Exodus 23:27
New International Version
“I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run.

New Living Translation
“I will send my terror ahead of you and create panic among all the people whose lands you invade. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

English Standard Version
I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

Berean Standard Bible
I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

King James Bible
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

New King James Version
“I will send My fear before you, I will cause confusion among all the people to whom you come, and will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

New American Standard Bible
I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

NASB 1995
“I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

NASB 1977
“I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

Legacy Standard Bible
I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

Amplified Bible
I will send My terror ahead of you, and I will throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you [in flight].

Christian Standard Bible
“I will cause the people ahead of you to feel terror and will throw into confusion all the nations you come to. I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you in retreat.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will cause the people ahead of you to feel terror and throw into confusion all the nations you come to. I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you in retreat.

American Standard Version
I will send my terror before thee, and will discomfit all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Contemporary English Version
I will terrify those nations and make your enemies so confused that they will run from you.

English Revised Version
I will send my terror before thee, and will discomfit all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I will send my terror ahead of you and throw any nation you meet into a panic. I will make all your enemies flee from you.

Good News Translation
"I will make the people who oppose you afraid of me; I will bring confusion among the people against whom you fight, and I will make all your enemies turn and run from you.

International Standard Version
"I'll go ahead of you and terrorize all the people to whom you are coming. I'll confuse your enemies and make them turn their backs on you and run away.

Majority Standard Bible
I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

NET Bible
"I will send my terror before you, and I will destroy all the people whom you encounter; I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

New Heart English Bible
I will send my terror before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

Webster's Bible Translation
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thy enemies turn their backs to thee.

World English Bible
I will send my terror before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I send My terror before you, and I have put to death all the people among whom you come, and I have given the neck of all your enemies to you.

Young's Literal Translation
My terror I send before thee, and I have put to death all the people among whom thou comest, and I have given the neck of all thine enemies unto thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
I will send my terror before thee and I killed all the people which thou shalt come to them; and I gave all thine enemies the back to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come: and will turn the backs of all thy enemies before thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I will send my terror to run ahead of you, and I will kill all the people to whom you will enter. And I will turn the backs of all your enemies before you,

New American Bible
I will have the terror of me precede you, so that I will throw into panic every nation you reach. I will make all your enemies turn from you in flight,

New Revised Standard Version
I will send my terror in front of you, and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I will send my fear before you and will destroy all the peoples against whom you shall go to war, and I will make all your enemies flee from you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I shall send my awe before you and I shall destroy all the nations where you go against them and I shall cause your enemies to turn their back before you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I will send My terror before thee, and will discomfit all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will send terror before thee, and I will strike with amazement all the nations to which thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies to flee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Angel to Lead
26No woman in your land will miscarry or be barren; I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run. 28I will send the hornet before you to drive the Hivites and Canaanites and Hittites out of your way.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 7:23
But the LORD your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed.

Joshua 2:9-11
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. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

Deuteronomy 2:25
This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”

Joshua 5:1
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.

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 10:10
And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah.

2 Chronicles 20:29
And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

Psalm 44:5-7
Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. / For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame.

Isaiah 41:11-13
Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. / For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

Isaiah 45:1-2
This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.

Exodus 15:14-16
The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. / Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, / and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.

Deuteronomy 28:7
The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.

Leviticus 26:7-8
You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. / Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.

Judges 7:21-22
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. / And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.

1 Samuel 14:15
Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God.


Treasury of Scripture

I will send my fear before you, and will destroy all the people to whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

my fear

Exodus 15:14-16
The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina…

Genesis 35:5
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Deuteronomy 2:25
This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

destroy

Deuteronomy 7:23
But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.

backs.

Psalm 18:40
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.

