Deuteronomy 9 2

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!

Deuteronomy 9:2 nkjv

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

Deuteronomy 9:2 niv

The people are strong and tall?Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: "Who can stand up against the Anakites?"

Deuteronomy 9:2 esv

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

Deuteronomy 9:2 nlt

The people are strong and tall ? descendants of the famous Anakite giants. You've heard the saying, 'Who can stand up to the Anakites?'

Deuteronomy 9 verses

Deuteronomy 9 2 Meaning

Deuteronomy 9:2 describes the formidable nature of the inhabitants of Canaan, particularly the Anakim, emphasizing their great physical stature and fearsome reputation for invincibility in the eyes of others. It highlights the human impossibility of conquering such foes, thereby setting the stage for God's power and faithfulness to be magnified.

Deuteronomy 9 2 Context

Deuteronomy 9 opens with Moses reiterating the command to cross the Jordan and possess the land, which they know is inhabited by formidable nations. This verse immediately follows the general description of the enemy as "nations greater and mightier" with "great and fortified cities reaching to heaven." Its historical context points back to the earlier failure at Kadesh Barnea, where the report of these very Anakim giants and strong cities caused Israel to despair and disobey God, leading to forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses uses this vivid description not to induce fear, but to preempt any sense of Israelite self-reliance or pride. He is deliberately recalling the very obstacle that previously caused their generation to fall in unbelief (Deut 1:28). This serves as a polemic against trusting in human perception of power or trusting in the appearance of strength. Moses immediately counters this perception by stating in the following verses (v. 3-6) that it is the Lord who goes before them, emphasizing that victory is entirely by God's power, not by Israel's merit.

Deuteronomy 9 2 Word analysis

• "a people" (עַם - 'am): Refers to a specific ethnic or national group, emphasizing their collective presence and strength.
• "great" (גָּדוֹל - gadol): Implies not just numerical strength but also significance, power, and might, possibly encompassing military and territorial dominance.
• "and tall" (וָרָם - werâm): Specifically highlights their physical stature, suggesting an imposing and intimidating presence. The combination with "great" forms a powerful image of overwhelming physical and strategic might.
• "the sons of the Anakim" (בְּנֵי הָעֲנָקִים - b'nei ha'Anakim): A renowned race or clan dwelling in Canaan. "Anakim" possibly derived from "Anak," meaning "long-necked" or "giant," reinforcing their tallness. They were distinctively large and powerful, likely seen as remnants of earlier formidable inhabitants, and were a significant reason for Israel's fear in Num 13:33. Their strongholds were often in the hill country (Hebron, Debir, Anab).
• "whom you know": This phrase directly addresses the audience's prior knowledge and experience. They had either seen or heard extensive reports, perhaps from spies or other encounters, solidifying their terrifying reputation. This makes the threat very real and not theoretical.
• "and of whom you have heard it said": Indicates that the reputation of the Anakim was not just personal knowledge but a widespread, even proverbial, understanding among the nations, signifying their fame and perceived invincibility. It highlights the general sentiment and fear associated with them.
• "‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’" (מִי יִתְיַצֵּב לִפְנֵי בְּנֵי עֲנָק - Mi yityatsgev lifnei b'nei 'Anak?): This is a direct rhetorical question, likely a well-known proverb or saying. It expresses utter despair and highlights the belief that resistance against them is futile. This hyperbolic statement powerfully illustrates the magnitude of the challenge Israel faced, setting the stage for God's demonstrably superior power. It is a human confession of powerlessness.

Deuteronomy 9 2 Bonus section

• The Anakim were symbolic of the strongest resistance, serving as the benchmark for how difficult the conquest would be. Their defeat (especially by Caleb, as recorded in Josh 14) demonstrated the power of God over all formidable obstacles.
• Moses deliberately uses vivid imagery to remind the people of the previous generation's lack of faith (Num 13). By bringing up the Anakim again, he provides the new generation an opportunity to show a different, obedient response.
• The "tall" stature of the Anakim also implies their physical advantage in battle, as well as a spiritual intimidation factor; they were perhaps seen as demigods or mighty warriors by their contemporaries.

Deuteronomy 9 2 Commentary

Deuteronomy 9:2 paints a vivid picture of the seemingly insurmountable obstacles facing Israel in Canaan. By focusing on "a people great and tall," specifically the legendary "sons of the Anakim," Moses emphasizes the raw, terrifying power of the inhabitants. This description is not merely factual; it is a rhetorical strategy. Moses uses the same language of dread that led the previous generation to disobedience, forcing the current generation to confront their historical failure and choose faith. The question, "Who can stand before the sons of Anak?" expresses the universal human experience of confronting an overwhelming, impossible challenge. However, within the larger discourse of Deuteronomy 9, this impossibility magnifies the forthcoming divine victory. The verse's true purpose is to underscore that the land will be conquered, not through Israel's military might or inherent righteousness, but purely by the powerful intervention of the Lord. It serves to eliminate any basis for human boasting, directing all glory to God who enables His people to overcome even the most formidable giants.