King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:35 Mean?
“So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.”
Numbers 21:35 · KJV
Context
33
And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
34
And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
35
So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIsrael 'smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive remaining: and they possessed his land.' This complete conquest fulfilled God's promise and provided territory for Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh. The totality of victory demonstrated God's power when Israel obeyed in faith, contrasting with earlier failure at Kadesh-barnea when they feared similar giants.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Og's kingdom of Bashan (modern Golan Heights) became Israelite territory, fulfilling God's promise to give them land from Egypt to Euphrates. This victory proved that the giants their parents feared (13:33) couldn't withstand God's power.
Reflection Questions
- How do God's complete victories in your past provide confidence for future challenges?
- What inheritance has God promised you that fear currently prevents possessing?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsאֹת֤וֹ2 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת3 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָיו֙4 of 15
“him and his sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֶת5 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל6 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמּ֔וֹ7 of 15
“and all his people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַד8 of 15
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בִּלְתִּ֥י9 of 15
“until there was none”
H1115properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
ל֖וֹ11 of 15
H0וַיִּֽירְשׁ֖וּ13 of 15
“and they possessed”
H3423to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת14 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 21:35 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 Numbers 21:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge