Deuteronomy 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Transjordanian territory includes the plain and Jordan valley from Chinnereth to the Dead Sea.
The Context of Deuteronomy 3:17
The western and southern boundaries of the eastern tribes' territories are established.
What Does Deuteronomy 3:17 Mean?
This verse describes the western and southern boundaries of Reuben and Gad's territory. The plain is the Jordan valley floor; Chinnereth (later called the Sea of Galilee) marks the northern limit of this allotment; the salt sea is the Dead Sea marking the southern boundary. Ashdothpisgah (slopes of Pisgah) indicates the eastern elevation from which one views this expanse.
The geography creates a natural territorial unit: the Jordan valley and its surrounding plateaus become the settled lands of these two eastern tribes. This provides them with water access, fertile plains, and defensible positions in the rolling terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 3:17
What does Deuteronomy 3:17 mean?
The Transjordanian territory includes the plain and Jordan valley from Chinnereth to the Dead Sea.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 3:17?
The western and southern boundaries of the eastern tribes' territories are established.