Deuteronomy 2:10 Meaning and Explanation
“The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Emims, a tall giant race, originally inhabited Moab before being replaced by the Moabites.
The Context of Deuteronomy 2:10
A historical aside explaining the ancient peoples of Moab before Moabite rule.
What Does Deuteronomy 2:10 Mean?
This verse begins a parenthetical aside (vv. 10-12) about the ancient inhabitants of Moab. The Emims were a people of great size and number, comparable to the Anakim—a race of giants known from other Old Testament accounts. They ruled Moab in earlier times, establishing it as a significant regional power.
The mention of these giants contextualizes the subsequent narrative. When Israel's spies saw the Anakim in Canaan, Israel was afraid. Yet here is evidence that even giants could be displaced—the Emims were replaced by the Moabites. This historical perspective may be meant to encourage Israel not to fear giants.
Deuteronomy 2:10 in the Original Language
'Emims' (אֵמִים, emim) — possibly means 'terrible ones'; the etymology is uncertain but the term emphasizes their fearsome nature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 2:10
What does Deuteronomy 2:10 mean?
The Emims, a tall giant race, originally inhabited Moab before being replaced by the Moabites.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 2:10?
A historical aside explaining the ancient peoples of Moab before Moabite rule.