Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And as for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorites coming out from Caphtor destroyed them and settled in their place.) New Living Translation A similar thing happened when the Caphtorites from Crete invaded and destroyed the Avvites, who had lived in villages in the area of Gaza.) English Standard Version As for the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in their place.) Berean Standard Bible And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.) King James Bible And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.) New King James Version And the Avim, who dwelt in villages as far as Gaza—the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and dwelt in their place.) New American Standard Bible And as for the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and lived in their place.) NASB 1995 And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and lived in their place.) NASB 1977 And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and lived in their place.) Legacy Standard Bible And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and lived in their place.) Amplified Bible As for the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim (Cretans, later Philistines) who came from Caphtor (Crete) destroyed them and settled in their place.) Christian Standard Bible The Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed the Avvites, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, and settled in their place. Holman Christian Standard Bible The Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, and settled in their place.” American Standard Version And the Avvim, that dwelt in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, that came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.) Contemporary English Version A group called the Avvim used to live in villages as far south as Gaza, but the Philistines killed them and settled on their land. English Revised Version and the Avvim which dwelt in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.) GOD'S WORD® Translation The same thing happened to the Avvites who lived in villages as far away as Gaza. The Caphtorites, who came from Crete, wiped them out and took their place. Good News Translation The land along the Mediterranean coast had been settled by people from the island of Crete. They had destroyed the Avvim, the original inhabitants, and had taken over all their land as far south as the city of Gaza.) International Standard Version It was the same for the Avvites who lived in villages as far as Gaza. The Caphtorites, who came from Crete, destroyed them and settled there in their place.) NET Bible As for the Avvites who lived in settlements as far west as Gaza, Caphtorites who came from Crete destroyed them and settled down in their place.) New Heart English Bible and the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and lived in their place.) Webster's Bible Translation And the Avims who dwelt in Hazerim even to Azzah, the Caphtorims, who came forth from Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.) Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.) World English Bible Then the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza: the Caphtorim, who came out of Caphtor, destroyed them and lived in their place.) Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs for the Avim who are dwelling in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim—who are coming out from Caphtor—have destroyed them, and dwell in their stead. Young's Literal Translation 'As to the Avim who are dwelling in Hazerim unto Azzah, the Caphtorim -- who are coming out from Caphtor -- have destroyed them, and dwell in their stead. Smith's Literal Translation And the Avims dwelling in the enclosures, even to Azzah, the Caphtorims, coming forth from Caphtor, destroyed them, and they dwelt instead of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Hevites also, that dwelt in Haserim as far as Gaza, were expelled by the Cappadocians: who came out of Cappadocia, and destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead. Catholic Public Domain Version Likewise the Hevites, who were living in small villages as far as Gaza, were expelled by the Cappadocians, who went forth from Cappadocia, and they wiped them out and lived in their place. New American Bible As for the Avvim, who once lived in villages in the vicinity of Gaza, the Caphtorim, migrating from Caphtor, cleared them away and dwelt in their place.) New Revised Standard Version As for the Avvim, who had lived in settlements in the vicinity of Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor, destroyed them and settled in their place.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the Avites who dwelt in Hazerim, as far as Azzah, the Caphedokian, who came out of Caphedoki, destroyed them and dwelt in their land.) Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Avites who dwell in Khatsrim even unto Aza: the Qaphudqayeh—Cappadocians who had gone out from Qephaduqi—Cappadocia destroyed them and dwelt in their land. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and the Avvim, that dwelt in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, that came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Evites who dwell in Asedoth to Gaza, and the Cappadocians who came out of Cappadocia, destroyed them, and dwelt in their room. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wanderings in the Wilderness…22just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day. 23And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place.) Cross References Genesis 10:14 the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites. Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; Amos 9:7 “Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir? Jeremiah 47:4 For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor. Genesis 10:19 and the borders of Canaan extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. 