King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:13 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:13 in the King James Version says “And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.

Deuteronomy 3:13 · KJV


Context

11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

12

And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

13

And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.

14

Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair , unto this day.

15

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The allocation 'unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon' establishes clear tribal boundaries. The phrase 'half the valley, and the border' provides precise demarcation to prevent future disputes. The mention of 'even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon' respects the boundaries God set for other nations. Proper boundaries honor both God's gifts and others' rights.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Jabbok River served as a natural boundary between Israelite territory and Ammon (descended from Lot). This respect for Ammonite borders demonstrates that Israel's conquest was divinely directed, not imperialistic expansion. God's justice includes restraint and recognition of other peoples' legitimate territories.

Reflection Questions

  1. What boundaries has God established that you need to honor rather than cross?
  2. How do you balance claiming your inheritance with respecting others' legitimate rights?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 19

And the rest

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הַגִּלְעָ֤ד2 of 19

of Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְכָל3 of 19
H3605

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

הַבָּשָׁ֔ן4 of 19

and all Bashan

H1316

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

מַמְלֶ֣כֶת5 of 19

being the kingdom

H4467

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

ע֔וֹג6 of 19

of Og

H5747

og, a king of bashan

נָתַ֕תִּי7 of 19

gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַֽחֲצִ֖י8 of 19

I unto the half

H2677

the half or middle

שֵׁ֣בֶט9 of 19

tribe

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

הַֽמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה10 of 19

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

כֹּ֣ל11 of 19
H3605

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

חֶ֤בֶל12 of 19

all the region

H2256

ruin

הָֽאַרְגֹּב֙13 of 19

of Argob

H709

argob, a district of palestine

לְכָל14 of 19
H3605

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

הַבָּשָׁ֔ן15 of 19

and all Bashan

H1316

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

הַה֥וּא16 of 19

which

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

יִקָּרֵ֖א17 of 19

was called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶ֥רֶץ18 of 19

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

רְפָאִֽים׃19 of 19

of giants

H7497

a giant


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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