Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Give the people these orders: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. New Living Translation Give these orders to the people: “You will pass through the country belonging to your relatives the Edomites, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. The Edomites will feel threatened, so be careful. English Standard Version and command the people, “You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers, the people of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful. Berean Standard Bible and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. Berean Literal Bible And command the people, saying, ‘You⁺ are passing over into the border of your⁺ brothers, the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, and they will be afraid of you⁺. And you⁺ shall be on guard exceedingly. King James Bible And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: New King James Version And command the people, saying, “You are about to pass through the territory of your brethren, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Therefore watch yourselves carefully. New American Standard Bible and command the people, saying, “You are going to pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau, who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; NASB 1995 and command the people, saying, “You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; NASB 1977 and command the people, saying, “You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; Legacy Standard Bible and command the people, saying, “You are going to pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; Amplified Bible and command the people, saying, “You are passing through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau (the Edomites), who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; Berean Annotated Bible and command the people: ‘You⁺ will pass through the territory of your⁺ brothers, the descendants of Esau (hairy), who live in Seir (shaggy). They will be afraid of you⁺, so you⁺ must be very careful. Christian Standard Bible Command the people: You are about to travel through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so be very careful. Holman Christian Standard Bible Command the people: You are about to travel through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. American Standard Version And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore; Contemporary English Version And give the people these orders: "Be very careful, because you will soon go through the land that belongs to your relatives, the descendants of Esau. They are afraid of you, English Revised Version And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: GOD'S WORD® Translation Give the people these instructions: 'You're going to pass through the territory of your relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They'll be afraid of you, but be very careful. Good News Translation He told me to give you the following instructions: 'You are about to go through the hill country of Edom, the territory of your distant relatives, the descendants of Esau. They will be afraid of you, International Standard Version and command this people, "You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives, the descendants of Esau who live around Seir. They will be afraid of you so be very careful. NET Bible Instruct these people as follows: 'You are about to cross the border of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who inhabit Seir. They will be afraid of you, so watch yourselves carefully. New Heart English Bible Command the people, saying, 'You are to pass through the border of your brothers the descendants of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you: take good heed to yourselves therefore; Webster's Bible Translation And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you: therefore take ye good heed to yourselves: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. World English Bible Command the people, saying, ‘You are to pass through the border of your brothers, the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. Therefore be careful. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the people command you, saying, You are passing over into the border of your brothers, sons of Esau, who are dwelling in Seir, and they are afraid of you; and you have been very watchful; Berean Literal Bible And command the people, saying, ‘You⁺ are passing over into the border of your⁺ brothers, the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, and they will be afraid of you⁺. And you⁺ shall be on guard exceedingly. Young's Literal Translation 'And the people command thou, saying, Ye are passing over into the border of your brethren, sons of Esau, who are dwelling in Seir, and they are afraid of you; and ye have been very watchful, Smith's Literal Translation And command the people, saying, Ye are passing over through the bound of your brethren the sons of Esau, dwelling in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: and ye shall watch greatly. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd command thou the people, saying: You shall pass by the borders of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, and they will be afraid of you. Catholic Public Domain Version And instruct the people, saying: You shall cross through the borders of your brothers, the sons of Esau, who live at Seir, and they will fear you. New American Bible Command the people: You are now about to pass through the territory of your relatives, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. Though they are afraid of you, be very careful New Revised Standard Version and charge the people as follows: You are about to pass through the territory of your kindred, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so, be very careful Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd command the people, saying, You are going to pass through the territory of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you; take heed to yourselves therefore; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And command the people and say to them: "You pass over into the borders of your brethren, the children of Esau dwelling in Seir, and they will be afraid of you; be well aware: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And command thou the people, saying: Ye are to pass through the border of your brethren the children of Esau, that dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you; take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore; Brenton Septuagint Translation And charge the people, saying, Ye are going through the borders of your brethren the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they shall fear you, and dread you greatly. