Deuteronomy 2:11 kjv
Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites called them Emims.
Deuteronomy 2:11 nkjv
They were also regarded as giants, like the Anakim, but the Moabites call them Emim.
Deuteronomy 2:11 niv
Like the Anakites, they too were considered Rephaites, but the Moabites called them Emites.
Deuteronomy 2:11 esv
Like the Anakim they are also counted as Rephaim, but the Moabites call them Emim.
Deuteronomy 2:11 nlt
Both the Emites and the Anakites are also known as the Rephaites, though the Moabites call them Emites.
Deuteronomy 2 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 14:5 | In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings... attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim... | Mentions Rephaim as ancient inhabitants. |
| Num 13:28 | Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified, very large; and moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. | Spies' fear of Anakim. |
| Num 13:33 | There we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we were like grasshoppers... | Anakim associated with the mighty Nephilim. |
| Deut 1:28 | Where can we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our hearts, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great... and the Anakim are there.” | Emphasizes the Anakim's stature. |
| Deut 2:9 | The LORD said to me, ‘Do not harass Moab nor contend with them in battle, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as a possession.’ | God allocates land to other nations. |
| Deut 2:10 | (The Emim formerly dwelt there, a people great and many and tall as the Anakim. | Context, Emim introduced. |
| Deut 2:20 | (That was also regarded as a land of giants; giants formerly dwelt there. But the Ammonites call them Zamzumim, | Similar giants in Ammonite territory. |
| Deut 9:1-2 | You are to cross over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves... the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the descendants of Anak?’ | Acknowledges the Anakim's formidable nature. |
| Josh 11:21 | And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. | Joshua's successful conquest of Anakim. |
| Josh 14:12-15 | Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke... it was Anakim there, and great cities; it may be that the LORD will be with me to drive them out as the LORD said... Caleb drove them out... from Hebron. | Caleb conquers Hebron from Anakim. |
| Judg 1:10 | Then Judah went against the Canaanites... and they attacked Hebron (Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath Arba) and killed Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. | Anakim's specific leaders. |
| 2 Sam 21:16 | And Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the descendants of the giant... the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze in weight... | Philistine giants, likely Rephaim descendants. |
| 2 Sam 21:20 | Yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number; and he also was born to the giant. | More giant descendants of the Rephaim. |
| 1 Chr 20:4 | Now it happened after this that war arose at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants. | Parallel account of giant slaying. |
| Deut 2:7 | For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand... for these forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing. | God's provision for Israel. |
| Deut 3:11 | For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants (Rephaim)... | Og identified as a Rephaim survivor. |
| Ps 44:2-3 | You drove out the nations with Your hand, But them You planted... For they did not acquire the land by their own sword... but by Your right hand... | God gives land through His power. |
| Isa 26:14 | They are dead, they will not live; They are deceased, they will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them, And made all their memory to perish. | "Rephaim" can also denote deceased shades, indicating finality for the proud. |
| Rom 15:4 | For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. | Old Testament accounts are for our instruction. |
| 1 Cor 10:11 | Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. | Israel's history as an example for believers. |
Deuteronomy 2 verses
Deuteronomy 2 11 Meaning
Deuteronomy 2:11 clarifies the identity of the Emim, stating they were also considered Rephaim, just like the Anakim. It specifies that while these formidable, giant-like peoples were broadly known as Rephaim, the Moabites had their own name for them: Emim, meaning "dreadful ones" or "terrors." This verse serves to reinforce that even nations distinct from Israel were enabled by God to dispossess powerful, fearsome inhabitants, providing an encouraging precedent for Israel's upcoming conquest of Canaan.
Deuteronomy 2 11 Context
Deuteronomy 2 is part of Moses' retrospective address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter Canaan. Moses recounts their journey through the wilderness, specifically highlighting how God had led them around the territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. The context of this particular verse (Deut 2:11) falls within Moses' explanation that God had sovereignly given these lands to the descendants of Esau (Edom), Lot (Moab), and Lot (Ammon) respectively (Deut 2:5, 9, 19).
Crucially, in describing Moab's conquest, Moses mentions the "Emim" who previously inhabited their land. This detail is not merely geographical; it serves a profound theological and polemical purpose. The Israelite spies had brought back a terrifying report from Canaan, primarily fearing the Anakim, whom they described as giants and considered unconquerable (Num 13:28, 33). By stating that the Emim (conquered by Moab) were "accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim," Moses directly addresses and disarms this past fear. He illustrates that even other nations, whom God supported, were able to overcome their own "giants." This provides a strong historical precedent and assurance for Israel: if Moab could conquer giants because God gave them the land, how much more would God empower Israel against their "giants," the Anakim, to claim the land promised to them? The entire chapter underscores God's sovereignty over all lands and peoples, not just Israel.
