probably from עוּג; round; Og, a king of Bashan; Og.
Transliteration:ʻÔwg
Pronunciation:ogue
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma `{{H5747}}` (ʻÔwg) is exclusively a proper noun, referring to a specific historical individual: Og, the king of Bashan. Its base definition suggests a derivation from `{{H5745}}` (ʻûwg), which means "to make a circle" or "to draw a circle." This etymological connection implies a possible original meaning of "round" or potentially "encircling," perhaps alluding to his physical stature or his dominion. However, within the biblical text, `{{H5747}}` does not function as a descriptive adjective or verb; its semantic range is entirely confined to identifying this particular monarch. Therefore, while its root may offer an intriguing etymological insight, the practical understanding of `{{H5747}}` is solely as a proper name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5747}}` (ʻÔwg) appears prominently in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua, as well as in later historical and poetic summaries. He is consistently introduced as "Og king of Bashan" (e.g., [[Numbers 21:33]], [[Deuteronomy 3:1]], [[Joshua 12:4]]). His significance stems from his role as one of the two major Transjordanian kings (the other being Sihon of Heshbon) whose defeat marked the initial phase of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land.
The primary accounts of Og's defeat are found in [[Numbers 21:33-35]] and [[Deuteronomy 3:1-11]]. These passages describe how Israel, following divine instruction, engaged Og at Edrei and utterly destroyed him, his sons, and all his people, leaving no survivor. The narrative in Deuteronomy highlights Og's formidable nature, explicitly identifying him as one of the last of the Rephaim (`{{H7497}}`), a race of giants. His immense stature is further emphasized by the description of his iron bedstead (or sarcophagus) in Rabbah of the Ammonites, measuring nine cubits long and four cubits wide, which serves as tangible proof of his extraordinary size ([[Deuteronomy 3:11]]).
The conquest of Og's sixty fortified cities, along with many unwalled towns, underscores the magnitude of Israel's victory and the divine power that enabled it. This victory over Og and Sihon is frequently recounted in later biblical texts (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 31:4]], [[Nehemiah 9:22]], [[Psalm 135:11]], [[Psalm 136:20]]) as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, His ability to deliver His people, and His fulfillment of covenant promises regarding the land. The territory of Bashan, formerly Og's kingdom, was subsequently allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh ([[Deuteronomy 3:13]], [[Joshua 13:30]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5745}}` (ʻûwg):** The proposed root for Og's name, meaning "to make a circle" or "to draw a circle." While etymologically linked, this root does not contribute to the narrative understanding of Og beyond the potential origin of his proper name.
* **Sihon (`{{H5511}}`):** Og is almost invariably mentioned in parallel with Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon. Their joint defeat by Israel in Transjordan forms a single, foundational narrative of divine intervention and territorial acquisition.
* **Rephaim (`{{H7497}}`):** Og is explicitly identified as a remnant of the Rephaim ([[Deuteronomy 3:11]]), a term referring to ancient, often giant-like peoples. This connection emphasizes his formidable power and the miraculous nature of Israel's victory over such a formidable adversary.
* **Bashan (`{{H1316}}`):** The fertile and strategically important region ruled by Og. Its conquest was a significant territorial gain for Israel and is often associated with strength and prosperity in biblical poetry.
* **Conquest Narratives:** Og's story is an integral part of the broader conquest narratives of the Pentateuch and Joshua, serving as a concrete example of God's power in dispossessing the inhabitants of Canaan to make way for Israel.
### Theological Significance
The biblical portrayal of Og carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The defeat of Og, a king of immense stature and the ruler of a heavily fortified kingdom, serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty and omnipotence of Yahweh. It demonstrates that no human power, no matter how great or formidable, can withstand the will of God when He acts on behalf of His covenant people.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The conquest of Og's territory was a crucial step in the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land. It underscored God's faithfulness to His word and His commitment to establishing Israel in their inheritance.
* **God Fights for His People:** The narrative explicitly attributes the victory over Og to God's direct intervention. Moses declares, "The LORD your God delivered him over to us" ([[Numbers 21:34]]). This reinforces the theme that Israel's successes were not due to their own might but to God fighting on their behalf.
* **A Paradigm of Deliverance:** The defeat of Og becomes a recurring motif in later biblical texts, serving as a historical precedent and a basis for Israel's trust in God's future deliverances. It reminds subsequent generations that God is capable of overcoming any obstacle, no matter how imposing, for the sake of His people.
* **Overcoming Obstacles:** Og represents a significant, seemingly insurmountable obstacle in Israel's journey to the Promised Land. His defeat illustrates that God enables His people to overcome formidable challenges when they walk in obedience to His commands.
### Summary
Og (`{{H5747}}`), king of Bashan, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for his role as a powerful, giant-like monarch, one of the last of the Rephaim, whose formidable kingdom was conquered by the Israelites under Moses. While his name's etymology suggests "roundness," his biblical significance lies in his being a major adversary whose defeat served as a profound demonstration of Yahweh's absolute power and faithfulness. The conquest of Og's territory, alongside that of Sihon, was a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, illustrating that no human strength could stand against divine will. His overthrow is repeatedly referenced in Scripture as a foundational paradigm of God's active intervention, His ability to overcome any obstacle, and His unwavering commitment to delivering and establishing His people in their inheritance.
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