King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:14 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:14 in the King James Version says “Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after h... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 3:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The description 'all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og' going to 'half the tribe of Manasseh' shows substantial inheritance for this half-tribe. The alternative names for the region ('Argob... called... the land of giants') connect geography with history. The naming 'after his own name, Bashanhavothjair' preserves Jair's legacy, showing that faithful service leaves lasting impact. God allows His people to be remembered for their contributions to His kingdom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jair, son of Manasseh, captured villages in Bashan and named them after himself (Numbers 32:41). This naming convention was common in ancient Near East to commemorate conquest. The region remained known as Havoth-jair centuries later, showing how faithful acts create enduring legacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What legacy are you building through faithful service to God?
  2. How can you honor those whose faithful work has blessed your spiritual journey?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
יָאִ֣יר1 of 23

Jair

H2971

jair, the name of four israelites

בֶּן2 of 23

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה3 of 23

of Manasseh

H4519

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

לָקַח֙4 of 23

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת5 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל6 of 23
H3605

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

חֶ֣בֶל7 of 23

all the country

H2256

ruin

אַרְגֹּ֔ב8 of 23

of Argob

H709

argob, a district of palestine

עַד9 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גְּב֥וּל10 of 23

unto the coasts

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י11 of 23

of Geshuri

H1651

a geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of geshur

וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י12 of 23

and Maachathi

H4602

a maakathite, or inhabitant of maakah

וַיִּקְרָא֩13 of 23

and called

H7121

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

אֹתָ֨ם14 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַל15 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁמ֤וֹ16 of 23

them after his own name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֶת17 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבָּשָׁן֙18 of 23

Bashanhavothjair

H1316

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

חַוֹּ֣ת19 of 23
H0
יָאִ֔יר20 of 23
H2334

hamlets of jair, a region of palestine

עַ֖ד21 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֥וֹם22 of 23

unto this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּֽה׃23 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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