Deuteronomy 3:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After their brothers possess Canaan and gain rest, the fighting men return to their own inheritance.
The Context of Deuteronomy 3:20
The obligation ends once all tribes have peaceful possession of their land.
What Does Deuteronomy 3:20 Mean?
The obligation is not permanent but conditional. The eastern tribes' armed men must stay with their brothers until the conquest is complete and all Israel has peace. Only then can they return to their families and lands. The word 'rest' emphasizes that peace—not just victory—is the goal, implying settlement and security in the land.
This arrangement binds all Israel together in covenant responsibility. The eastern tribes cannot abandon their brothers mid-conquest. The promise is that once the conquest is finished and peace established, they can return home and enjoy their inheritance with full confidence that it is secured by the united efforts of all Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 3:20
What does Deuteronomy 3:20 mean?
After their brothers possess Canaan and gain rest, the fighting men return to their own inheritance.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 3:20?
The obligation ends once all tribes have peaceful possession of their land.