Deuteronomy 9:3

Deuteronomy 9:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.

King James Version KJV

Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

American Standard Version ASV

Know therefore this day, that Jehovah thy God is he who goeth over before thee as a devouring fire; he will destroy them, and he will bring them down before thee: so shalt thou drive them out, and make them to perish quickly, as Jehovah hath spoken unto thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Be certain then today that it is the Lord your God who goes over before you like an all-burning fire; he will send destruction on them, crushing them before you; and you will send them in flight, putting an end to them quickly, as the Lord has said.

Free Bible Version FBV

But you should realize that today the Lord your God is going across ahead of you. He is like a consuming fire; he will destroy them and defeat them ahead of you. You will drive them out and quickly wipe them out, just as the Lord promised you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Vnderstand therefore that this day ye Lord thy God is he which goeth ouer before thee as a consuming fire: he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them downe before thy face: so thou shalt cast them out and destroy them suddenly, as the Lord hath said vnto thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and thou hast known to-day, that Jehovah thy God [is] He who is passing over before thee — a fire consuming; He doth destroy them, and He doth humble them before thee, and thou hast dispossessed them, and destroyed them hastily, as Jehovah hath spoken to thee.

World English Bible WEB

Know therefore today that the LORD your God is he who goes over before you as a devouring fire. He will destroy them and he will bring them down before you. So you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as the LORD has spoken to you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he who goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said to thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou shalt know therefore this day that the Lord thy God himself will pass over before thee, a devouring and consuming fire, to destroy and extirpate and bring them to nothing before thy face quickly, as he hath spoken to thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

But I want you to know that Yahweh our God will go ahead of you. He will be like a raging/roaring fire. While you advance, he will defeat and destroy them. As a result, you will quickly be able to expel some of them and kill the others, which is what Yahweh promised that you would do.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 9:3

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 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/יָדַעְתָּ֣ הַ/יּ֗וֹם כִּי֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜י/ךָ הֽוּא הָ/עֹבֵ֤ר לְ/פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ אֵ֣שׁ אֹֽכְלָ֔ה ה֧וּא יַשְׁמִידֵ֛/ם וְ/ה֥וּא יַכְנִיעֵ֖/ם לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ וְ/הֽוֹרַשְׁתָּ֤/ם וְ/הַֽאַבַדְתָּ/ם֙ מַהֵ֔ר כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה לָֽ/ךְ

וְ/יָדַעְתָּ֣ yâdaʻ H3045 to know Conj | V-Qal-2ms

הַ/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֶ֜י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

הָ/עֹבֵ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Art | V-Qal

לְ/פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

אֵ֣שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire N-cs

אֹֽכְלָ֔ה ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal

ה֧וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יַשְׁמִידֵ֛/ם shâmad H8045 to destroy V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

וְ/ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

יַכְנִיעֵ֖/ם kânaʻ H3665 be humble V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

וְ/הֽוֹרַשְׁתָּ֤/ם yârash H3423 to possess Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff

וְ/הַֽאַבַדְתָּ/ם֙ ʼâbad H6 to perish Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff

מַהֵ֔ר mahêr H4118 quick V-Piel-Ptc

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

לָֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 9:3

וְ/יָדַעְתָּ֣ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

הַ/יּ֗וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | 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.

כִּי֩ 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.

יְהוָ֨ה 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.

אֱלֹהֶ֜י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

הָ/עֹבֵ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Art | V-Qal

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

לְ/פָנֶ֨י/ךָ֙ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

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.

אֵ֣שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" N-cs

Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.

Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.

אֹֽכְלָ֔ה ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

ה֧וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

יַשְׁמִידֵ֛/ם shâmad H8045 "to destroy" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)

Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.

וְ/ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

יַכְנִיעֵ֖/ם kânaʻ H3665 "be humble" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff

To be humble means to bend your knee and submit to someone or something, like God. In the Bible, it's about being lowly and under God's authority. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to be humble, be humbled, be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to humble oneself 1a2) to be humbled, be subdued 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to humble 1b2) to subdue

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self), subdue. See also: Leviticus 26:41; 2 Chronicles 12:12; Psalms 81:15.

לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

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.

וְ/הֽוֹרַשְׁתָּ֤/ם yârash H3423 "to possess" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff

To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.

Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit

Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.

וְ/הַֽאַבַדְתָּ/ם֙ ʼâbad H6 "to perish" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms | Suff

To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.

מַהֵ֔ר mahêr H4118 "quick" V-Piel-Ptc

This word means to do something quickly or hastily, like when someone is in a hurry. The Bible uses it to describe urgent actions in the book of Esther.

Definition: adj hurrying, speedy, swift, hastening

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hasteth, hastily, at once, quickly, soon, speedily, suddenly. See also: Exodus 32:8; Joshua 2:5; Psalms 69:18.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

יְהוָ֖ה 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.

לָֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 9:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 9:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 9:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 9:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 9:3
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 9:3
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3
Sermons on Deuteronomy 9:3

Context — Assurance of Victory

1Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. 2The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”

3But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.

