Bible Strands

Deuteronomy 2:6

You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Moses instructs the Israelites at the border of Edom, directing them on how to procure provisions while traversing territory designated for Esau's descendants.

The words — The Hebrew verbs תִּשְׁבְּרוּ (tish.be.Ru) and תִּכְרֶה (tikh.Ru) both mean "you will buy," specifying that אֹכֶל (food) and מַיִם (water) must be acquired through a commercial transaction paid in בְּכֶסֶף (silver).

The thread — This directive mirrors the Israelites' prior negotiation in Numbers 20:19 and reappears in Deuteronomy 2:28 as they seek passage through another neighboring region.

Why it lands — The text commands literal payment for sustenance rather than territorial claim, requiring readers to honor existing borders and conduct honest commerce even while under divine protection.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

אֹ֣כֶל'O.khelfoodתִּשְׁבְּר֧וּtish.be.Ruyou will buyמֵֽאִתָּ֛םme./'i.Ta/mfrom/ with/ themבַּכֶּ֖סֶףba./Ke.seffor <the>/ silverוַאֲכַלְתֶּ֑םva./'a.khal.Temand/ you will eatוְגַם־ve./gam-and/ alsoמַ֜יִםMa.yimwaterתִּכְר֧וּtikh.Ruyou will buyמֵאִתָּ֛םme./'i.Ta/mfrom/ with/ themבַּכֶּ֖סֶףba./Ke.seffor <the>/ silverוּשְׁתִיתֶֽם׃u./she.ti.Temand/ you will drink

King James Version

Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink.

Cross-references