Deuteronomy 3:13 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:13 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:13 records Moses describing how he gave the remaining part of Gilead and all of Bashan, which had belonged to King Og, to the half tribe of Manasseh. This included the region of Argob, an area known as the land of giants.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recounting how the land east of the Jordan River was divided after their victory over King Og. The verse highlights the specific territory given to half of the tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing that this land was once ruled by a powerful king and was famous for its legendary inhabitants.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:13

• גִּלְעָד (Gil‘ad, "Gilead"): This name refers to a fertile and hilly region east of the Jordan, known for its balm and pastures. Mentioning Gilead helps clarify the specific area given to Manasseh.
• בָּשָׁן (Bashan, "Bashan"): Bashan was a rich, well-watered land, famous for its strong cities and large inhabitants. The word signals the significance and desirability of this territory.
• עֲרֹגֹב (‘Argov, "Argob"): Argob was a district within Bashan, noted for its fortified towns. Including Argob shows the extent and strategic value of the land given.
• רְפָאִים (Refa’im, "giants"): This word is often understood as referring to a race of large, legendary people who lived in the area. Calling it the "land of giants" underlines the reputation and former strength of the region.

Why Deuteronomy 3:13 matters

• Deuteronomy 3:13 clarifies how the land conquered from King Og was distributed, showing the careful division among the tribes and the fulfillment of earlier promises.
• By calling Bashan the "land of giants," the verse reminds readers of the challenges Israel faced and overcame, highlighting the significance of their victory.
• The verse sets the stage for understanding the boundaries and tribal inheritances east of the Jordan, which is important for following the story of Israel’s settlement.