What number verse is Exodus 13:11 in the Bible?

Exodus 13:11 is the 1,879th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 13:11 sits at position 1,879.

Translation

King James Version

¶ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

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KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be when the LORD ^H3068 shall bring ^H935 thee into the land ^H776 of the Canaanites ^H3669, as he sware ^H7650 unto thee and to thy fathers ^H1, and shall give ^H5414 it thee,

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Complete Jewish Bible

When ADONAI brings you into the land of the Kena'ani, as he swore to you and your ancestors, and gives it to you,

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Berean Standard Bible

And after the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as He swore to you and your fathers,

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American Standard Version

And it shall be, when Jehovah shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanite, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

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World English Bible Messianic

“It shall be, when the LORD shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, as he swore to you and to your fathers, and shall give it you,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And when the Lord shall bring thee into the lande of the Canaanites, as hee sware vnto thee and to thy fathers, and shall giue it thee,

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Young's Literal Translation

`And it hath been, when Jehovah bringeth thee in unto the land of the Canaanite, as He hath sworn to thee and to thy fathers, and hath given it to thee,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 13:11 serves as a pivotal forward-looking declaration, assuring the newly liberated Israelites that Yahweh, their covenant God, will faithfully fulfill His ancient oath to their patriarchs by personally bringing them into the promised "land of the Canaanites" and graciously bestowing it upon them as a divine inheritance, thereby underscoring His unwavering commitment to His people and His sovereign control over history.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse appears at a crucial juncture in the book of Exodus, immediately following God's detailed instructions regarding the consecration of the firstborn and the perpetual observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:1-10). While the preceding passages are retrospective, commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and establishing foundational religious practices, Exodus 13:11 pivots the narrative gaze to the future. It provides the ultimate rationale and motivation for their journey through the wilderness: the fulfillment of God's ancient covenantal promise of a land. This verse thus acts as a bridge, connecting the present acts of worship and remembrance to God's long-term redemptive plan, assuring the Israelites of the certain destination of their pilgrimage.
Historical & Cultural Context: The designation "the land of the Canaanites" refers to the geographical region of Canaan, which, at the time of the Exodus, was already inhabited by a diverse array of peoples, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as detailed in other biblical texts (e.g., Genesis 15:18-21). For God to "give it thee" (Israel) implied a divinely orchestrated displacement of these existing inhabitants, a concept rooted in God's sovereign right over all nations and lands. The phrase "as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers" directly invokes the solemn Abrahamic Covenant, initially articulated to Abram in Genesis 12:7 and subsequently reaffirmed to Isaac (Genesis 26:3) and Jacob (Genesis 35:12). In the ancient Near East, a solemn oath or covenant was the most binding legal and religious commitment, often involving severe consequences for its breach. God's oath, therefore, highlights the absolute certainty, immutability, and unbreakable nature of His promise to Israel, providing an unshakeable foundation for their hope, obedience, and endurance through the wilderness.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping. God's repeated emphasis on His oath to the patriarchs underscores His unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even across generations and in the face of human doubt or disobedience. Another significant theme is Divine Sovereignty and Provision. The land is presented not as something Israel will earn or conquer by their own might, but as a direct "giving" from the LORD, emphasizing God's ultimate ownership and control over all creation and His benevolent provision for His chosen people. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of Inheritance and Promised Rest, looking forward to a time when Israel will dwell securely in the land, a concept that will be further developed throughout the Deuteronomic history and beyond, culminating in the ultimate spiritual rest found in Christ.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's absolute being, faithfulness, and unchanging nature. In this context, the use of "LORD" underscores that it is the very God who entered into covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who has just delivered Israel from Egypt, who is now making this solemn promise regarding the land. His character as the eternal and faithful covenant-keeper guarantees the fulfillment of the promise.
sware (Hebrew, shâbaʻ', H7650): This verb signifies a solemn, binding oath or vow, often implying a seven-fold declaration or a deep, unchangeable commitment. When God "swears," it is the highest form of divine assurance, indicating the absolute certainty and immutability of His promise. It is not a casual agreement but a divinely guaranteed commitment that cannot be revoked, highlighting His unshakeable faithfulness and the complete reliability of His word. This oath forms the immutable foundation of the covenant with Israel.
give (Hebrew, nâthan', H5414): This primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give, put, set, allow," among many other applications. In this specific context, it emphasizes the land as a divine gift, freely bestowed by God's grace and power, rather than something Israel would earn through merit or conquer solely by their own strength. It reinforces God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider and owner of the land, highlighting that their possession of it is an act of His benevolent provision and covenant faithfulness.