4When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, “Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.” Rather, the LORD is driving out these nations before you because of their wickedness. 5It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 4:24	For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.
2	Hebrews 12:29	“For our God is a consuming fire.”
3	Romans 8:31	What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
4	Deuteronomy 20:4	For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”
5	Deuteronomy 7:23–24	But the LORD your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed. He will hand their kings over to you, and you will wipe out their names from under heaven. No one will be able to stand against you; you will annihilate them.
6	Joshua 3:11	Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of you into the Jordan.
7	Exodus 23:29–31	I will not drive them out before you in a single year; otherwise the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land. And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.
8	Micah 2:13	One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader.
9	Deuteronomy 1:30	The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt
10	2 Thessalonians 1:8	in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Deuteronomy 9:3 Summary

[Deuteronomy 9:3 tells us that God is like a powerful fire that goes before us and defeats our enemies. This means we can trust in His strength and power to help us in our own battles, just as the Israelites did when they conquered Canaan. As it says in Psalm 23:4, even when we walk through the darkest valley, we don't have to be afraid, because God is with us. We can have confidence in God's presence and power, knowing that He will give us the victory, just as He did for the Israelites, and as promised in Joshua 1:9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God is a consuming fire in Deuteronomy 9:3?

This phrase refers to God's powerful and holy presence, which will judge and destroy the enemies of His people, as also seen in Hebrews 12:29, where God is described as a consuming fire.

How can we trust that God will subdue our enemies before us?

We can trust in God's promises, just as the Israelites did, knowing that He is faithful and will fulfill His word, as stated in Deuteronomy 9:3 and reiterated in Joshua 21:45, where it is written that not one of the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed.

What role do we play in driving out and annihilating our enemies?

According to Deuteronomy 9:3, our role is to trust in God's power and presence, and then to take action in obedience to Him, knowing that He will give us the victory, just as He did for the Israelites, as seen in Joshua 10:14 and 23:1-3.

Is this verse still applicable to us today?

While the historical context of Deuteronomy 9:3 refers to the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, the spiritual principles of trusting in God's power and presence remain applicable to believers today, as we face our own spiritual battles, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'enemies' in my life that I need to trust God to subdue, and how can I apply the principles of Deuteronomy 9:3 to those situations?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's power and presence, just as the Israelites were called to do in Deuteronomy 9:3?
How does the knowledge of God's holy and consuming fire shape my understanding of His love and mercy, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:3 and other passages like Psalm 103:8-10?
What promises has God made to me, and how can I trust in His faithfulness to fulfill those promises, just as the Israelites did in Deuteronomy 9:3?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 9:3

Understand therefore this day,.... Or be it known to you for your encouragement, and believe it: that the Lord thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee as a consuming fire: did not only go before

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 9:3

Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3

Quickly; without great difficulty or long wars.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3

Deuteronomy 9:3 Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee; [as] a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.Ver. 3. As a consuming fire.] The force whereof is violent and irresistible. "Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? Woe unto us! who shall deliver us?" &c., said those crest-fallen Philistines at the sight of the ark. So, "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites: who among us," say they, "shall dwell with this devouring fire?" - meaning God; - "who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?"

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3

(3) Understand therefore.—Literally, the connection seems to be this: “The children of Anakim thou knowest—thou knowest also (the same word) to-day, that it is Jehovah thy God Himself that passeth over before thee, a consuming fire. He will destroy them, and He will make them to bow down before thee. And thou shalt make a conquest of them, and speedily annihilate them, according as Jehovah hath commanded thee.”

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 9:3

3. Know therefore] See on Deuteronomy 7:9. he which goeth over before thee] Deuteronomy 31:3 (cp. Joshua 3:11). a devouring fire] Only here and Deuteronomy 4:24. he shall destroy … and he] he emphatic. bring them down before thee] In D the verb is found only here: it is used also of the subjection of Israel’s enemies in the deuteronomic Judges 3:30; Judges 4:23; Judges 8:28, the late passage 1 Samuel 7:13, and otherwise only in late writers; except for Judges 11:33 and 2 Samuel 8:1 which may be pre-deuteronomic. quickly] Omitted by LXX B, but otherwise confirmed. See on Deuteronomy 7:22. as the Lord hath spoken unto thee] Exodus 23:23 (edit.), Exodus 23:27 (E).

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 9:3

So shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly - This is not inconsistent with Deuteronomy 7:22, in which instant annihilation is not to be expected for the reasons assigned.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 9:3

3. Understand therefore — It is better not to render the verb as an imperative. It should be read in connexion with the first verse.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 9:3

	Sermon	Description
	Anointing by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations	This sermon tells the powerful story of a man named Dumas who, despite lacking formal education and training, felt called by God to preach after a profound encounter with the Lord.
	The Claims of God's Sovereignty and Holiness by John Gifford Bellett	John Gifford Bellett preaches about God's jealousy of His sovereignty and holiness, emphasizing His rights as Lord of the people and the God of their Sanctuary. The chapters in Num
	Epistle 338 by George Fox	George Fox encourages believers to be courageous in their faith and to uphold the truth of Jesus, emphasizing that they should not fear human wrath but rather honor the Lord. He re
	Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards	The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending
	Getting Alone - Abandonment (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgetting and never doing certain things. He criticizes the idea that preaching alone can reach the nations, pointing out
	Washed With Fire by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who worked in Africa and lived in a humble bamboo house. Despite facing potential dangers in the jungle, she had faith and
	Alone - Abandonment by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival in the church. He describes the current state of the church as weak and powerless, comparing it to people in Africa l