Deuteronomy 34:8

Deuteronomy 34:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.

King James Version KJV

¶ And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

American Standard Version ASV

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For thirty days the children of Israel were weeping for Moses in the table-lands of Moab, till the days of weeping and sorrow for Moses were ended.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Israelites mourned for Moses on the plains of Moab for thirty days, until the time of mourning was over.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plaine of Moab thirtie dayes: so the dayes of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the sons of Israel bewail Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; and the days of weeping [and] mourning for Moses are completed.

World English Bible WEB

The children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the children of Israel mourned for him in the plains of Moab thirty days: and the days of their mourning in which they mourned for Moses were ended.

Translation for Translators T4T

The Israeli people mourned for him in the plains of the Moab region for 30 days.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 34:8

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 34:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּבְכּוּ֩ בְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל אֶת מֹשֶׁ֛ה בְּ/עַֽרְבֹ֥ת מוֹאָ֖ב שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים י֑וֹם וַֽ/יִּתְּמ֔וּ יְמֵ֥י בְכִ֖י אֵ֥בֶל מֹשֶֽׁה

וַ/יִּבְכּוּ֩ bâkâh H1058 to weep Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

בְנֵ֨י bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

בְּ/עַֽרְבֹ֥ת ʻărâbâh H6160 plain Prep | N-fp

מוֹאָ֖ב Môwʼâb H4124 Moab N-proper

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Adj

י֑וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

וַֽ/יִּתְּמ֔וּ tâmam H8552 to finish Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

יְמֵ֥י yôwm H3117 day N-mp

בְכִ֖י Bᵉkîy H1065 weeping N-ms

אֵ֥בֶל ʼêbel H60 mourning N-ms

מֹשֶֽׁה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 34:8

וַ/יִּבְכּוּ֩ bâkâh H1058 "to weep" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.

Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.

בְנֵ֨י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

בְּ/עַֽרְבֹ֥ת ʻărâbâh H6160 "plain" Prep | N-fp

The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.

מוֹאָ֖ב Môwʼâb H4124 "Moab" N-proper

Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.

Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot

Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Adj

Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.

Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.

י֑וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

וַֽ/יִּתְּמ֔וּ tâmam H8552 "to finish" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.

Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly

Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.

יְמֵ֥י yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

בְכִ֖י Bᵉkîy H1065 "weeping" N-ms

This Hebrew word means weeping or crying, and is used to describe a strong emotional response, such as overflowing tears or continual sorrow. It is often used in the Bible to describe a time of mourning.

Definition: a weeping, weeping

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: overflowing, [idiom] sore, (continual) weeping, wept. See also: Genesis 45:2; Isaiah 15:5; Psalms 6:9.

אֵ֥בֶל ʼêbel H60 "mourning" N-ms

Mourning refers to the act of grieving or lamenting, often for someone who has died, like the mourning of the Israelites after the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34.

Definition: 1) mourning 1a) for the dead 1b) for rites of mourning (metaph) 1c) mourning garb 1d) period of mourning

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mourning. See also: Genesis 27:41; Ecclesiastes 7:4; Isaiah 60:20.

מֹשֶֽׁה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 34:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 34:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 34:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 34:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 34:8
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8
Sermons on Deuteronomy 34:8

Context — The Death of Moses

6And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows the location of his grave. 7Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished.

8The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.

9Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 50:3	taking the forty days required to complete the embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days.
2	Numbers 20:29	When the whole congregation saw that Aaron had died, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days.
3	Genesis 50:10	When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wailed loudly, and Joseph mourned for his father seven days.
4	Acts 8:2	God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.
5	Isaiah 57:1	The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are swept away, while no one considers that the righteous are guided from the presence of evil.
6	1 Samuel 25:1	When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.

Deuteronomy 34:8 Summary

[The Israelites were very sad when Moses died, so they took thirty days to mourn and remember all that he had done for them, as a way of showing respect and gratitude for his leadership. This time of mourning was important for them to process their grief and be prepared to follow Joshua, their new leader, as seen in Deuteronomy 34:9. Just like the Israelites, we can learn to respect and honor our leaders, and also to trust God's plan, even when it's hard, as we see in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. By doing so, we can grow in our faith and be prepared for whatever God has in store for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites mourn Moses for thirty days?

