Exodus 23:29
Exodus 23:29 in Multiple Translations
I will not drive them out before you in a single year; otherwise the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you.
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beasts of the field multiply against thee.
I will not send them all out in one year, for fear that their land may become waste, and the beasts of the field be increased overmuch against you.
I will not drive them out in just one year, because the land would become desolate and you would have to deal with increased numbers of wild animals.
I will not cast them out from thy face in one yeere, least the land grow to a wildernes: and the beasts of the field multiplie against thee.
I cast them not out from before thee in one year, lest the land be a desolation, and the beast of the field hath multiplied against thee;
I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the animals of the field multiply against you.
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land should become desolate, and the beast of the field should multiply against thee.
I will not cast them out from thy face in one year: lest the land be brought into a wilderness, and the beasts multiply against thee.
I will not expel all of them in less than one year. If I did that, your land would become deserted, and there would be very many wild animals ◄that would attack you/you would not be able to control►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:29
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 23:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֧א
אֲגָרְשֶׁ֛/נּוּ
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
בְּ/שָׁנָ֣ה
אֶחָ֑ת
פֶּן
תִּהְיֶ֤ה
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
וְ/רַבָּ֥ה
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
חַיַּ֥ת
הַ/שָּׂדֶֽה
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֲגָרְשֶׁ֛/נּוּ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
בְּ/שָׁנָ֣ה
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
אֶחָ֑ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תִּהְיֶ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
Desolate
N-fs
וְ/רַבָּ֥ה
rab
H7227
many
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
חַיַּ֥ת
chay
H2416
alive
N-fs
הַ/שָּׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:29
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲגָרְשֶׁ֛/נּוּ
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בְּ/שָׁנָ֣ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אֶחָ֑ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּהְיֶ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הָ/אָ֨רֶץ֙
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
שְׁמָמָ֔ה
shᵉmâmâh
H8077
"Desolate"
N-fs
This word refers to the state of being devastated or wasted, often used to describe the results of war or God's judgment. In Ezekiel 33:28, it describes the desolation of Israel. It's about a place being left empty and destroyed.
Definition: devastation, waste, desolation Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: (laid, [idiom] most) desolate(-ion), waste. See also: Exodus 23:29; Ezekiel 14:16; Isaiah 1:7.
וְ/רַבָּ֥ה
rab
H7227
"many"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
חַיַּ֥ת
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
הַ/שָּׂדֶֽה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:29
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
- Sermons on Exodus 23:29
Context — God’s Angel to Lead
27I 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.
29I will not drive them out before you in a single year; otherwise the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply against you.
30Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land. 31And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:22 | The LORD your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be enabled to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals would multiply around you. |
| 2 | Joshua 17:12–13 | But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely. |
| 3 | Judges 3:1–4 | These are the nations that the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan, if only to teach warfare to the subsequent generations of Israel, especially to those who had not known it formerly: the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath. These nations were left to test the Israelites, to find out whether they would keep the commandments of the LORD, which He had given their fathers through Moses. |
| 4 | Joshua 15:63 | But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah. |
| 5 | Joshua 16:10 | But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers. |
Exodus 23:29 Summary
This verse means that God is not going to drive out all the bad people from the land in just one year, because if He did, the land would be empty and wild animals would take over, as stated in Exodus 23:29, instead, He will do it little by little, as seen in Exodus 23:30, so that the Israelites can become strong and have enough food to eat, this is similar to how God works in our lives, slowly and carefully, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where He says that He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us, and as stated in Psalm 23:4, where David says that God is with us, even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God not drive out the nations in a single year?
God did not drive out the nations in a single year because the land would become desolate and wild animals would multiply, as stated in Exodus 23:29, this would have been harmful to the Israelites, and instead, He chose to do it little by little, as seen in Exodus 23:30, to allow the Israelites to become fruitful and possess the land.
What would happen if the land became desolate?
If the land became desolate, wild animals would multiply against the Israelites, making it difficult for them to settle and thrive, as mentioned in Exodus 23:29, and this is similar to the warning given in Leviticus 26:22, where God warns that if the Israelites do not follow His commands, He will send wild animals against them.
How does this verse relate to the promise of the Promised Land?
This verse is part of the promise of the Promised Land, where God is explaining how He will give the land to the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 23:31, and it shows that God is concerned with the well-being of His people and wants to provide for them in a way that is best for them, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
What can we learn from God's patience in driving out the nations?
We can learn from God's patience in driving out the nations that He is a God who works slowly and carefully, as seen in Exodus 23:30, and that He is more concerned with the long-term well-being of His people than with quick fixes or instant solutions, as stated in Psalm 138:8, where David says that God will fulfill His purpose for him.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's promise to drive out the nations little by little encourage me to trust in His timing and provision in my own life?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's slow and careful work, rather than trying to rush or force things to happen?
- How can I apply the principle of 'little by little' to my own spiritual growth and development, as seen in Exodus 23:30?
- What are some ways that God is working slowly and carefully in my life right now, even if I don't always see or understand it?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:29
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year,.... This is observed before hand, lest the Israelites should be discouraged, and fear they should never be rid of them; and it was so ordered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:29
I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
Desolate, void of inhabitants in a great measure, because thy present number is not sufficient to occupy and manage their whole land.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
Exodus 23:29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.Ver. 29. In one year.] God’ s time is best: and to prescribe to him is to set the sun by our dial. His help seems long, because we are short. Wait upon him, who waits to show us mercy.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
(29) The beast of the field.—Comp. 2 Kings 17:25-26, where we find that this result followed the deportation of the Samaritans by the Assyrians.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:29
20–33. Hortatory epilogue. The laws which Israel is to observe have been defined: and now Jehovah declares what He will do for His people if it is obedient to His voice (v. 22): He will give it prosperity, freedom from sickness and long life, success in its contests with the nations of Canaan, and extension of territory afterwards. Comp. the similar, but longer and more elaborated, hortatory discourses (including curses on disobedience), concluding the codes of H (Leviticus 26:3-45) and Dt. (Deuteronomy 28). It is remarkable that the commands which Israel is to obey are not those embodied in ch. Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:19, but (v. 22) those to be given it in the future by the angel on the way to Canaan. Perhaps (Bä.) the passage was written originally for a different context: but even if that were the case, it must be intended, where it now stands, to suggest motives for the observance of the preceding laws.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 23:29
Beast of the field - i. e. destructive animals.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
29. Lest the land become desolate — And so the promised Canaan be turned into a howling wilderness instead of being a land flowing with milk and honey.
Sermons on Exodus 23:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Will Fear No Evil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being afraid and trusting in God's supernatural deliverance. He uses the example of the Israelites in Exodus, who were |
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The Divine Purpose in the Continuation of the Conflict by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict, asserting that while Christ has secured victory over evil, believers must progressively realize this victory t |
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(Through the Bible) Joshua 9-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a popular but false story about NASA scientists discovering a missing day in time. He emphasizes that this story is not factual and has no bas |
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The Glory of Israel Fades Away by George Warnock | George Warnock discusses the decline of Israel's glory after they settled in Canaan, emphasizing their failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the idolatrous nations. This c |
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Bible Survey - Judges by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Judges, highlighting the themes of the faithfulness of the Covenant-keeping God and the unfaithfulness of the Covenant-breaking people. The bo |
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The Eternal God the Refuge of His Saints by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the eternal God being our refuge and the everlasting arms underneath us, promising to thrust out the enemy before us and charging us to destroy them. He ex |