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wanderings in the Wilderness…3“You have been wandering around this hill country long enough; turn to the north 4 and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. 5Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession.… Cross References and command the people: Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’” Numbers 28:2 “Command the Israelites and say to them: See that you present to Me at its appointed time the food for My food offerings, as a pleasing aroma to Me. Leviticus 24:2 “Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, Numbers 20:14-17 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. … Judges 11:17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh. Deuteronomy 23:7 Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land. the descendants of Esau, Genesis 36:9 This is the account of Esau, the father of the Edomites, in the area of Mount Seir. Genesis 36:1 This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom). Malachi 1:2-3 “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” who live in Seir. Genesis 36:8 So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir. Joshua 24:4 and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau Mount Seir to possess, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. Genesis 32:3 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. They will be afraid of you, Exodus 15:15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, Deuteronomy 11:25 No man will be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land, wherever you set foot, as He has promised you. Joshua 2:9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. so you must be very careful. Joshua 23:11 Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God. Treasury of Scripture And command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the coast of your brothers the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take you good heed to yourselves therefore: Ye are to pass Deuteronomy 23:7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. Numbers 20:14-21 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: … Obadiah 1:10-13 For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever… they shall Exodus 15:15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Numbers 22:3,4 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel… Numbers 24:14-18 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days… take ye Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Jump to Previous Afraid Border Children Coast Command Dwell Esau Heed Live Orders Seir Se'ir Territory YourselvesJump to Next Afraid Border Children Coast Command Dwell Esau Heed Live Orders Seir Se'ir Territory YourselvesDeuteronomy 2 1. The story is continued, that they were not to meddle with the Edomites9. nor with the Moabites 16. nor with the Ammonites 24. but Sihon the Amorite was subdued by them and command the people: This phrase indicates a directive from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine instructions. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting the journey of the Israelites and the commands given by God. This reflects the theocratic leadership structure where God’s commands are communicated through His chosen leader. You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. 2. Descendants of Esau Also known as the Edomites, they are the relatives of the Israelites, descending from Esau, Jacob's brother. 3. Seir The mountainous region where the descendants of Esau settled. 4. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who is conveying God's instructions to the people. 5. God's Command The directive given to the Israelites to pass through the land of their relatives with caution and respect. Teaching Points Respect for RelativesThe Israelites are reminded to treat the Edomites, their relatives, with respect. This teaches us the importance of maintaining respectful relationships with our family and extended family, even when there are historical tensions. Obedience to God's Commands The directive to be careful and respectful is a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when dealing with those who may not share our beliefs or values. Trust in God's Protection Despite the fear the Edomites have of the Israelites, God assures them of His protection. We can trust that God will guide and protect us in our interactions with others. Peaceful Coexistence The passage encourages peaceful coexistence with others, even when there is potential for conflict. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching of living peaceably with all. Awareness of Historical Context Understanding the historical and familial context of our interactions can help us navigate relationships with wisdom and grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:4?2. How does Deuteronomy 2:4 teach us to respect others' boundaries today? 3. What can we learn about God's guidance from Deuteronomy 2:4? 4. How does Deuteronomy 2:4 connect with Jesus' teaching on loving neighbors? 5. In what ways can we apply "be very careful" in our daily lives? 6. How does respecting others' land in Deuteronomy 2:4 reflect God's justice? 7. What is the significance of the Edomites in Deuteronomy 2:4? 8. How does Deuteronomy 2:4 reflect God's guidance to Israel? 9. Why were the Israelites instructed to avoid conflict with the Edomites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 2? 11. Who were the Horites in the Bible? 12. What is Mount Seir's significance in the Bible? 13. Deuteronomy 4:2 restricts adding or subtracting from God's commands--how is this reconciled with later scriptural expansions or revisions? 