Deuteronomy 7:23 Meaning and Explanation
“But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD will deliver these nations to Israel and destroy them with overwhelming power until they are completely eliminated.
The Context of Deuteronomy 7:23
Complete destruction of the nations is guaranteed despite the gradual pace of conquest.
What Does Deuteronomy 7:23 Mean?
Despite the gradual process, the outcome is assured: the LORD will deliver them, and complete destruction is guaranteed. The phrase 'destroy them with a mighty destruction' (employing the noun form of the verb, a poetic intensification) conveys total, overwhelming annihilation. The repetition 'until they be destroyed' (translated idiomatically) emphasizes the completeness of the process.
The paradox of verses 22 and 23 is resolved by understanding them in sequence: the process is gradual, but the endpoint is absolute. God both controls the pace and guarantees the completion. Neither delay nor danger of defeat changes the eventual outcome—every one of these nations will be completely destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 7:23
What does Deuteronomy 7:23 mean?
The LORD will deliver these nations to Israel and destroy them with overwhelming power until they are completely eliminated.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 7:23?
Complete destruction of the nations is guaranteed despite the gradual pace of conquest.