Deuteronomy 3:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For only Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316} remained {H7604} of the remnant {H3499} of giants {H7497}; behold, his bedstead {H6210} was a bedstead {H6210} of iron {H1270}; is it not {H3808} in Rabbath {H7237} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}? nine {H8672} cubits {H520} was the length {H753} thereof, and four {H702} cubits {H520} the breadth {H7341} of it, after the cubit {H520} of a man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Og king of Bashan was the last survivor of the Refa'im. His bed was made of iron; it is still in Rabbah with the people of 'Amon. It was nine cubits long and four cubits wide, using the normal cubit [thirteen-and-a-half by six feet].

Berean Standard Bible

(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

American Standard Version

(For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 3:11 offers a striking and memorable detail about Og, the formidable king of Bashan, highlighting his immense stature through the description of his iron bedstead, which measured nine cubits long and four cubits wide. This specific detail serves as a tangible testament to the extraordinary nature of the Israelite victory over a literal giant, underscoring God's unparalleled power and unwavering faithfulness in leading His people to conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles on their journey into the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 3:11 is embedded within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before they cross into Canaan. This section (Deuteronomy 2:1–3:29) serves as a historical recapitulation, where Moses recounts the recent victories God granted Israel in the Transjordan region, specifically over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. The defeat of Og is presented as the climactic triumph in this series of conquests, demonstrating God's power to overcome even the most formidable adversaries. Verse 11 provides a specific, vivid detail that punctuates the account of Og's defeat (Deuteronomy 3:1-10), emphasizing the magnitude of the enemy and, by extension, the greatness of God's deliverance. It functions as an evidentiary statement, reinforcing the truth of the narrative for the new generation poised to enter the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of Og as "of the remnant of giants" situates him within the biblical tradition of the Rephaim (רְפָאִים), an ancient, often feared, race of exceptionally large people who inhabited various parts of Canaan and Transjordan before the Israelite conquest. Their presence is noted in early biblical history, such as in [Genesis 14:5](/genesis/14-5 "Genesis 14:5 - Battle of the Kings") and [Joshua 12:4](/joshua/12-4 "Joshua 12:4 - Og's Territory"). The term "bedstead of iron" (עֶרֶשׂ בַּרְזֶל, *eres barzel*) likely refers to a sarcophagus or a monumental, perhaps even funerary, bed, rather than a common sleeping cot. Its preservation in Rabbath of the children of Ammon (modern Amman, Jordan) suggests it was a war trophy or a public display, testifying to Og's legendary status and the decisive victory over him. The dimensions—nine cubits (approx. 13.5 feet or 4.1 meters) by four cubits (approx. 6 feet or 1.8 meters), "after the cubit of a man"—are staggering, serving to concretize Og's immense size and, consequently, the divine power required to defeat him and his kingdom. This detail would have been particularly impactful for an ancient audience accustomed to measuring greatness by physical prowess and monumental structures.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 3:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Unstoppable Power and Faithfulness** in fulfilling His covenant promises. The defeat of a formidable giant like Og, along with the conquest of his well-fortified cities (as described in [Deuteronomy 3:3-7](/deuteronomy/3-3 "Deuteronomy 3:3-7 - Conquest of Og's Kingdom")), demonstrates that no human or natural obstacle can thwart God's will. This reinforces the message that the Lord fights for Israel, as seen throughout the wilderness narrative and promised for the future conquest of Canaan in [Deuteronomy 1:30](/deuteronomy/1-30 "Deuteronomy 1:30 - The Lord Fights for You"). Secondly, the verse provides **Tangible Evidence and Verification** of the biblical narrative. The specific, verifiable detail of Og's bedstead in Rabbath lends credibility to the extraordinary claims of giants and divine intervention, serving as a historical marker for the Israelite community. Lastly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**, as the conquest of Bashan and the Transjordan region was a crucial step in Israel's inheritance of the land promised to their ancestors, a promise reiterated in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Og (עוֹג, *ʿŌg*):** The name of the king of Bashan, one of the last of the Rephaim, whose defeat by the Israelites is recounted in Numbers and Deuteronomy. His mention here emphasizes his legendary status and immense physical stature, making his defeat a particularly significant demonstration of God's power. He is presented as a final, formidable obstacle before Israel's entry into Canaan, whose fall confirms God's ability to overcome any enemy.
