are empowered to face their own spiritual and life "giants," knowing that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" [1 John 4:4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He in You"). His triumph over the grave means that even death, the last enemy, has been swallowed up in victory [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death"). Thus, the fear-inducing Anakim of the Old Testament point to the infinitely greater spiritual adversaries that only the Lamb of God could conquer, securing for His people an eternal inheritance and the power to live in His triumph.

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

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.)

Job 11:10

If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

Deuteronomy 7:24

And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven: there shall no man be able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them.

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 2:11

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

Deuteronomy 2:12

The Horims also dwelt in Seir beforetime; but the children of Esau succeeded them, when they had destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the LORD gave unto them.

Daniel 8:4

I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.