14. Is Yahweh originally an Edomite or Canaanite deity? What Does Deuteronomy 2:4 Mean Commanding the people“and command the people” (Deuteronomy 2:4) • Moses speaks with delegated authority from the LORD, echoing earlier moments where God’s word sets direction for the journey (Deuteronomy 1:3; Exodus 19:7-8). • The imperative tone highlights that obedience is not optional; Israel’s success in Canaan depends on submitting to every instruction (Joshua 1:7-8). • The setting is the wilderness wanderings’ final stretch—God is moving His covenant people toward promise while shaping their character through precise commands (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). Your brothers, the descendants of Esau “You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau” • Calling Edomites “brothers” roots this directive in Genesis history: Jacob and Esau were twins (Genesis 25:23-26). • Scripture repeatedly reminds Israel of this kinship (Numbers 20:14); family ties carry moral weight—blood relations demand respect (Leviticus 19:17-18). • God honors His earlier promises to Esau, granting him Mount Seir (Genesis 36:8; Deuteronomy 2:12). Recognizing that covenant faithfulness extends beyond Israel deepens trust in God’s larger redemptive plan (Romans 9:10-11). Passing through Seir “who live in Seir” • Seir is rugged territory south-east of the Dead Sea (Genesis 32:3). The path through it was the most direct route toward the Jordan. • God charts the itinerary; Israel must travel through, not conquer, this land (Deuteronomy 2:5). • The instruction models boundary-keeping: possessing the promised land does not justify taking what God allotted to others (Acts 17:26). They will be afraid of you “They will be afraid of you” • Word of Israel’s exodus power had spread (Exodus 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-11). Nations tremble before a people led by the living God. • The fear is real yet undeserved if Israel stays within God’s boundaries; Edom’s dread stems more from divine favor on Israel than from Israel’s intentions (Numbers 22:3). • This dynamic showcases how God’s presence distinguishes His people, inspiring reverent awe even among relatives (Psalm 105:38). So you must be very careful “so you must be very careful” • Caution guards against presumption: do not exploit Edom’s fear to gain advantage (Proverbs 16:32). • Specific safeguards follow: purchase food and water, pay in silver, stir no conflict (Deuteronomy 2:6, 29). • The principle echoes New Testament counsel: “If it is possible…live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18; cf. 1 Peter 2:12). Careful conduct keeps witness intact and honors God’s orderly distribution of lands (Deuteronomy 2:19). summary Deuteronomy 2:4 instructs Israel to heed God’s command, treat Edom as family, pass respectfully through Seir, recognize the fear their God-given reputation inspires, and exercise vigilant restraint. The verse underscores obedience, kinship responsibility, respect for divine boundaries, and humble stewardship of influence—all vital lessons for walking faithfully in any generation. (4) Ye are to pass through the coast.--Literally, Ye are passing through the border. This was apparently said before the permission was asked, and in view of the request made for it (Numbers 20:17). But Edom refused to let Israel pass through his coast or border (Numbers 20:21).They shall be afraid of you.--According to the prophecy in the song of Moses (Exodus 15:15), "Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed." Verse 4. - It would appear that the Edomites made preparations to resist the passage of the Israelites through their territory (Numbers 20:18-20). As the Israelites, however, kept on the outskirts of their country, and did not attempt to penetrate into the interior, the Edomites did not attack them or seek to hinder their progress. The Israelites, on the other hand, were strictly forbidden to invade that country in a hostile manner; they were to watch over themselves, so as not to be tempted to make war on the Edomites, who were their brethren; as God would not give them any part, not so much as a foot-breadth, of that laud, for he had given Esau (i.e. the race descended from Esau, the Edomites - LXX, τοῖς υἱοῖς Ησαῦ) Mount Seir for a possession. They shall be afraid of you (see Exodus 15:15).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and commandצַ֣ו (ṣaw) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order the people: הָעָם֮ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock ‘You אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you will pass עֹֽבְרִ֗ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on through the territory בִּגְבוּל֙ (biḡ·ḇūl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed of your brothers, אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם (’ă·ḥê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 251: A brother, ) the descendants בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Esau, עֵשָׂ֔ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac who live הַיֹּשְׁבִ֖ים (hay·yō·šə·ḇîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Seir. בְּשֵׂעִ֑יר (bə·śê·‘îr) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8165: Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in Judah They will be afraid וְיִֽירְא֣וּ (wə·yî·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten of you, מִכֶּ֔ם (mik·kem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of so you must be very מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ) Adverb Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily careful. וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֖ם (wə·niš·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to Links Deuteronomy 2:4 NIVDeuteronomy 2:4 NLT Deuteronomy 2:4 ESV Deuteronomy 2:4 NASB Deuteronomy 2:4 KJV Deuteronomy 2:4 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 2:4 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 2:4 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 2:4 French Bible Deuteronomy 2:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:4 Command you the people saying You (Deut. 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