* **Remnant of giants (יֶתֶר הָרְפָאִים, *yeter hā-Rĕfāʾîm*):** This phrase specifically refers to the surviving members of the Rephaim, an ancient, powerful, and exceptionally large people group. Their presence in the land of Canaan and Transjordan is noted in various biblical texts, often associated with formidable strength and a pre-Israelite era. The fact that Og is described as a "remnant" suggests that his defeat marked a significant turning point in the elimination of these ancient, imposing inhabitants, further highlighting the magnitude of the Israelite victory and God's clearing of the land for His people.
* **Bedstead of iron (עֶרֶשׂ בַּרְזֶל, *eres barzel*):** The Hebrew word *eres* can denote a bed, couch, or even a funerary bier/sarcophagus. The description "of iron" is highly unusual for a bed in that period, suggesting extreme durability, monumentality, and perhaps even a symbolic representation of Og's strength or a defensive structure. Given its immense size and preservation in Rabbath, it is widely understood to be a sarcophagus or a public monument rather than a typical sleeping bed, serving as a tangible trophy of war and a testament to Og's legendary stature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants;":** This clause establishes Og's unique and formidable status. He is not just a king, but the last known survivor of the Rephaim, a race renowned for their immense size and strength. This sets the stage for the dramatic impact of his defeat, emphasizing that Israel's victory was not over an ordinary foe but over a legendary, seemingly invincible adversary, making God's intervention all the more remarkable.
* **"behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon?":** This segment introduces the physical evidence of Og's size—his "bedstead of iron." The parenthetical question, "is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon?", functions as a rhetorical flourish, inviting the audience to confirm the truth of the statement. It points to a known, verifiable location where this monumental artifact was displayed, serving as a public trophy and a tangible witness to the victory God granted Israel. The material, iron, further emphasizes its durability and exceptional nature.
* **"nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.":** This final clause provides the precise, astonishing dimensions of the bedstead. A "cubit of a man" refers to a standard cubit (approximately 18 inches or 45 cm), making the bedstead roughly 13.5 feet (4.1 meters) long and 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. These extraordinary measurements vividly convey Og's colossal size, reinforcing the miraculous nature of his defeat and the overwhelming power of the God who delivered him into Israel's hands. The detail grounds the extraordinary narrative in concrete, measurable terms.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through specific, concrete detail. By focusing on Og's "bedstead of iron" and its precise, immense dimensions, the text vividly underscores the extraordinary size of the defeated king, thereby magnifying the scale of the Israelite victory. This detail functions as **Evidence** or **Verification**, providing a tangible, verifiable artifact that would have been known to the audience ("is it not in Rabbath...?"), lending historical credibility and weight to the miraculous account of conquest. The description of Og as "of the remnant of giants" uses **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** (though rooted in a historical reality of large individuals/tribes) to further elevate his formidable status, making the divine intervention even more striking. The iron material of the bedstead serves as **Symbolism**, representing Og's strength, durability, and perhaps even his oppressive rule, all of which were decisively overcome by God's might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 3:11 stands as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty and His active participation in the affairs of His people. It reaffirms the truth that no enemy, no matter how physically imposing or strategically fortified, can stand against the Lord when He acts on behalf of His covenant people. The defeat of Og, a literal giant and the last of his kind, served as a concrete demonstration that God's power transcends all human limitations and fears. This victory was not merely a military conquest but a divine act of clearing the land, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It instilled confidence in the Israelites that the God who delivered them from Egypt and defeated such formidable foes would continue to fight for them as they entered and possessed the Promised Land. The verse teaches that God's faithfulness is not abstract but is powerfully displayed in tangible, historical events, urging His people to trust in His might in the face of any "giant" they might encounter.

