Exodus 23:30
Exodus 23:30 in Multiple Translations
Little by little I will drive them out ahead of you, until you become fruitful and possess the land.
By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
Little by little I will send them away before you, till your numbers are increased and you take up your heritage in the land.
Bit by bit I will drive them out ahead of you, until there are enough of you to take possession of the land.
By litle and litle I will driue them out from thy face, vntill thou increase, and inherite the lande.
little [by] little I cast them out from before thee, till thou art fruitful, and hast inherited the land.
Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land.
By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou shalt be increased and inherit the land.
By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, till thou be increased, and dost possess the land.
I will expel those people-groups slowly, a few at a time, until the number of your people increases and you are able to live everywhere in the land.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:30
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 23:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְעַ֥ט
מְעַ֛ט
אֲגָרְשֶׁ֖/נּוּ
מִ/פָּנֶ֑י/ךָ
עַ֚ד
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
תִּפְרֶ֔ה
וְ/נָחַלְתָּ֖
אֶת
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
מְעַ֥ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
מְעַ֛ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
אֲגָרְשֶׁ֖/נּוּ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
מִ/פָּנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
עַ֚ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּפְרֶ֔ה
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/נָחַלְתָּ֖
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:30
מְעַ֥ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
מְעַ֛ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
אֲגָרְשֶׁ֖/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/פָּנֶ֑י/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.
עַ֚ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תִּפְרֶ֔ה
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
וְ/נָחַלְתָּ֖
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 23:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — God’s Angel to Lead
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. 32You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.Exodus 23:30 Summary
[This verse means that God will help His people, the Israelites, by driving out their enemies little by little, so they can have the land and be fruitful, as He promised in Exodus 23:30. It's like when God helps us in our own lives, giving us victory over the things that are against us, as seen in Romans 8:37 where it says we are more than conquerors through Him. God wants us to trust in His power and provision, and to know that He is always working for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God promise to drive out the nations little by little?
God drove out the nations little by little to ensure the land would not become desolate and to allow the Israelites to become fruitful and possess the land, as seen in Exodus 23:29-30. This gradual process also allowed the Israelites to trust in God's power and provision.
What does it mean to become fruitful and possess the land?
To become fruitful and possess the land means that the Israelites would multiply and thrive in the land God had given them, and that they would have dominion over it, as promised in Exodus 23:30 and also seen in Genesis 1:28 where God blessed Adam and Eve to be fruitful and have dominion over the earth.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
This verse relates to spiritual warfare in that it shows how God fights on behalf of His people, driving out their enemies and giving them victory, as seen in Exodus 23:28-30 and also in Deuteronomy 1:30 where God says He will fight for the Israelites.
What can we learn from God's promise to drive out the nations ahead of the Israelites?
We can learn that God is a God of promise and provision, who desires to give His people victory and blessing, as seen in Exodus 23:30 and also in Jeremiah 29:11 where God promises to give His people a future and a hope.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God to drive out the 'nations' of fear, doubt, or sin, and how can I trust in His power and provision to do so?
- How can I become more fruitful and productive in my walk with God, and what steps can I take to possess the spiritual land He has given me?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's gradual process of working in my life, rather than trying to rush ahead or take matters into my own hands?
- How can I apply the principle of Exodus 23:30 to my own life, trusting in God's power and provision to drive out the enemies of my soul and give me victory?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:30
By little and little I will drive them out from before thee,.... Not the beasts of the field, but the inhabitants of Canaan, who were left partly to keep up the cities and towns, that they might not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:30
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:30
Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.Ver. 30. By little and little] God crumbles his mercies to us; we have his blessings by retail. So the cloud empties not itself at a sudden burst, but dissolves upon the earth drop after drop.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:30
THE OF GOD TO ISRAEL, IF THE IS KEPT.(20-33) The Book of the Covenant terminates, very appropriately, with a series of promises. God is “the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” He chooses to “reward men after their works,” and to set before them “the recompense of the reward.” He “knows whereof we are made,” and by what motives we are influenced. Self-interest, the desire of our own good, is one of the strongest of them. If Israel will keep His covenant, they will enjoy the following blessings :—(1) The guidance and protection of His angel till Canaan is reached; (2) God’s help against their adversaries, who will, little by little, be driven out; (3) the ultimate possession of the entire country between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea on the one hand, the Desert and the Euphrates on the other; (4) a blessing upon their flocks and herds, which shall neither be barren nor cast their young; and (5) a blessing upon themselves, whereby they will escape sickness and enjoy a long term of life. All these advantages, however, are conditional upon obedience, and may be forfeited.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:30
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:30
30. Until thou be increased — Here it is assumed that the Israelitish people at the time of the exodus were not sufficiently numerous to occupy the whole of Palestine.