Deuteronomy 3:11

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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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].
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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.)
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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.)
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World English Bible Messianic
(For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron. Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its breadth, after the cubit of a man.)
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For onely Og King of Bashan remained of the remnant of the gyants, whose bed was a bed of yron: is it not at Rabbath among the children of Ammon? the length thereof is nine cubites, and foure cubites the breadth of it, after the cubite of a man.
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Young's Literal Translation
for only Og king of Bashan had been left of the remnant of the Rephaim; lo, his bedstead is a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the sons of Ammon? nine cubits its length, and four cubits its breadth, by the cubit of a man.
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See also
Genesis 14:5Jeremiah 49:22 Samuel 12:26Deuteronomy 2:111 Samuel 17:4Deuteronomy 2:202 Samuel 11:1
See on the biblical-era map
Settlements of the Reubenites and Gadites
Settlements of the Reubenites and Gadites View full PDF
The Defeat of Sihon and Og
The Defeat of Sihon and Og View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 4,987 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Deuteronomy 3:11 provides a vivid and memorable detail about Og, the formidable king of Bashan, emphasizing his immense stature through the description of his iron bedstead. This monumental artifact, measuring nine cubits long and four cubits wide, served 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 strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter Canaan. This section (Deuteronomy 2:1–3:29) functions as a crucial historical recapitulation, where Moses recounts the recent, miraculous victories God granted Israel in the Transjordan region. Specifically, it follows the detailed account of the decisive defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and culminates with the conquest of Og, king of Bashan. The defeat of Og, presented as the climactic triumph in this series of conquests, powerfully demonstrates God's ability to overcome even the most formidable adversaries. Verse 11 provides a specific, vivid, and almost evidentiary detail that punctuates the narrative of Og's defeat (as described in Deuteronomy 3:1-10), emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the enemy and, by extension, the greatness of God's deliverance. It serves as a concrete piece of evidence, reinforcing the truth and miraculous nature of the narrative for the new generation poised to inherit the land.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The description 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 prior to the Israelite conquest. Their presence is attested in early biblical history, such as in Genesis 14:5 and later in Joshua 12:4. The phrase "bedstead of iron" (עֶרֶשׂ בַּרְזֶל, eres barzel) is highly unusual for a typical sleeping bed of the period. Given its immense dimensions and material, scholars widely interpret it as a monumental sarcophagus, a funerary bier, or a public display monument, rather than a common sleeping cot. Its preservation and location "in Rabbath of the children of Ammon" (modern Amman, Jordan) suggests it was a prominent war trophy or a public memorial, testifying to Og's legendary status and the decisive victory over him. The staggering dimensions—nine cubits (approximately 13.5 feet or 4.1 meters) by four cubits (approximately 6 feet or 1.8 meters), "after the cubit of a man" (referring to a standard cubit measurement)—were intended to concretize Og's immense size and, consequently, the divine power required to defeat such a formidable king 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 prominent 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 sixty well-fortified cities (as described in Deuteronomy 3:3-7), demonstrates unequivocally that no human or natural obstacle can thwart God's sovereign will. This reinforces the foundational message that the Lord Himself fights for Israel, a theme echoed throughout the wilderness narrative and explicitly promised for the future conquest of Canaan in Deuteronomy 1:30. Secondly, the verse provides Tangible Evidence and Verification of the biblical narrative. The specific, verifiable detail of Og's bedstead in Rabbath lends historical credibility to the extraordinary claims of giants and divine intervention, serving as a concrete historical marker for the Israelite community and future generations. Lastly, it highlights the theme of Divine Fulfillment of Promise, as the conquest of Bashan and the Transjordan region was a crucial, divinely orchestrated step in Israel's inheritance of the land promised to their ancestors, a promise powerfully reiterated in Genesis 15:18-21.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Og (Hebrew, ʿÔg', H5747): This refers to the king of Bashan, identified as one of the last remaining Rephaim, an ancient race of giants. His name, possibly meaning "round," does not directly convey his size, but his defeat by the Israelites is consistently presented as a monumental act of divine power. His presence as a final, formidable obstacle before Israel's entry into Canaan underscores the magnitude of God's ability to overcome any enemy, no matter how imposing.
  • Remnant of giants (Hebrew, yeter hā-Rĕfāʾîm', H3499): The term yeter (H3499) signifies "remainder" or "residue," while râphâʾ (H7497) denotes a "giant" or "Rephaim." This phrase specifically identifies Og as a survivor of the Rephaim, an ancient, powerful, and exceptionally large people group. Their presence in Canaan and Transjordan is 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 (Hebrew, ʿeres barzel', H6210): The Hebrew word ʿeres (H6210) refers to a couch or bed, but can also denote a funerary bier or sarcophagus. The description "of iron" (barzel, H1270) is highly unusual for a bed of 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 initial clause immediately establishes Og's unique and formidable status. He is presented not merely as a king, but as the last known survivor of the Rephaim, a race renowned for their immense size, strength, and ancient lineage. This declaration sets the stage for the profound 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 and demonstrating His comprehensive power over all obstacles.
  • "behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon?": This segment introduces the physical, verifiable evidence of Og's colossal size—his "bedstead of iron." The rhetorical question, "is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon?", functions as a direct appeal to the audience, inviting them 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 decisive victory God granted Israel. The material, iron, further emphasizes its exceptional durability, weight, and the unique nature of its owner.
  • "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 and his kingdom into Israel's hands. This specific detail grounds the extraordinary narrative in concrete, measurable terms, making the divine triumph even more impactful.

