Deuteronomy 7:17

17 You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?”

Deuteronomy 7:17 in Other Translations

17 If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?

17 "If you say in your heart, 'These nations are greater than I. How can I dispossess them?'

17 Perhaps you will think to yourselves, ‘How can we ever conquer these nations that are so much more powerful than we are?’

17 You're going to think to yourselves, "Oh! We're outnumbered ten to one by these nations! We'll never even make a dent in them!"

17 "If you say to yourself, 'These nations are greater than I; how can I drive them out?'

Deuteronomy 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 7:17

If thou shall say in thine heart
Should have secret thoughts arise in the heart, misgivings of heart, fears and doubts there, which, though not outwardly expressed, might be inwardly retained:

these nations are more than I;
seven to one, and perhaps anyone of them as powerful as Israel:

how can I dispossess them?
of the land they inherit, and take possession of it.

Deuteronomy 7:17 In-Context

15 The LORD will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.

16 You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you.

17 You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?”

18 But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.

19 You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 33:53