Deuteronomy 3:14
Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan-havoth-jair, unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
3 of 23
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 23
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גְּב֥וּל
unto the coasts
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
unto the coasts
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י
of Geshuri
H1651
הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י
of Geshuri
Strong's:
H1651
Word #:
11 of 23
a geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of geshur
וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י
and Maachathi
H4602
וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י
and Maachathi
Strong's:
H4602
Word #:
12 of 23
a maakathite, or inhabitant of maakah
וַיִּקְרָא֩
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא֩
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
13 of 23
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֹתָ֨ם
H853
אֹתָ֨ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׁמ֤וֹ
them after his own name
H8034
שְׁמ֤וֹ
them after his own name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
16 of 23
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבָּשָׁן֙
Bashanhavothjair
H1316
הַבָּשָׁן֙
Bashanhavothjair
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
18 of 23
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
21 of 23
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Numbers 32:41And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havoth-jair.Joshua 13:13Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.2 Samuel 13:37But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.2 Samuel 3:3And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;2 Samuel 10:6And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ish-tob twelve thousand men.
Historical Context
Jair, son of Manasseh, captured villages in Bashan and named them after himself (Numbers 32:41). This naming convention was common in ancient Near East to commemorate conquest. The region remained known as Havoth-jair centuries later, showing how faithful acts create enduring legacy.
Questions for Reflection
- What legacy are you building through faithful service to God?
- How can you honor those whose faithful work has blessed your spiritual journey?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The description 'all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og' going to 'half the tribe of Manasseh' shows substantial inheritance for this half-tribe. The alternative names for the region ('Argob... called... the land of giants') connect geography with history. The naming 'after his own name, Bashanhavothjair' preserves Jair's legacy, showing that faithful service leaves lasting impact. God allows His people to be remembered for their contributions to His kingdom.