Literary Devices

Deuteronomy 3:11 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to underscore its message. The most prominent is Emphasis through specific, concrete detail. By focusing intently on Og's "bedstead of iron" and providing its precise, immense dimensions, the text vividly highlights the extraordinary size of the defeated king, thereby magnifying the scale and significance 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 the historical reality of large individuals/tribes) to further elevate his formidable status, making the divine intervention even more striking and the victory more profound. Furthermore, the iron material of the bedstead serves as Symbolism, representing Og's immense strength, durability, and perhaps even his oppressive rule, all of which were decisively overcome by God's irresistible might.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Deuteronomy 3:11 stands as a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty and His active, powerful participation in the affairs of His people. It unequivocally reaffirms the truth that no enemy, no matter how physically imposing, strategically fortified, or legendary their status, can ultimately 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 and undeniable demonstration that God's power transcends all human limitations, fears, and perceived impossibilities. This victory was not merely a military conquest but a divine act of clearing the land, fulfilling the ancient, sacred promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the inheritance of Canaan. It instilled deep confidence in the Israelites that the same God who delivered them from Egyptian bondage 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 an abstract concept but is powerfully displayed in tangible, historical events, urging His people to trust implicitly in His might in the face of any "giant" they might encounter.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Deuteronomy 3:11 offers a timeless and deeply encouraging message for believers today. Just as God enabled Israel to overcome a literal giant whose very bedstead was a monumental testament to his size and strength, He empowers us to face the "giants" in our own lives. These modern-day giants may manifest as overwhelming personal challenges, deeply entrenched sinful patterns, pervasive societal pressures, or intense spiritual battles. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from the intimidating size and apparent invincibility of our problems to the immeasurable, limitless power of our God. It serves as a potent reminder that true victory is not achieved through our own limited strength, clever strategies, or human 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 and public reminder of God's past faithfulness and the magnitude of His deliverance. Similarly, we are called to actively remember and meditate on God's past victories in our lives and in the grand narrative of redemption, allowing these memories to fuel our faith, courage, and perseverance in present struggles. This passage calls us to walk in unwavering obedience and trust, assured that with God, no foe is too great, no obstacle too high, and no promise too difficult for Him to fulfill.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "giants" (overwhelming challenges, fears, or spiritual strongholds) 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 more deeply in God's power to overcome your own "giants"?
  • In what practical ways can you tangibly remember and celebrate God's past victories in your life, similar to how Og's bedstead served as a memorial for Israel?
  • How might intentionally shifting your focus from the size of your problem to the faithfulness and power of God 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, indicating its immense weight and the king's legendary status. Secondly, its preservation in Rabbath of the children of Ammon (modern Amman, Jordan) indicates it was a prominent 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, thus 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 profoundly elevates the significance of his defeat. The Rephaim were an ancient, powerful, and exceptionally large people group, often associated with fear, formidable strength, and a pre-Israelite era in the ancient Near East. By identifying Og as one of the last known 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 magnificently displays God's power and unwavering 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, a theme echoed in later biblical accounts of giants like Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Deuteronomy 3:11, with its vivid depiction of the defeat of the giant King Og, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Og represented a formidable, seemingly insurmountable obstacle to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, humanity faced an even greater, spiritual "giant": the pervasive power of sin, the sting of death, and the dominion of the devil. No human effort, strength, or wisdom could ever 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 that held humanity captive. His sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent glorious resurrection represent the ultimate triumph over the forces of darkness, as Colossians 2:15 powerfully 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 and a testament to God's past might, points forward 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). His victory is our victory, enabling us to walk in newness of life and inherit the spiritual promises of God's eternal kingdom.