Jump to Previous
Ahead Backs Confound Confuse Confusion Death Destroy Discomfit Encounter Enemies Fear Flight Make Nation Neck Putting Terror Throw Turn Turning
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Ahead Backs Confound Confuse Confusion Death Destroy Discomfit Encounter Enemies Fear Flight Make Nation Neck Putting Terror Throw Turn Turning
Exodus 23
1. Of slander, false witness, and partiality
4. Of charitableness
6. Of justice in judgment
8. Of taking bribes
9. Of oppressing a stranger
10. Of the year of rest
12. Of the Sabbath
13. Of idolatry
14. Of the three feasts
18. Of the blood and the fat of the sacrifice
20. An angel is promised, with a blessing, if they obey him














I will send
The phrase "I will send" indicates a direct action from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of His people. The Hebrew root for "send" is שָׁלַח (shalach), which conveys the idea of dispatching or commissioning. This reflects God's authority and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine plan. It reassures believers of God's proactive role in guiding and protecting His people.

My terror
The term "My terror" refers to a divine fear or dread that God will instill in the hearts of Israel's enemies. The Hebrew word for "terror" is אֵימָה (eimah), which signifies a profound fear or dread. This is not merely a natural fear but a supernatural one, indicating God's power to influence the emotions and reactions of those who oppose His people. It serves as a reminder of God's might and the reverence due to Him.

ahead of you
The phrase "ahead of you" suggests that God's actions precede the Israelites, preparing the way for them. This indicates God's foreknowledge and His ability to prepare circumstances in advance for the benefit of His people. It is a comforting assurance that God goes before His people, paving the way for their success and safety.

and throw into confusion
"Throw into confusion" describes the disarray and disorder that God will cause among the nations opposing Israel. The Hebrew root for "confusion" is הָמַם (hamam), which means to disturb or discomfit. This divine intervention disrupts the plans and unity of Israel's enemies, showcasing God's power to protect His people by destabilizing those who seek to harm them.

every nation you encounter
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of God's promise. "Every nation" indicates that no enemy is too great or too numerous for God to handle. It reassures believers that God's protection is all-encompassing and that He is capable of overcoming any obstacle or opposition His people may face.

I will make
The repetition of "I will" emphasizes God's initiative and control over the situation. It is a declaration of His will and purpose, highlighting His commitment to fulfilling His promises to His people. This phrase reinforces the idea that God is the ultimate source of strength and victory.

all your enemies
"All your enemies" signifies the totality of opposition that Israel might face. It is a reminder that God is aware of every adversary and is prepared to act against them. This assurance of comprehensive protection encourages believers to trust in God's ability to defend them against any threat.

turn their backs and run
This vivid imagery of enemies turning their backs and fleeing illustrates a complete and decisive victory. It conveys the idea of a rout, where the enemies are so overwhelmed by fear and confusion that they abandon their positions. This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to deliver His people from danger and to grant them triumph over their foes. It inspires confidence in God's promises and His power to bring about victory in seemingly impossible situations.

Verse 27. - I will send my fear before thee. The fear which fell upon the nations is seen first in the case of Balak and the Moabites. "Moab was sore aft-aid of the people, because they were many" (Numbers 22:3). Later it is spoken of by Rahab as general (Joshua 2:9, 11). A very signal indication of the alarm felt is given in the history of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:3, 27). I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee. For the fulfilment of this promise see Numbers 21:3, 24, 35; Numbers 31:7; Joshua 8:20-24; Joshua 10:10, etc. Had their obedience been more complete, the power of the Canaanitish nations would have been more thoroughly broken, and the sufferings and servitudes related in the Book of Judges would not have had to be endured.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will send
אֲשַׁלַּ֣ח (’ă·šal·laḥ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

My terror
אֵֽימָתִי֙ (’ê·mā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 367: Fright, an idol

ahead of you
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

and throw into confusion
וְהַמֹּתִי֙ (wə·ham·mō·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2000: To make a noise, move noisily, confuse, discomfit

every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

nation
הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

you encounter.
תָּבֹ֖א (tā·ḇō)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

I will make all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

your enemies
אֹיְבֶ֛יךָ (’ō·yə·ḇe·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

turn
וְנָתַתִּ֧י (wə·nā·ṯat·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

and run.
אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to


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OT Law: Exodus 23:27 I will send my terror before you (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 23:26
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