And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

PSALMS 136:20KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 136:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 136:20 mean?

Psalms 136:20 recalls how God dealt with Og, the king of Bashan, as a sign of His enduring mercy. The verse highlights a specific event from Israel’s history to show that God’s faithful love lasts forever.

In this psalm, a worship leader is speaking to the gathered people of Israel, listing moments when God acted powerfully on their behalf. Mentioning Og, king of Bashan, points to a time when Israel faced a formidable enemy and God gave them victory. The verse is part of a pattern, with each line ending in the refrain about God’s mercy, emphasizing that every act—even military victories—was an expression of God’s steadfast kindness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 136:20

  • בָּשָׁן (Bashan, transliterated "Bashan") refers to a fertile region east of the Jordan River, known for its strong cities and mighty rulers. Mentioning Bashan reminds listeners of the strength of Israel’s opponents and the significance of God’s help.
  • חֶסֶד (chesed, transliterated "chesed") is the word translated as "mercy" and often means steadfast love, loyalty, or lovingkindness. The use of חֶסֶד here stresses that God’s actions in history come from a deep, faithful commitment to His people.
  • עוֹלָם (olam, transliterated "olam") is translated as "ever" and means something lasting or perpetual. The phrase underscores that God’s loyal love is not just for one moment but continues through all generations.

Why Psalms 136:20 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that God’s mercy is not only shown in gentle or comforting ways but also in acts of deliverance and protection during conflict.
  • By naming Og, king of Bashan, the verse connects the worshipper to a real historical event, making God’s mercy tangible and specific rather than abstract.
  • The repeated refrain throughout the psalm, including here, ties each act of God—big or small—back to His enduring, faithful love, reinforcing the central theme of the whole chapter.

Where else these words appear

“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 12:4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan, which was of the remnant of the giants, that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

“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 12:5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:23 And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.