Lexical Summary
Og: Og
Original Word:עוֹג
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:`Owg
Pronunciation:ohg
Phonetic Spelling:(ogue)
KJV: Og
NASB:Og
Word Origin:[probably fromH5746 (עוּג - baked)]
1. round
2. Og, a king of Bashan
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Og
Probably fromuwg; round; Og, a king of Bashan -- Og.
see HEBREWuwg
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
uggahDefinitionking of Bashan
NASB TranslationOg (22).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
and (1 Kings 4:19) (originally proper name, of divinity, according to RS
Sem i. 91, 2nd ed, 93); — , giant king of Bashan (i. e., peculiarly, of a country, see RS
l.c.), usually + (q. v.);
Numbers 21:33 (JE),
Numbers 32:33 (P),
Deuteronomy 1:4;
Deuteronomy 3:1,3,4,10,11,13;
Deuteronomy 4:47;
Deuteronomy 29:6;
Deuteronomy 31:4;
Joshua 2:10;
Joshua 9:10;
Joshua 12:4;
Joshua 13:12,30,3 (probably all D),
1 Kings 4:19;
Nehemiah 9:22;
Psalm 135:11;
Psalm 136:20; ( ( B
Deuteronomy 3:1;
Deuteronomy 4:47).
, see .
Topical Lexicon
Identity and BackgroundOg is introduced in Scripture as the last remaining king of the Rephaim, a race of formidable giants who had formerly filled the Transjordan (Deuteronomy 3:11). He ruled the Amorite kingdom of Bashan, a fertile plateau east of the Jordan River celebrated for its rich pastures and strong fortified cities. Og’s reputation for extraordinary size and strength was legendary; the biblical record preserves the dimensions of his iron bed—“nine cubits long and four cubits wide” (Deuteronomy 3:11)—as a tangible reminder of his imposing stature.
Territory of Og
Bashan stretched from the slopes of Mount Hermon southward to the borders of Gilead, and from the Yarmuk River eastward to Salcah. Biblical references (Numbers 32:33;Deuteronomy 3:4;Joshua 13:30–31) enumerate sixty walled cities “with high walls, gates, and bars,” along with many unwalled towns. Key urban centers such as Ashtaroth, Edrei, and Salcah functioned as administrative and military hubs. The lush oak forests and volcanic soil of Bashan produced prized cattle (Psalm 22:12;Amos 4:1) and timber, making the region economically strategic.
Confrontation with Israel
Israel’s encounter with Og unfolded late in the Exodus journey. After the victory over Sihon of Heshbon, Og amassed his forces and “marched out against them with all his people to fight at Edrei” (Numbers 21:33). Moses received divine reassurance: “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand” (Deuteronomy 3:2). Israel’s ensuing victory was total—Og, his sons, and all his people were struck down, and no survivor remained (Deuteronomy 3:3). The conquest opened the northern Transjordan to Israelite occupation and provided territory for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33).
Biblical Remembrance
Scripture repeatedly cites the defeat of Og as evidence of the LORD’s covenant faithfulness. Moses invoked it to encourage the new generation on the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 29:7; 31:4). Centuries later, the psalmist praised the LORD who “struck down mighty kings… Og king of Bashan, for His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:19–20; cf.Psalm 135:11). Nehemiah recalled the event in his national confession (Nehemiah 9:22), underscoring its lasting impact on Israel’s collective memory.
Theological and Symbolic Significance
1. Divine Sovereignty over Giants. Og embodied the towering opposition that seemed humanly insurmountable. His defeat testified that no physical or political strength can thwart the purposes of God.
2. Covenant Assurance. The downfall of the last Rephaim king undergirded the promise that Israel would inherit the land sworn to the patriarchs. This historical act served as a pledge that future promises—including ultimate rest in the Messiah—are equally certain.
3. Judgment and Grace. While Og experienced utter judgment, Israel received unmerited land and security. The contrast highlights the dual themes of justice upon persistent rebellion and grace toward God’s covenant people.
Historical and Archaeological Insights
Ancient texts such as the Ugaritic literature mention a region that aligns with Bashan, rich in oaks and volcanic crags. Massive megalithic dolmens and “giant” constructions still dot the Golan Heights, echoing a culture comfortable with cyclopean architecture. Though direct physical evidence of Og himself remains elusive, the biblical description of an iron bed conforms to Late Bronze metallurgy; iron was rare and costly, reinforcing the picture of extraordinary wealth and power.
Lessons for Ministry
• Courage from Past Victories: Remembering how the LORD “delivered Og… into our hands” equips believers to face current challenges with faith (compareJoshua 2:10; 9:10).
• Leadership Integrity: Moses did not negotiate with Og but obeyed God fully, modeling uncompromising fidelity in spiritual leadership.
• Stewardship of Inheritance: The tribes settling Bashan were urged to help their brothers conquer Canaan before claiming their own allotments (Deuteronomy 3:18–20). Ministry today likewise calls for selfless partnership in the wider mission of God.
Key References
Numbers 21:33;Numbers 32:33
Deuteronomy 3:1–13;Deuteronomy 4:47;Deuteronomy 29:7;Deuteronomy 31:4
Joshua 2:10;Joshua 9:10;Joshua 12:4;Joshua 13:12, 30–31
Psalm 135:11;Psalm 136:20
Forms and Transliterations
וְע֨וֹג וְעֹג֙ וּ֭לְעוֹג וּלְע֔וֹג וּלְע֛וֹג וּלְע֥וֹג ולעוג ועג ועוג ע֔וֹג ע֖וֹג ע֚וֹג ע֞וֹג ע֣וֹג ע֥וֹג עוֹג֙ עוֹג֩ עוג ‘ō·wḡ ‘ōwḡ Og ū·lə·‘ō·wḡ ūlə‘ōwḡ uleog veog wə‘ōḡ wə‘ōwḡ wə·‘ō·wḡ wə·‘ōḡ
Links
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