Deuteronomy 2:20
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;
Original Language Analysis
תֵּֽחָשֵׁ֖ב
That also was accounted
H2803
תֵּֽחָשֵׁ֖ב
That also was accounted
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
3 of 13
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 #:
4 of 13
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
הִ֑וא
H1931
הִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יָֽשְׁבוּ
dwelt
H3427
יָֽשְׁבוּ
dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לְפָנִ֔ים
therein in old time
H6440
לְפָנִ֔ים
therein in old time
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים
and the Ammonites
H5984
וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים
and the Ammonites
Strong's:
H5984
Word #:
10 of 13
an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish
Historical Context
The Zamzummim (also called Zuzim in Genesis 14:5) were another Rephaim people group defeated before Israel's arrival. This pattern of giant peoples throughout the region—Emim in Moab, Horim in Edom, Anakim in Canaan, Zamzummim in Ammon—confirms the widespread presence of these peoples and validates the biblical account's historical basis.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God has consistently defeated 'giants' throughout history encourage your faith?
- What obstacles in your life seem like giants that God has actually already purposed for your victory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The designation of Ammon as 'a land of giants' reinforces the pattern that God gave various nations victory over formidable inhabitants. The phrase 'giants dwelt therein in old time' establishes historical reality—these weren't myths but actual peoples. The Ammonites' name for them, 'Zamzummims,' preserves cultural memory. This repeated pattern shows God's consistent power to overcome human obstacles regardless of which people He's blessing.