Verse Breakdown

"And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites,": This opening clause sets the stage for a future, divinely orchestrated event, emphasizing God's active and personal agency ("the LORD shall bring thee"). The destination is explicitly named "the land of the Canaanites," which highlights the existing reality of its occupation by other nations. This immediately underscores the miraculous and sovereign nature of God's promise: He will dispossess its current inhabitants and personally lead Israel into this occupied territory.
"as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers,": This crucial phrase provides the divine basis, historical continuity, and absolute assurance for the promise. It directly links the future entry into the land to God's ancient, solemn, and unchangeable covenant oath made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This continuity across generations reinforces God's unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them that the present journey is part of a long-established, divine plan.
"and shall give it thee,": This final clause reiterates and confirms the nature of the inheritance: it is a gracious gift from the Lord. It underscores divine grace and sovereignty, indicating that the possession of the land is not a result of Israel's strength, military prowess, or inherent merit, but solely due to God's benevolent provision and His faithfulness to His covenant oath. This emphasizes Israel's dependent relationship on God for their very existence and inheritance.

Literary Devices

Exodus 13:11 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. Foreshadowing is prominent, as the verse points directly to a future, pivotal event—the entry into the Promised Land—which is central to Israel's national identity and destiny. The structure of the verse also demonstrates Divine Emphasis, with God consistently presented as the primary actor ("the LORD shall bring," "he sware," "shall give"), underscoring His absolute sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes. Furthermore, the concise yet powerful language, particularly the repetition of the idea of God's promise and giving, creates a sense of Certainty and Assurance, reinforcing the immutability of God's word. The phrase "land of the Canaanites" functions as a form of Contrast, highlighting the current reality of occupation against the future reality of Israel's inheritance, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse powerfully teaches about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, a foundational truth throughout Scripture. The phrase "as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers" highlights that God's word is utterly reliable, and His commitments span generations, demonstrating His eternal nature and trustworthiness, for God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind (Numbers 23:19). The land itself is presented as a divine gift, emphasizing God's grace and sovereignty in providing for His people, rather than their earning it through merit or conquest; indeed, Moses would later remind Israel that it was not by their righteousness or the uprightness of their heart that they would possess the land (Deuteronomy 9:4-6). This theme of divine provision and inheritance is central to the biblical narrative, from the Garden of Eden to the New Heavens and New Earth, culminating in the ultimate inheritance promised to believers in Christ. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the controller of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His predetermined purposes and promises, for the counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations (Psalm 33:11).

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Exodus 13:11 offers profound reassurance for believers today, echoing through the centuries with a message of divine constancy. Just as God faithfully led Israel to their promised inheritance, He continues to be faithful to His promises to His people in every generation. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's sovereign plan, even when our personal journeys are difficult, our spiritual destinations seem distant, or the obstacles in our path appear insurmountable. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is absolutely reliable, and His ultimate purposes will be fulfilled, not because of our strength, wisdom, or merit, but solely because of His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His boundless grace. We are called to live our lives in light of God's profound faithfulness, resting in the spiritual inheritance promised through Christ, knowing with certainty that He who promised is faithful and will bring it to pass.

Questions for Reflection

How does meditating on God's historical faithfulness in keeping His ancient promises strengthen your faith in His promises for your life today?
In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's "giving" hand and sovereign provision, rather than striving in your own strength?
How does the concept of a guaranteed spiritual inheritance, promised through Christ, shape your perspective on present challenges, periods of waiting, or unfulfilled desires?

FAQ

Why is the land called "the land of the Canaanites" if it's Israel's promised inheritance?

Answer: Calling it "the land of the Canaanites" serves a crucial purpose: it emphasizes the existing reality of its inhabitants while simultaneously highlighting God's sovereign power and absolute right to dispossess those nations and give the land to Israel. It underscores that this inheritance is not a simple occupation of empty land, but a miraculous act of divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites and a profound act of divine provision and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fulfilling a promise made centuries prior. This designation heightens the theological significance of God's intervention.