Deuteronomy 2 11 Word analysis
- These: Refers to the Emim (אֵימִים - 'eymim), specifically mentioned in Deut 2:10. They were the inhabitants of the land before the Moabites dispossessed them.
- also: Indicates that in addition to other groups identified as Rephaim, the Emim were likewise recognized under this classification.
- were accounted: Implies a widely recognized classification or understanding. It suggests common knowledge or a historical designation of these peoples.
- Rephaim: (רְפָאִים - Repha'im) This term is complex. In this context, it refers to an ancient race of formidable, often very tall and powerful people who pre-dated many of the settled nations. They are synonymous with 'giants' in various biblical narratives. The name could also connect to 'shades' or 'dead ones' in later biblical literature (Isa 26:14), hinting at their ancient, almost legendary status and their eventual demise, even if they were mighty. Their destruction underscores God's power over even the most feared inhabitants.
- as: A comparative particle, signifying "like" or "similar to." It draws a direct parallel.
- the Anakim: (עֲנָקִים - 'Anaqim) A specific tribe of exceedingly tall people, descendants of Anak. They were particularly feared by the Israelite spies in Numbers 13, and their presence in Canaan was a major source of discouragement for Israel. This comparison (Emim as Anakim) is crucial, linking the giants dispossessed by Moab directly to the feared giants Israel was to face, thereby instilling confidence.
- but: Introduces a distinction or qualification.
- the Moabites: (מוֹאָבִים - Mo'avim) The descendants of Moab, son of Lot (Gen 19:37), the nation inhabiting the land to Israel's east across the Arnon River.
- call them: This indicates regional nomenclature or a specific tribal name used by the local inhabitants for these giants, distinguishing them from a broader, more general term like Rephaim.
- Emim: (אֵימִים - 'eymim) As noted in Deut 2:10, this is the name the Moabites used. It literally means "terrors" or "dreadful ones," aptly describing their formidable and intimidating nature from the perspective of the peoples encountering them.
Words-group Analysis:
- "These also were accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim": This phrase is central. It emphasizes that the Emim, though perhaps less familiar by name to Israel than the Anakim, were equally imposing and were categorized under the same umbrella of powerful, giant-like peoples. This direct equivalence serves as a theological statement: "Your feared Anakim are no different than the Emim already dispossessed by another nation empowered by God." This counters the despair of the wilderness generation (Num 13:33).
- "but the Moabites call them Emim": This detail grounds the historical account in local reality. It demonstrates a knowledge of regional terminologies, lending credibility to the narrative. It also distinguishes between a generic term ('Rephaim' – perhaps broader, encompassing various large tribes) and a specific, local appellation ('Emim'). This indicates Moses' precise geographical and anthropological knowledge given through divine inspiration, enhancing the trustworthiness of his words.
Deuteronomy 2 11 Bonus Section
- The naming convention of ancient peoples (e.g., Emim, Zamzumim) reveals the widespread presence of these "giant" groups in the ancient Near East, not just confined to Canaan. This gives a broader historical sweep to God's dealings with humanity and land allocation, reinforcing the concept that all territories are under His dominion (Acts 17:26).
- The reference to different local names for the same or similar groups (Rephaim vs. Emim) reflects authentic ancient world communication and cultural distinctives, indicating the Bible's engagement with precise historical and geographical realities. It is not a generalized legend but a specific account with local flavor.
- The dispossessed state of the Emim and others contrasts with God's perpetual covenant faithfulness to Israel, highlighting both God's judgment upon the wicked and His blessing upon those He chooses. This narrative contributes to a polemic against the notion of invincible pagan powers, showcasing that their "gods" could not protect them when Yahweh's will decreed their removal.
Deuteronomy 2 11 Commentary
Deuteronomy 2:11 is more than a historical detail; it is a foundational theological statement designed to build Israel's faith. By equating the Emim, whom Moab successfully dispossessed, with the feared Anakim that stood in Israel's path, Moses skillfully transforms a past failure (the spies' fear) into future assurance. The point is not just about tall people, but about God's sovereign control over land and the destiny of nations. God granted the land of Moab to the Moabites by enabling them to conquer the mighty Emim, just as He later allowed the Ammonites to conquer the Zamzumim. If God provided victory for these other nations, who were not His chosen people, how much more would He fight for and empower Israel to possess the Promised Land against any "giant" opposition? The verse underscores that no human power, no matter how formidable, can stand against God's decree. The "giants" that seemed impossible to overcome are conquered, serving as a powerful lesson that God's plan prevails over human fear and strength.
Practical Example: Just as ancient Israel faced "giants" (the Anakim) in their promised land, believers today might face seemingly insurmountable challenges or fears that appear "too big to conquer" (e.g., deeply ingrained sin, overwhelming adversity, cultural pressures against faith). This verse reminds us that the God who enabled others to conquer their literal giants is the same God who empowers us through Christ to overcome spiritual and practical obstacles that loom large in our lives. Our God is greater than any perceived obstacle or foe.