Deuteronomy 32:49 Meaning and Explanation
“Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo to view the promised land from a distance.
The Context of Deuteronomy 32:49
God commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo to view the promised land.
What Does Deuteronomy 32:49 Mean?
Mount Nebo is the place of death for Moses but also the place of vision. From this height, Moses will see the land of promise that he will not personally enter. The command combines promise with limitation: the land will be given, but Moses' earthly journey ends here.
The description of the land—'Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel'—reaffirms that God's promise to Israel stands firm even as Moses' individual journey concludes. The covenant is bigger than any one person, even Moses.
Deuteronomy 32:49 in the Original Language
Nebo (נְבוֹ), Mount Nebo — meaning prophet or high place, suggesting Moses' final act as prophet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 32:49
What does Deuteronomy 32:49 mean?
God commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo to view the promised land from a distance.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 32:49?
God commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo to view the promised land.