Deuteronomy 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

רְפָאִ֛ים giants H7497
רְפָאִ֛ים giants
Strong's: H7497
Word #: 1 of 9
a giant
יֵחָֽשְׁב֥וּ also were accounted H2803
יֵחָֽשְׁב֥וּ also were accounted
Strong's: H2803
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
אַף H637
אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 3 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
הֵ֖ם Which H1992
הֵ֖ם Which
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 4 of 9
they (only used when emphatic)
כָּֽעֲנָקִ֑ים as the Anakims H6062
כָּֽעֲנָקִ֑ים as the Anakims
Strong's: H6062
Word #: 5 of 9
an anakite or descendant of anak
וְהַמֹּ֣אָבִ֔ים but the Moabites H4125
וְהַמֹּ֣אָבִ֔ים but the Moabites
Strong's: H4125
Word #: 6 of 9
a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab
יִקְרְא֥וּ call H7121
יִקְרְא֥וּ call
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 7 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לָהֶ֖ם H0
לָהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 9
אֵמִֽים׃ them Emims H368
אֵמִֽים׃ them Emims
Strong's: H368
Word #: 9 of 9
emim, an early canaanitish (or maobitish) tribe

Analysis & Commentary

The identification 'Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims' shows different peoples' names for the same reality. The universal recognition of their giant status ('accounted giants') validates the historical reality while the different names (Emims vs. Rephaim) reflects cultural perspective. This linguistic detail demonstrates the historical accuracy and cross-cultural verification of biblical narratives.

Historical Context

The Rephaim was the general term for giant peoples, while Emims, Anakim, and Zamzummim were specific tribal names. This variety of terminology reflects authentic ancient Near Eastern historical records where different nations used different names for the same or similar peoples. The Bible's preservation of these details enhances historical credibility.

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