Old Testament
Deuteronomy 1:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As for your little ones — the children you claimed would be taken captive — your sons and daughters who don't yet know right from wrong, they will be the ones to enter. I will give the land to them, and they will possess it.
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Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.
What Deuteronomy 1:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God reassures the Israelites that their children, whom they thought would be taken as captives, will actually inherit the promised land. These children, who are too young to understand right from wrong, symbolize hope and a new beginning. God emphasizes that while the adults faced consequences for their lack of faith, the innocent ones will receive the blessings intended for them. This moment highlights God's compassion and the importance of nurturing the next generation. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, there is a future filled with promise. The children represent a fresh start, showing that God’s plans can unfold through those who are untainted by doubt. Their entry into the land signifies a new chapter for the people, one that is filled with potential and opportunity. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s plans, even when we face challenges, and to invest in the future of those who will carry on our legacy with faith and courage.
How to apply Deuteronomy 1:39 to your life
Reflect on how you can support and nurture the younger generation in your life. Encourage them to grow in understanding and faith. Remember that their future is bright, and your guidance can help shape their journey positively. Trust in the potential they hold for tomorrow's world. They are the hope for a better future, just like the children in this story. They can inspire us to believe in possibilities beyond our current struggles.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Refuses to Enter the Land (Deuteronomy 1:26–46)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Deuteronomy 1:39
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 1:39 mean?
Deuteronomy 1:39 conveys that God will allow the children of the Israelites, who are too young to understand right from wrong, to enter the promised land. This reflects God's compassion and the idea that the innocent will inherit blessings despite the adults' failures.
What is the significance of 'little ones' in Deuteronomy 1:39?
The 'little ones' in Deuteronomy 1:39 symbolize hope and a new beginning. They represent the future generation that will inherit the land, highlighting God's promise and the importance of nurturing the next generation.
How does Deuteronomy 1:39 relate to God's compassion?
Deuteronomy 1:39 illustrates God's compassion by showing that He cares for the innocent children who will inherit the land despite their parents' disobedience. It emphasizes that God values the future and the potential of the next generation.
What themes are present in Deuteronomy 1:39?
Key themes in Deuteronomy 1:39 include inheritance, faith, hope, and God's compassion for future generations. The verse highlights the importance of nurturing the young and trusting in God's plans for a brighter future.
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