Deuteronomy 3:4
And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
Original Language Analysis
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד
And we took
H3920
וַנִּלְכֹּ֤ד
And we took
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
1 of 21
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 21
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 #:
3 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִיר֙
all his cities
H5892
עִיר֙
all his cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 21
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בָּעֵ֣ת
at that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
at that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
5 of 21
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֔וא
H1931
הַהִ֔וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 21
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
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָֽיְתָה֙
H1961
הָֽיְתָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 21
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לָקַ֖חְנוּ
which we took
H3947
לָקַ֖חְנוּ
which we took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
12 of 21
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם
H853
מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִיר֙
all his cities
H5892
עִיר֙
all his cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 21
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
These 60 fortified cities in Bashan (plus unwalled towns) represented significant military and economic power. The systematic conquest of such a well-defended kingdom would have been impossible through human strength alone, making God's role undeniable. This territory became part of the inheritance of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:13).
Questions for Reflection
- What seemingly impenetrable strongholds in your life need God's intervention?
- How does recognizing God's power in past victories embolden faith for current challenges?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The taking of 'all his cities at that time' (threescore cities - 60 total) demonstrates the comprehensive scope of victory. The description 'fenced with high walls, gates, and bars' emphasizes the humanly impenetrable nature of these fortifications, yet they fell before God's power. This proves that no human stronghold can withstand divine purposes. Material defenses are meaningless when God determines to give victory.