Deuteronomy 1:42

Deuteronomy 1:42 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.”

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to me, Say to them, Do not go up to the attack; for I am not among you, and you will be overcome by those who are against you.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the Lord instructed me, “Order them not to go and fight because I won't be with you to prevent you from being defeated by your enemies.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But the Lord said vnto me, Say vnto them, Goe not vp, neither fight, (for I am not among you) least ye fall before your enemies.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Jehovah saith unto me, Say to them, Ye do not go up, nor fight, for I am not in your midst, and ye are not smitten before your enemies.

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to me, “Tell them, ‘Don’t go up and don’t fight; for I am not among you, lest you be struck before your enemies.’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to me, Say to them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The Lord said to me: Say to them: Go not up, and fight not, for I am not with you: lest you fall before your enemies.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Yahweh said to me, ‘Tell them, “Do not go up there and attack those people, because I will not go with you. If you go, your enemies will defeat you.”’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 1:42

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 1:42 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗/י אֱמֹ֤ר לָ/הֶם֙ לֹ֤א תַֽעֲלוּ֙ וְ/לֹא תִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וּ כִּ֥י אֵינֶ֖/נִּי בְּ/קִרְבְּ/כֶ֑ם וְ/לֹא֙ תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ לִ/פְנֵ֖י אֹיְבֵי/כֶֽם

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֱמֹ֤ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תַֽעֲלוּ֙ ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וּ lâcham H3898 to fight V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֵינֶ֖/נִּי ʼayin H369 nothing Part | Suff

בְּ/קִרְבְּ/כֶ֑ם qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ/לֹא֙ lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ nâgaph H5062 to strike V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

אֹיְבֵי/כֶֽם ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 1:42

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

אֱמֹ֤ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תַֽעֲלוּ֙ ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִלָּ֣חֲמ֔וּ lâcham H3898 "to fight" V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אֵינֶ֖/נִּי ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part | Suff

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

בְּ/קִרְבְּ/כֶ֑ם qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.

Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.

וְ/לֹא֙ lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִּנָּֽגְפ֔וּ nâgaph H5062 "to strike" V-Niphal-Imperf-2mp

To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.

לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

אֹיְבֵי/כֶֽם ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 1:42

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:42 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 1:42
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 1:42
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:42
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 1:42
Sermons on Deuteronomy 1:42

Context — The Defeat at Hormah

40But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea. ” 41“We have sinned against the LORD,” you replied. “We will go up and fight, as the LORD our God has commanded us.” Then each of you put on his weapons of war, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country.

42But the LORD said to me, “Tell them not to go up and fight, for I am not with you to keep you from defeat by your enemies.”

43So I spoke to you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. 44Then the Amorites who lived in the hills came out against you and chased you like a swarm of bees. They routed you from Seir all the way to Hormah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 14:41–43	But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed! Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you. For there the Amalekites and Canaanites will face you, and you will fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the LORD, He will not be with you.”
2	Joshua 7:8–13	O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies? When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” But the LORD said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen on your face? Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions. This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they themselves have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from among you whatever is devoted to destruction. Get up and consecrate the people, saying, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Among you, O Israel, there are things devoted to destruction. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.
3	Isaiah 59:1–2	Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
4	Hosea 9:12	Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!
5	Leviticus 26:17	And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.
6	1 Samuel 4:2	The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield.
7	1 Samuel 4:10	So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell.
8	Isaiah 30:17	A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee, until you are left alone like a pole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.

Deuteronomy 1:42 Summary

In Deuteronomy 1:42, God tells the Israelites not to go up and fight because He is not with them, which means they would be defeated by their enemies. This verse teaches us that we should always seek God's guidance and presence before making decisions or taking actions, as seen in Psalm 32:8 where God promises to instruct and teach us in the way we should go. When we try to do things on our own without God, we can expect to face challenges and failures, but with God's presence, we can have confidence and success, as stated in Joshua 1:9 where God commands us to be strong and courageous because He is with us wherever we go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God tell the Israelites not to go up and fight in Deuteronomy 1:42?

God told the Israelites not to go up and fight because He was not with them to keep them from defeat by their enemies, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:42, indicating that their decision to fight was not in line with God's plan, similar to the situation in Exodus 33:15 where Moses understood the importance of God's presence in their journey.

What is the significance of God saying 'I am not with you' in this verse?

When God says 'I am not with you' in Deuteronomy 1:42, it emphasizes the crucial role of His presence in the Israelites' endeavors, as seen in Isaiah 43:2 where God's presence is what allows His people to overcome challenges, highlighting that without His presence, they would face defeat.

How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience in the Bible?

Deuteronomy 1:42 illustrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites' decision to fight despite God's warning led to their defeat, a principle also seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 where disobedience is compared to witchcraft and idolatry, underscoring the seriousness with which God views disobedience.

What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake in this verse?

The Israelites' mistake in Deuteronomy 1:42 teaches us the importance of seeking and following God's guidance, rather than relying on our own strength or understanding, a lesson also taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are advised to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I am attempting to fight or overcome challenges without seeking God's guidance or presence?
How can I apply the lesson of Deuteronomy 1:42 to my daily decisions, ensuring that I am acting in accordance with God's will?
In what ways can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in my life, recognizing when He is with me and when I may be acting outside of His will?
What are the potential consequences of disobeying God's commands, as seen in the Israelites' experience in Deuteronomy 1:42, and how can I learn from their mistake?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 1:42

And the Lord said unto me,.... When the people had armed themselves, and were in motion, or ready to set forward to ascend the hill: say unto them, go not up, neither fight; neither go up the hill,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 1:42

But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. Turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:42

I am not among you, with my powerful presence and assistance.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 1:42

42. Say unto them, Go not up … for I am not among you] JE, Numbers 14:42. See previous note. lest ye be smitten, etc.] JE, Numbers 14:42.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 1:42

	Sermon	Description
	A Revival Sermon (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the negative influence of worldly distractions, particularly television, on one's spiritual life. He argues that giving one's heart to world
	God Is Deaf by John Rice by John R. Rice	This sermon emphasizes the hindrances to answered prayers, focusing on the impact of sin, unforgiveness, and unconfessed wrongs on our communication with God. It highlights the imp
	The Power of One Man's Intercession by Dennis Kinlaw	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of one person to make a difference in God's circumstances. He reflects on the difficulty of getting people to change and acknowledg
	Encounter With God - Session 1 by Greg Frizzell	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not stingy, angry, or unkind, but rather merciful and gracious. He loves to work miracles and save people. However, it is import
	The Secret of Holiness by Dennis Kinlaw	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The s
	(Through the Bible) Psalms 20-30 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Psalm 22, which describes the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The speaker explains the physical and emotional pain Jesu
	A Promise of God's Manifest Presence by Brian Long	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord diligently and wholeheartedly. He uses the example of Moses, who earnestly sought the face of God through