אַשְׁדּוֹת (ash.dot hap.pis.gah)
ash.dot hap.pis.gah
Slopes (of Pisgah)
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun ashdot refers to slopes or declivities, specifically describing the rugged terrain of a mountain range. In Scripture, it appears exclusively in the compound phrase Ashdot-Pisgah, meaning "the slopes of Pisgah." This location marks the high ground across from Jericho, offering a commanding view of the land that Israel was about to enter.
These slopes are most notable as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. The text highlights this vantage point in Deuteronomy 34:1 and Joshua 12:3, anchoring the narrative in a specific geography. The term underscores the physical distance between Moses and the inheritance he led the people toward, emphasizing that while he could see it from the heights, he would not cross into it himself.
The word itself is rare, occurring only four times, all within the context of this final journey. It serves as a geographical marker for the boundary of Moab and the edge of Canaan. By focusing on the incline rather than the peak, the text draws attention to the perspective from which Moses saw the land, framing his death not just as an end, but as a final observation of God’s promise.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ashdot describes the rugged inclines of Mount Pisgah, a place where Moses stood to view the land God promised his people. It was not a peak, but a slope—a vantage point that offered a clear sight of Canaan while keeping Moses on the other side of the Jordan. This geography matters because it shows that seeing God’s promises does not always mean possessing them immediately.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that perspective is a gift even when access is delayed. Moses could see the inheritance he had led Israel toward, yet he remained outside its borders. This reality invites patience and trust in God’s timing. What you see today may not be what you hold tomorrow, but the view itself confirms the promise is real.
When you feel distant from a goal or blessing, remember that distance does not negate truth. The slopes of Pisgah stand as a witness to faithful observation. May this word encourage you to keep looking forward with hope, trusting that God’s vision for your life remains secure even in seasons of waiting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] slopes of3×
- and/ [the] slopes of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַשְׁדֹּ֥ת2×
- וְ/אַשְׁדּ֥וֹת1×
- אַשְׁדּ֥וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 12:3
and the Arabah to the sea of Chinneroth, eastward, and to the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, eastward, the way to Beth Jeshimoth; and on the south, under the slopes of Pisgah:
The text uses the slopes of Pisgah to define the southern extent of the conquered territory, marking it as a permanent geographical landmark.
-
Deuteronomy 4:49
and all the Arabah beyond the Jordan eastward, even to the sea of the Arabah, under the slopes of Pisgah.
Here the slopes serve as a reference point for the eastern border, anchoring the description of the land Moses did not enter.