And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

JOSHUA 12:4KJV
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Joshua 12:4 (KJV)

What does Joshua 12:4 mean?

Joshua 12:4 lists Og, king of Bashan, as one of the defeated kings whose territory was taken by the Israelites, noting that he was among the last of the "giants" and lived in the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei. This verse highlights the extent of Israel's conquest east of the Jordan and the significance of overcoming such a formidable opponent.

Joshua 12:4 is part of a summary cataloging the kings defeated by Moses and the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River. The verse specifically mentions Og, whose territory in Bashan was known for its fortified cities and for being inhabited by the "giants" (a group seen as especially intimidating). The mention of Ashtaroth and Edrei pinpoints the main cities under Og’s rule, emphasizing the completeness of Israel’s victory in that region.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 12:4

  • "coast" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means "border" or "territory," indicating the specific land area ruled by Og, not just a general region.
  • "remnant" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means "what is left" or "survivor," showing that Og was one of the last remaining of his kind, which adds to the sense of finality in his defeat.
  • "giants" (רְפָאִים, refa'im): Often understood as a group of unusually large or mighty people, this term underlines the fearsome reputation of Og and his people, making Israel’s victory more striking.
  • "dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This verb means "lived" or "settled," pointing out that Og’s main centers of power were Ashtaroth and Edrei, not just passing through but firmly established there.

Why Joshua 12:4 matters

  • Joshua 12:4 clarifies that Israel’s victories included not just ordinary kings but also those considered legendary for their strength and size, like Og of Bashan.
  • The verse connects to earlier stories in Numbers and Deuteronomy, reminding readers of the challenges faced east of the Jordan and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
  • By naming specific cities, Joshua 12:4 grounds the conquest in real places, reinforcing the historical and geographical reality of Israel’s expansion.

Where else these words appear

“Edrei” Hebrew H154 · used in 8 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 3:1 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.
  • 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.

“Ashtaroth” Hebrew H6252 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Samuel 7:4 Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

“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 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
  • 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.

“giants” Hebrew H7497 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 14:5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
  • Joshua 15:8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
  • 2 Samuel 21:22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.