Question 1

What does Deuteronomy 3:4 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 3:4

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why Deuteronomy 3:4 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Deuteronomy 3:4 (KJV)