Deuteronomy 4 49

Deuteronomy 4:49 kjv

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

Deuteronomy 4:49 nkjv

and all the plain on the east side of the Jordan as far as the Sea of the Arabah, below the slopes of Pisgah.

Deuteronomy 4:49 niv

and included all the Arabah east of the Jordan, as far as the Dead Sea, below the slopes of Pisgah.

Deuteronomy 4:49 esv

together with all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan as far as the Sea of the Arabah, under the slopes of Pisgah.

Deuteronomy 4:49 nlt

And they conquered the eastern bank of the Jordan River as far south as the Dead Sea, below the slopes of Pisgah.)

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 49 Meaning

Deuteronomy 4:49 describes the eastern boundary and geographical features of the territory given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Transjordan. It specifically identifies this land as including "all the Arabah" (the great rift valley) east of the Jordan River, extending south to the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), which lies "below the slopes of Pisgah." This verse sets out a precise geographical demarcation for the initial inheritance of the Israelite nation before their entry into Canaan.

Deuteronomy 4 49 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 4 is part of Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. He recounts the historical events that have brought them to this point, emphasizing God's faithfulness and their covenant obligations. In this chapter, Moses reviews the commandments and statutes, warning them against idolatry and stressing the uniqueness of their God and the Law given at Mount Horeb.

Verse 49 serves as a specific geographical footnote, completing the immediate contextual reference to the lands east of the Jordan (4:41-43), which Moses had already allotted to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. It pinpoints the precise extent of this already-conquered territory (as discussed in Deut 3:8-17), before Moses shifts to a full re-exposition of the Law (starting from Deut 4:44 and especially Deut 5). This precise description roots the subsequent commands and warnings in a tangible, God-given inheritance. Historically, the Israelites were encamped on these plains, so Moses was describing territory they were either occupying or could literally see from their position.

Deuteronomy 4 49 Word analysis

• And all the plain:

  • "And all" (וְכָל - vekol): Connects this geographical description to the preceding context (4:41-43) and implies comprehensiveness – not just a part, but the entirety of the specified region.
  • "the plain" (הָעֲרָבָה - ha'Arabah): The definite article "the" indicates a specific, well-known geographical feature. The Hebrew word Arabah refers to the great geological rift valley that extends from the Sea of Galilee in the north, through the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and down to the Gulf of Aqaba. Here, it refers specifically to the portion of this valley that constitutes the eastern lowlands of the Jordan.

• on this side Jordan:

  • "on this side" (בְּעֵבֶר - b'ever): Signifies "beyond" or "across from," from the perspective of the speaker (Moses) and the audience, who are currently east of the Jordan River. Thus, "east of the Jordan."
  • "Jordan" (הַיַּרְדֵּן - haYarden): The Jordan River. A crucial geographical landmark in Israel, serving as a significant natural boundary. Its description as "this side" or "across" clarifies the relative position.

• eastward:

  • "eastward" (מִזְרָחָה - mizrachah): From mizrach, meaning "sunrise" or "east." This term unequivocally specifies the orientation, leaving no doubt about which "side Jordan" is meant (i.e., the land mass to the east of the river).

• even unto the sea of the plain:

  • "even unto" (עַד - 'ad): "Up to," "as far as." Marks the southern extent of the Arabah region being described.
  • "the sea of the plain" (יָם הָעֲרָבָה - Yam ha'Arabah): Literally "Sea of the Arabah." This is an ancient name for the body of water.

• even the salt sea:

  • "even the salt sea" (הוּא יָם הַמֶּלַח - hu Yam haMelah): "It is the Salt Sea." This phrase provides a precise identification for Yam ha'Arabah, clarifying that the "Sea of the Plain" is indeed the "Salt Sea" or Dead Sea. Melah (מֶלַח) means "salt." This highlights its characteristic salinity, which was unique and well-known.

• under the springs of Pisgah:

  • "under" (תַּחַת - tachat): "Beneath," "at the foot of," "below."
  • "the springs of" (אַשְׁדֹּת - 'ashdot): From ashdah, which can refer to "watercourses," "springs," "ravines," or "slopes/foothills where springs originate." KJV "springs" emphasizes the water aspect; "slopes" (as in NIV) emphasizes the topography where such springs might be found. Both interpretations convey the land lying at the base of the mountain.
  • "Pisgah" (הַפִּסְגָּה - hapPisgah): A prominent mountain peak or range in Moab, east of the Jordan, identified as part of the Abarim mountains (Num 27:12) and specifically linked with Mount Nebo (Deut 34:1) from where Moses viewed the Promised Land. This landmark precisely places the region.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward": This phrase collectively defines the vast Transjordanian rift valley (Arabah) located specifically on the eastern side of the Jordan River. It sets the geographical scope of the land. This region was significant as the first large piece of territory taken by conquest by Israel.

• "even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea": This part clarifies the southern extent of the described Arabah territory. By equating "the sea of the plain" with "the salt sea," the text provides an unmistakable reference point. This reinforces the specificity and tangibility of God's land gift.

• "under the springs of Pisgah": This final phrase gives a more localized topographical detail, pinpointing the eastern Arabah's position relative to a significant mountain range. It places the plain in the immediate geographical context of a well-known (or soon-to-be well-known) landmark from which Moses would later view the entire promised land. This helps visualize the lower elevations in relation to the higher, eastern mountain range.

Deuteronomy 4 49 Bonus section

• The geographical accuracy in this verse and throughout Deuteronomy would have resonated deeply with the original audience, who were themselves positioned in this described region. It solidifies the historical veracity of the account.
• The "Arabah" mentioned here specifically refers to the northern part of the Dead Sea basin. South of the Dead Sea, the same rift valley continues and is also called the Arabah, but that region generally extended outside the primary Israelite sphere of influence defined here.
• Pisgah is memorable not only for its topographical significance but primarily as the place from which Moses, though forbidden to enter, saw the entirety of the Promised Land before his death (Deut 34:1). Its mention here indirectly ties this already-conquered territory to the greater promise yet to be fully possessed, reinforcing the narrative of progressive fulfillment of God's covenant.

Deuteronomy 4 49 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:49 serves as a concise yet highly significant geographical descriptor within Moses' expansive discourse. It is not merely an incidental detail but a foundational element affirming God's concrete fulfillment of His covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants a specific land (Gen 12:7, 15:18). This verse meticulously delineates the extent of the territory east of the Jordan that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh had already possessed. By referencing the Arabah (the profound rift valley), the Jordan River, the Dead Sea (explicitly named the "Salt Sea" for clarity), and the formidable heights of Pisgah, the text anchors God's promise in unmistakable, tangible reality.

The precision underscores the seriousness and specificity of God's acts. The Israelites were about to receive extensive instructions on how to live in "the land," and this verse confirms that "the land" was not an abstract concept but a precisely bounded territory, already partially conquered. This detail would have provided great assurance and confirmation for the new generation standing on the cusp of inheritance, bolstering their faith in the coming campaigns. It also prefaces Moses' re-narration of the Law, establishing that the statutes were given for a particular people in a particular place—a land divinely granted and geographically defined. This intertwining of geography, history, and law is central to Deuteronomy's message.