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Commentary on Deuteronomy 3 verses 1–11

We have here another brave country delivered into the hand of Israel, that of Bashan; the conquest of Sihon is often mentioned together with that of Og, to the praise of God, the rather because in these Israel's triumphs began, Psa 135:11; Psa 136:19, Psa 136:20. See,

I. How they got the mastery of Og, a very formidable prince, 1. Very strong, for he was of the remnant of the giants (Deu 3:11); his personal strength was extraordinary, a monument of which was preserved by the Ammonites in his bedstead, which was shown as a rarity in their chief city. You might guess at his weight by the materials of his bedstead; it was iron, as if a bedstead of wood were too weak for him to trust to: and you might guess at his stature by the dimensions of it; it was nine cubits long and four cubits broad, which, supposing a cubit to be but half a yard (and some learned men have made it appear to be somewhat more), was four yards and a half long, and two yards broad; and if we allow his bedstead to be two cubits longer than himself, and that is as much as we need allow, he was three yards and a half high, double the stature of an ordinary man, and every way proportionable, yet they smote him, Deu 3:3. Note, when God pleads his people's cause he can deal with giants as with grasshoppers. No man's might can secure him against the Almighty. The army of Og was very powerful, for he had the command of sixty fortified cities, besides the unwalled towns, Deu 3:5. Yet all this was nothing before God's Israel, when they came with commission to destroy him. 2. He was very bold and daring: He came out against Israel to battle, Deu 3:1. It was wonderful that he did not take warning by the ruin of Sihon, and send to desire conditions of peace; but he trusted to his own strength, and so was hardened to his destruction. Note, Those that are not awakened by the judgments of God upon others, but persist in their defiance of heaven, are ripening apace for the like judgments upon themselves, Jer 3:8. God bade Moses not fear him, Deu 3:2. If Moses himself was so strong in faith as not to need the caution, yet it is probable that the people needed it, and for them these fresh assurances are designed; "I will deliver him into thy hand; not only deliver thee out of his hand, that he shall not be thy ruin, but deliver him into thy hand, that thou shalt be his ruin, and make him pay dearly for his attempt." He adds, Thou shalt do to him as thou didst to Sihon, intimating that they ought to be encouraged by their former victory to trust in God for another victory, for he is God, and changeth not.

II. How they got possession of Bashan, a very desirable country. They took all the cities (Deu 3:4), and all the spoil of them, Deu 3:7. They made them all their own, Deu 3:10. So that now they had in their hands all that fruitful country which lay east of Jordan, from the river Arnon unto Hermon, Deu 3:8. Their conquering and possessing these countries was intended, not only for the encouragement of Israel in the wars of Canaan, but for the satisfaction of Moses before his death. Since he must not live to see the completing of their victory and settlement, God thus gives him a specimen of it. Thus the Spirit is given to those that believe as the earnest of their inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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