Does this verse imply that Israel would be entirely passive in taking the land?

Answer: No, this verse does not imply Israel's complete passivity. While the emphasis here is unequivocally on God's initiative and sovereign power ("the LORD shall bring," "shall give"), it does not negate Israel's future role in the conquest. The divine promise provides the assurance, the mandate, and the supernatural power for the task, but subsequent books like Joshua vividly detail Israel's active, though divinely empowered, participation in taking possession of the land through military campaigns and obedience to God's commands. God's promise provides the foundation and the means, but human obedience and action are still required in partnership with His divine will.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Exodus 13:11, with its profound focus on a promised land and a divine inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The physical land of Canaan, a place of earthly rest, blessing, and covenant fulfillment for Israel, serves as a powerful type or shadow pointing to the greater, eternal spiritual inheritance that believers receive through Christ (Ephesians 1:11). Jesus is the faithful one through whom all of God's promises, including the promise of an inheritance, find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). The "rest" that Israel was to find in the Promised Land foreshadows the true spiritual rest from sin and striving, and the eternal dwelling with God that is available to all who believe in Jesus (Hebrews 4:9-11). God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing Israel into their earthly inheritance is a powerful testament to His even greater faithfulness in bringing His people, through Christ's atoning work and resurrection power, into His eternal kingdom and the glorious inheritance of salvation, new creation, and everlasting communion with Him. The ultimate "land" is the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, secured by the Lamb of God (Revelation 21:1-4).

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Commentary on Exodus 13 verses 11–16

11 ¶ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S.

13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.

14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

16 And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

Here we have,

I. Further directions concerning the dedicating of their firstborn to God. 1. The firstlings of their cattle were to be dedicated to God, as part of their possessions. Those of clean beasts - calves, lambs, and kids - if males, were to be sacrificed, Exo 22:30; Num 18:17, Num 18:18. Those of unclean beasts, as colts, were to be redeemed with a lamb, or knocked on the head. For whatsoever is unclean (as we all are by nature), if it be not redeemed, will be destroyed, Exo 13:11, Exo 13:13. 2. The firstborn of their children were to be redeemed, and by no means sacrificed, as the Gentiles sacrificed their children to Moloch. The price of the redemption of the firstborn was fixed by the law (Num 18:16) at five sheckles. We were all obnoxious to the wrath and curse of God; by the blood of Christ we are redeemed, that we may be joined to the church of the firstborn. They were to redeem their children, as well as the firstlings of the unclean beasts, for our children are by nature polluted. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?

II. Further directions concerning the catechising of their children, and all those of the rising generation, from time to time, in this matter. It is supposed that, when they saw all the firstlings thus devoted, they would ask the meaning of it, and their parents and teachers must tell them (Exo 13:14-16) that God's special propriety in their firstborn, and all their firstlings, was founded in his special preservation of them from the sword of the destroying angel. Being thus delivered, they must serve him. Note, 1. Children should be directed and encouraged to ask their parents questions concerning the things of God, a practice which would be perhaps of all others the most profitable way of catechising; and parents must furnish themselves with useful knowledge, that they may be ready always to give an answer to their enquiries. If ever the knowledge of God cover the earth, as the waters do the sea, the fountains of family-instruction must first be broken up. 2. We should all be able to show cause for what we do in religion. As sacraments are sanctified by the word, so they must be explained and understood by it. God's service is reasonable, and it is then acceptable when we perform it intelligently, knowing what we do and why we do it. 3. It must be observed how often it is said in this chapter that by strength of hand (Exo 13:3, Exo 13:14, Exo 13:16), with a strong hand (Exo 13:9), the Lord brought them out of Egypt. The more opposition is given to the accomplishment of God's purposes the more is his power magnified therein. It is a strong hand that conquers hard hearts. Sometimes God is said to work deliverance not by might nor power (Zac 4:6), not by such visible displays of his power as that recorded here. 4. Their posterity that should be born in Canaan are directed to say, The Lord brought us out of Egypt, Exo 13:14, Exo 13:16. Mercies to our fathers are mercies to us; we reap the benefit of them, and therefore must keep up a grateful remembrance of them. We stand upon the bottom of former deliverances, and were in the loins of our ancestors when they were delivered. Much more reason have we to say that in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we were redeemed.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–16. 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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