* [Numbers 21:33](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - The Defeat of Og")
* [Joshua 12:4](/joshua/12-4 "Joshua 12:4 - Og, King of Bashan")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 3:11 offers a timeless encouragement for believers today. Just as God enabled Israel to overcome a literal giant whose very bedstead was a monumental testament to his size, He empowers us to face the "giants" in our own lives—whether they are overwhelming personal challenges, deeply entrenched sins, societal pressures, or spiritual battles. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from the intimidating size of our problems to the immeasurable power of our God. It reminds us that victory is not achieved through our own strength or ingenuity, but through faithful reliance on the One who has already demonstrated His ability to conquer the impossible. The preserved bedstead of Og served as a historical trophy, a tangible reminder of God's past faithfulness. Similarly, we are called to remember God's past victories in our lives and in the history of redemption, allowing them to fuel our faith and courage in present struggles. This passage calls us to walk in obedience and trust, assured that with God, no foe is too great, and no promise too difficult for Him to fulfill.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" (overwhelming challenges or obstacles) are you currently facing in your life that seem insurmountable?**
* **How does the detailed account of Og's defeat in Deuteronomy 3:11 encourage you to trust in God's power over your own "giants"?**
* **In what ways can you tangibly remember and celebrate God's past victories in your life, similar to how Og's bedstead served as a memorial?**
* **How might focusing on God's faithfulness, rather than the size of your problem, change your perspective and approach to current difficulties?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Og's "bedstead of iron" being mentioned and its dimensions specified?**

Answer: The mention of Og's "bedstead of iron" and its precise, enormous dimensions (nine cubits long by four cubits wide) serves multiple significant purposes. Firstly, it provides a tangible, verifiable piece of evidence for the extraordinary size of King Og, reinforcing the biblical account of giants (Rephaim) inhabiting the land. Its material, iron, suggests its monumental and durable nature, likely functioning as a sarcophagus or a public display rather than a common bed. Secondly, its preservation in Rabbath of the children of Ammon (modern Amman, Jordan) indicates it was a war trophy, a visible testament to the decisive and divinely-assisted victory Israel achieved over a formidable, legendary foe. This detail underscores the magnitude of God's power, demonstrating that no enemy, no matter how imposing, could stand against Him as He fought for His people to inherit the land, fulfilling His promises. It adds a layer of historical realism and emphasizes the miraculous nature of the conquest.

**Why is it important that Og was "of the remnant of giants"?**

Answer: The description of Og as "of the remnant of giants" (specifically, the Rephaim) is crucial because it elevates the significance of his defeat. The Rephaim were an ancient, powerful, and exceptionally large people group, often associated with fear and formidable strength in the ancient Near East. By identifying Og as one of the last survivors of this legendary race, the text emphasizes that Israel's victory was not over an ordinary king but over a truly extraordinary, almost mythical, adversary. This detail magnifies the display of God's power and faithfulness. It shows that God was systematically clearing the land of all obstacles, including the most intimidating ones, to prepare it for His chosen people. The defeat of such a "giant" served as a powerful assurance to the Israelites that God could overcome any obstacle they would face in possessing the Promised Land, as seen in other accounts of giants like Goliath later in [1 Samuel 17](/1-samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 3:11, with its vivid depiction of the defeat of the giant King Og, foreshadows the ultimate victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Og represented a formidable, seemingly insurmountable obstacle to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, humanity faced an even greater, spiritual "giant": the power of sin, death, and the devil. No human effort or strength could overcome these spiritual adversaries. However, Christ, the true and greater deliverer, entered the world not merely to conquer physical enemies but to decisively defeat these spiritual strongholds. His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection represent the ultimate triumph over the forces that held humanity captive, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities") declares, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." The "bedstead of iron" of Og, a tangible trophy of Israel's victory, points to the empty tomb and the resurrected Christ as the ultimate, undeniable evidence of God's triumph over death itself, offering eternal life and true freedom to all who believe. Through Christ, we are empowered to overcome the "giants" in our own lives, knowing that the victory has already been secured by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His victory is our victory, enabling us to walk in newness of life and inherit the spiritual promises of God's kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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,

Jeremiah 49:2

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD.

2 Samuel 12:26

¶ And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

Deuteronomy 2:11

Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

Deuteronomy 2:20

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

2 Samuel 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.