The Israelites mourned Moses for thirty days because he was a great leader and a humble servant of God, as seen in his life and ministry described in the book of Deuteronomy and other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus and Numbers.

What is the significance of the plains of Moab in this context?

The plains of Moab are significant because they are where Moses died and was buried, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 34:6, and also where the Israelites had been camping before entering the Promised Land, as described in Deuteronomy 1:5 and other verses.

How does this verse relate to the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua?

This verse shows that after mourning the loss of Moses, the Israelites were ready to follow Joshua, who had been appointed by God to succeed Moses, as seen in Deuteronomy 34:9 and also in Joshua 1:1-9, where God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

What can we learn from the Israelites' example of mourning Moses?

We can learn the importance of respecting and honoring our leaders, as well as taking time to grieve and reflect on the impact they had on our lives, as seen in other Bible verses such as Hebrews 13:7 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can honor and respect the leaders God has placed in my life, just as the Israelites honored Moses?
How can I balance my grief and sadness with the knowledge that God is always in control, even in difficult times?
What are some lessons I can learn from Moses' life and ministry that can help me in my own walk with God?
In what ways can I, like Joshua, be prepared to step into new roles and responsibilities as God leads me?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 34:8

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days,.... According both to Josephus (n) and the Samaritan Chronicle (o), they cried and wept in a very vehement manner, when he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 34:8

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. Wept for Moses thirty days.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8

Thirty days was the usual time of mourning for persons of high place and eminency. See ,10 Numbers 20:29. For others seven days sufficed.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8

Deuteronomy 34:8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping [and] mourning for Moses were ended.Ver. 8. And the children of Israel wept.] And were ready to wish, likely, as the Romans did for Augustus, that either he had never been born, or never died. Thirty days.] As before they had done for Aaron. The Jewish doctors tell us that Moses was born on the seventh day of the month Adar (which answereth to our February), and that on the seventh day of the same month Adar he was taken out of the world, being exactly 120 years old. One third part of his days he spent in Egypt, another in Midian, and the last in conducting this people to the borders of Canaan, as Josephus well observeth. The Jews to this day keep a solemn fast on the seventh of Adar, in remembrance of his death. Antiq., lib. iv. ad fin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8

(8) The children of Israel wept for Moses . . . thirty days . . .—As they did for Aaron, his brother (Numbers 20:29). It is remarkable that the burial and the tomb of Aaron are only alluded to in Deuteronomy 10:6. (See Note and Excursus on that passage.) Miriam was buried in Kadesh (Numbers 20:1).

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 34:8

8. the children of Israel wept … thirty days] So P, Numbers 20:29, of Aaron; plains of Moab again ‘arbôth Mo’ab, see Deuteronomy 34:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 34:8

8. The children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days — So “they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.” Numbers 20:29.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 34:8

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 50:4-13 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the burial of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the significance of his burial place. Joseph, Jacob's son, requests permission from Pharaoh to
	Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out! by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness, and walking in the Spirit to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. It highlights the power o
	Manifest Presence - Part 5 by Richard Owen Roberts	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a high view of God and being humble before Him. He addresses the issue of pride and encourages listeners to honestly
	Comfort for Mourners by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches about the profound comfort and joy that believers can find in the midst of sorrow and loss, emphasizing the assurance of eternal rest and peace in the presence o
	Sermon: The Prayer of Jabez by Thomas Bradbury	Thomas Bradbury preaches on the story of Jabez, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's blessings, acknowledging His sovereignty, power, providence, protection, and presence in
	Of the Separate State of the Soul Until the Resurrection, and Its Employment in That State. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the immediate state of the soul after death, asserting that it enters a realm of either happiness or misery, actively engaging in worship and communion with Go
	Sensitive to Warning by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights tha