1 Chronicles 1:12 the Pathrusites, the Casluhites (from whom the Philistines came), and the Caphtorites. Ezekiel 25:16 therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. Zephaniah 2:5 Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” Isaiah 23:1 This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. Isaiah 23:12 He said, “You shall rejoice no more, O oppressed Virgin Daughter of Sidon. Get up and cross over to Cyprus—even there you will find no rest.” Acts 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 13:19 And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. Acts 7:45 And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, Acts 7:5 He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child. Acts 13:17-19 The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during their stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of that land. / He endured their conduct for about forty years in the wilderness. / And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance. Treasury of Scripture And the Avims which dwelled in Hazerim, even to Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelled in their stead.) the Avims Joshua 13:3 From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites: Avites 1 Kings 4:24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. Jeremiah 25:20 And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod, Zephaniah 2:4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. Gaza Genesis 10:14 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim. Jeremiah 47:4 Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. Amos 9:7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? Jump to Previous Avim Avvim Avvites Azzah Caphtor Caphtorim Caph'torim Caphtorites Destroyed Destruction Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Hamlets Hands Settled Small Stead Towns VillagesJump to Next Avim Avvim Avvites Azzah Caphtor Caphtorim Caph'torim Caphtorites Destroyed Destruction Dwell Dwelling Dwelt Hamlets Hands Settled Small Stead Towns VillagesDeuteronomy 2 1. The story is continued, that they were not to meddle with the Edomites9. nor with the Moabites 16. nor with the Ammonites 24. but Sihon the Amorite was subdued by them And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, The Avvim were a people group mentioned in the Old Testament, residing in the region that extended to Gaza. This area is part of the coastal plain of ancient Canaan, which is significant in biblical history as a land often contested by various groups. The Avvim's presence in villages suggests a settled, agrarian lifestyle. Gaza, a major city in the region, was a strategic location due to its position on trade routes. The mention of the Avvim highlights the diverse ethnic landscape of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. were destroyed by the Caphtorites, who came out of Caphtor and settled in their place. Persons / Places / Events 1. AvvitesAn ancient people who lived in villages extending to Gaza. They were displaced by the Caphtorim. 2. Gaza A significant city in the southwestern part of ancient Canaan, often mentioned in the context of the Philistines. 3. Caphtorim A people believed to have originated from Caphtor, often associated with the island of Crete. They displaced the Avvites and settled in their land. 4. Caphtor Traditionally identified with Crete, it is considered the original homeland of the Caphtorim. 5. Displacement Event The Caphtorim's conquest and settlement in the land of the Avvites, illustrating a common theme of displacement and settlement in ancient times. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe displacement of the Avvites by the Caphtorim illustrates God's control over the rise and fall of nations. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all human history. The Transience of Human Settlements The account of the Avvites and Caphtorim serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of human achievements and settlements. We should focus on eternal values rather than temporal gains. God's Justice and Judgment The displacement of peoples can be seen as part of God's judgment and justice. It encourages us to live righteously and seek God's will in our lives. Cultural and Historical Context Understanding the historical context of biblical events helps us appreciate the complexity of God's plans and the fulfillment of His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 2:23?2. How does Deuteronomy 2:23 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and lands? 3. What can we learn about God's justice from the fate of the Avvites? 4. How does Deuteronomy 2:23 connect with God's promises to Israel in Genesis? 5. How should understanding God's control over history affect our daily trust in Him? 6. In what ways can we apply God's justice in Deuteronomy 2:23 to modern life? 7. How does Deuteronomy 2:23 align with archaeological evidence of the Avvites and Caphtorites? 8. What does Deuteronomy 2:23 reveal about God's role in displacing nations? 9. How should Christians interpret the historical context of Deuteronomy 2:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 2? 11. Why does Galatians 3:13 claim the curse is removed by Christ, when Deuteronomy 21:23 still applies the curse to anyone hanged on a tree? 12. Deuteronomy 23:2 - Why would illegitimate offspring be barred for ten generations if punishment is supposedly not meant to pass to descendants? 13. Ruth 2:2-3 - Is it historically plausible that a foreign widow could freely glean in a stranger's field with no social or legal barriers? 