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.

DEUTERONOMY 3:4KJV
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Deuteronomy 3:4 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 3:4 mean?

Deuteronomy 3:4 describes how the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, captured every city belonging to King Og of Bashan, totaling sixty cities in the region called Argob. The verse emphasizes that there was not a single city in Og’s kingdom that the Israelites did not take.

In this scene, Moses is recounting to the Israelites their victories as they journey toward the Promised Land. The verse highlights the completeness of their conquest over Og’s territory, showing both the scale of the victory and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give them the land.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:4

  • The word for “cities” is עִיר (ʿir, H5892), which here refers to fortified towns or population centers, not just small villages. This detail underlines the significance of the conquest.
  • “Threescore” is שִׁשִּׁים (shishshim, H8346), meaning sixty, which gives a concrete number to the scale of the victory and shows it was a substantial achievement.
  • “Region” is אֶרֶץ (ʾerets, H2256), often meaning land or territory, but here it refers specifically to the area called Argob, marking out a distinct and notable district within Bashan.

Why Deuteronomy 3:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the victory over Og was total, not partial; every city was taken, which would have reassured the Israelites about their ability to conquer future enemies.
  • Mentioning the specific number of cities and the name Argob gives historical and geographical detail, grounding the story in real places and events.
  • This verse connects to the broader narrative of Deuteronomy, where Moses is reminding the people of God’s faithfulness and power as they prepare to enter Canaan.

Where else these words appear

“Argob” Hebrew H709 · used in 5 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:13 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.
  • Deuteronomy 3:14 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.
  • 1 Kings 4:13 The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:

“Og” Hebrew H5747 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 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.
  • Deuteronomy 3:13 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.
  • Joshua 13:12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.

“city” Hebrew H7151 · used in 31 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Proverbs 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.

“Bashan” Hebrew H1316 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 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.
  • Joshua 13:11 And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
  • 1 Chronicles 6:62 And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.