King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 3:2 Mean?

Deuteronomy 3:2 in the King James Version says “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 th... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Deuteronomy 3:2 · 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.

4

And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's encouragement 'Fear him not' addresses the natural intimidation of facing Og, one of the last Rephaim (giants). The promise 'I will deliver him... into thy hand' assures victory before battle, removing uncertainty. Referencing the previous victory over Sihon ('as thou didst unto Sihon') builds faith through remembering God's recent faithfulness. Past victories become fuel for present faith—God's track record encourages trust in His future provision.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Og was described as having an iron bedstead measuring 13.5 feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11), suggesting enormous physical stature. The Rephaim were ancient giant peoples feared throughout the region. Yet size is irrelevant when God promises victory—no enemy is too large for divine power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'giants' in your life require remembering God's past faithfulness to conquer present fear?
  2. How do you build a mental catalogue of God's victories to strengthen future faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 25

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 25

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַי֙3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַל4 of 25
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֣א5 of 25

unto me Fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֹת֔וֹ6 of 25
H853

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

כִּ֣י7 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְיָֽדְךָ֞8 of 25

into thy hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נָתַ֧תִּי9 of 25

him not for I will deliver

H5414

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

אֹת֛וֹ10 of 25
H853

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

וְאֶת11 of 25
H853

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

כָּל12 of 25
H3605

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

עַמּ֖וֹ13 of 25

him 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

וְאֶת14 of 25
H853

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

אַרְצ֑וֹ15 of 25

and his land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

עָשִׂ֗יתָ16 of 25

and thou shalt do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לּ֔וֹ17 of 25
H0
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר18 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֗יתָ19 of 25

and thou shalt do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְסִיחֹן֙20 of 25

unto Sihon

H5511

sichon, an amoritish king

מֶ֣לֶךְ21 of 25

king

H4428

a king

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י22 of 25

of the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

אֲשֶׁ֥ר23 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יוֹשֵׁ֖ב24 of 25

which dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּחֶשְׁבּֽוֹן׃25 of 25

at Heshbon

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan


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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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