14. What is the Bible's view on children born out of wedlock? What Does Deuteronomy 2:23 Mean And the Avvim- Scripture presents the Avvim as a small, indigenous people group of Canaan (Joshua 13:3). - Their very mention in Moses’ historical review (Deuteronomy 2) underscores that God records even seemingly minor nations; every detail matters (Psalm 147:4). - Like the Rephaim, Horites, and Zamzummites named earlier in the chapter, the Avvim remind us that no culture is outside the Lord’s knowledge or oversight (Psalm 24:1). who lived in villages as far as Gaza - “Villages” hints at an agrarian, lightly-fortified lifestyle—contrasting sharply with later Philistine city-states such as Gaza (Judges 16:1). - “As far as Gaza” anchors their territory on the southern coastal plain, the route Israel would bypass on the Exodus journey (Exodus 13:17). - This geographical marker validates the text’s historical precision; modern archaeology locates ancient Gaza exactly where the Bible places it. were destroyed by the Caphtorites - Moses notes the Avvim “were destroyed,” not merely displaced. A total conquest had already occurred before Israel arrived, just as Seir had been cleared by Edom (Deuteronomy 2:12) and the land of the Ammonites by the LORD’s hand (Deuteronomy 2:21). - Jeremiah 47:4 and Amos 9:7 echo this event, linking “Caphtor” with incoming seafaring warriors. - God’s sovereignty over international movements stands out: He allows one nation to rise and another to fall (Job 12:23; Daniel 2:21). who came out of Caphtor - Genesis 10:14 lists Caphtor among the early post-Flood territories, tying the Caphtorites to the Table of Nations. - Caphtor is most commonly identified with Crete or the broader Aegean region, a reminder that distant peoples were under God’s governance long before global exploration (Acts 17:26). - Their migration fulfills the pattern of divine appointment: “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). and settled in their place - “Settled” signals permanent occupation, illustrating God’s right to allot lands as He chooses (Leviticus 25:23). - This precedent prepares Israel to trust the LORD when He later directs them to dispossess the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). - Similar replacements mentioned earlier in the chapter (Horites replaced by Esau’s descendants, Deuteronomy 2:12) reinforce the lesson: the Promised Land transfer is neither unprecedented nor capricious but part of a consistent divine policy. summary Deuteronomy 2:23 records a factual, divinely-ordered transfer of territory from the Avvim to the Caphtorites. The verse showcases God’s meticulous care for historical detail, His sovereign direction of human migrations, and a pattern of territorial replacement that undergirds Israel’s upcoming conquest. By affirming these truths, believers see that every geopolitical shift serves the LORD’s larger redemptive agenda and highlights the reliability of His Word. (23) The Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, even unto Azzah, the Caphtorims . . . destroyed.--"In Hazerim" should apparently be rendered "in villages." It does not occur elsewhere as a proper name; it is plural in form, and is found in this sense in some other places. "Azzah," i.e., Gaza. The Caphtorim: comp. Amos 9:7 : "The Philistines from Caphtor." (See Genesis 10:14.) Some make the country of Caphtor to be Cyprus or Crete. But at least this statement makes Philistia the scene of a conquest, and the Philistines of the time of Joshua would thus appear to be a mixed race.Verse 23. - So also the Caphtorim, who came from Caphtor (Genesis 10:14), probably the island of Crete (Ritter, 3:262), drove out the Avim, a Canaanitish race, who dwelt in villages (Hazerim, חֲצֵרִים) as far as Gaza (Azzah), and took possession of their land; though it would appear some of them still remained among the Philistines (who were Caphtorites, Amos 9:7; Jeremiah 47:4), and were among the tribes not subdued by the Israelites under Joshua (Joshua 13:3). These Caphtorim were, like the Israelites, immigrants, who drove out the original occupants of the country; and on this account, probably, are referred to by Moses here. "This is so often repeated, to possess the minds of the Israelites with a sense of God's providence, which rules everywhere; displacing one people, and settling another in their stead, and fixing their bounds, also, which they shall not pass without leave" (Patrick).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the Avvim,וְהָֽעַוִּ֛ים (wə·hā·‘aw·wîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 5757: Avvites -- inhabitants of Avva who lived הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים (hay·yō·šə·ḇîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in villages בַּחֲצֵרִ֖ים (ba·ḥă·ṣê·rîm) Preposition-b | Noun - common plural Strong's 2699: Chatserim as עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while far as Gaza, עַזָּ֑ה (‘az·zāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5804: A Philistine city were destroyed by הִשְׁמִידֻ֖ם (hiš·mî·ḏum) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyed the Caphtorites, כַּפְתֹּרִים֙ (kap̄·tō·rîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3732: Caphtorim -- a Caphtorite who came הַיֹּצְאִ֣ים (hay·yō·ṣə·’îm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim out of Caphtor מִכַּפְתּ֔וֹר (mik·kap̄·tō·wr) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3731: Caphtor -- probably a name for Crete and settled וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in their place.) תַחְתָּֽם׃ (ṯaḥ·tām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of Links Deuteronomy 2:23 NIVDeuteronomy 2:23 NLT Deuteronomy 2:23 ESV Deuteronomy 2:23 NASB Deuteronomy 2:23 KJV Deuteronomy 2:23 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 2:23 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 2:23 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 2:23 French Bible Deuteronomy 2:23 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:23 And the Avvim who lived in villages (Deut. 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