Deuteronomy 2:11

11 They also are reckoned as giants like the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.

Deuteronomy 2:11 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:11

Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims
Because of their bulky size and tall stature; or,

``the Rephaim were they accounted, even they as the Anakims;''

they were reckoned Rephaim, a name for giants in early times, even as the Anakims were; see ( Genesis 14:5 )

but the Moabites called them Emims;
to distinguish them from the Rephaim; so that it seems this name of Emims was not originally their name, but they are called so by a prolepsis, or anticipation, in ( Genesis 14:5 ) since they had it from the Moabites, a people of a later date.

Deuteronomy 2:11 In-Context

9 And Jehovah said to me, Distress not the Moabites, neither engage with them in battle; for I will not give thee of their land a possession; for unto the children of Lot have I given Ar as a possession.

10 (The Emim dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall as the Anakim.

11 They also are reckoned as giants like the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.

12 And in Seir dwelt the Horites in times past; and the children of Esau dispossessed them, and destroyed them from before them, and dwelt in their stead; as Israel did to the land of their possession, which Jehovah gave to them.)

13 Now rise up, and pass over the torrent Zered. And we passed over the torrent Zered.

Footnotes

• [a]. Rephaim; and so ver. 20 and ch. 3.11,13; Gen. 14.5.