King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:1 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:1 in the King James Version says “Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to ...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.”

Deuteronomy 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei.

2

And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.

3

So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.

Read Deuteronomy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'we turned, and went up the way to Bashan' marks forward movement toward the Transjordan conquest. Og king of Bashan's aggressive response ('Og came out against us') provoked defensive warfare. Unlike Edom and Moab (which Israel was forbidden to attack), Bashan wasn't under divine protection. God sometimes allows enemies to initiate conflict to justify necessary battles. Og's aggression served God's purposes to give Israel this strategic territory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bashan was a fertile plateau region northeast of the Sea of Galilee, known for strong cattle (Psalm 22:12) and oak trees. Og's kingdom included 60 fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). This conquest gave Israel control of the entire Transjordan from the Arnon to Mount Hermon.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern when conflict is initiated by enemies versus when you're inappropriately aggressive?
  2. What strategic territories in your spiritual life need to be conquered and possessed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַנֵּ֣פֶן1 of 14

“Then we turned”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

וַנַּ֔עַל2 of 14

“and went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

דֶּ֖רֶךְ3 of 14

“the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַבָּשָׁ֨ן4 of 14

“of Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

וַיֵּצֵ֣א5 of 14

“came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עוֹג֩6 of 14

“and Og”

H5747

og, a king of bashan

מֶֽלֶךְ7 of 14

“the king”

H4428

a king

הַבָּשָׁ֨ן8 of 14

“of Bashan”

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ9 of 14

“against”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

ה֧וּא10 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְכָל11 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמּ֛וֹ12 of 14

“us he and all his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה13 of 14

“to battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

אֶדְרֶֽעִי׃14 of 14

“at Edrei”

H154

edrei, the name of two places in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 29:7Deuteronomy 1:4Numbers 21:33-35Psalms 135:10-11Psalms 136:20Joshua 12:4

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
Edrei 1Settlement · Modern: Daraa · 32.63°N, 36.11°E7 verses across 3 books
View all places in Deuteronomy 3 →

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