עוֹג (og)
og
Og
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Og refers to the Amorite king of Bashan, a figure remembered in Scripture for his imposing stature. Lexical sources suggest the name likely derives from a root meaning "round" or "long-necked," pointing to a physical presence that was both distinctive and formidable. He appears as one of the last survivors of the Rephaim, an ancient group often associated with giants, marking him as a relic of a bygone era.
His story unfolds primarily in the narratives of Israel’s conquest east of the Jordan. The books of Numbers and Deuteronomy recount his defeat at the hands of Moses and the Israelites, establishing his legacy as a powerful ruler whose territory was divided among the tribes of Reuben and Gad, as well as half of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 3:13; Joshua 13:12). This distribution highlights the extent of his former dominion.
Centuries later, Og remains a symbol of formidable opposition. The Psalms recall him alongside Sihon to celebrate God’s mighty acts in delivering the land to His people (Psalm 135:11; Psalm 136:20). By invoking his name, the biblical writers emphasize that even the most intimidating earthly powers were overcome by divine intervention, securing the inheritance for Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Og stands as a reminder that no obstacle is too large for God’s people to overcome. As the last survivor of the Rephaim, he represented a power that seemed insurmountable to human eyes. Yet Scripture records his defeat not just as a military victory, but as a demonstration of divine intervention. When Israel faced him, they did not rely on their own strength but on the God who had promised to go before them.
His story teaches us that fear often magnifies our enemies while minimizing our God. The land he controlled became an inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. This shift from threat to territory shows how God transforms challenges into blessings for those who trust Him. You may face giants in your own life, but the same God who delivered Israel is faithful to guide you through.
Remember that every victory belongs to the Lord. When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, look back at what God has already done. His faithfulness in the past assures us of His presence in the present and future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Og15×
- and/ to/ Og5×
- and/ Og1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ע֖וֹג4×
- עוֹג֩2×
- ע֥וֹג2×
- ע֣וֹג2×
- ע֚וֹג2×
- וּ֭/לְ/עוֹג2×
- עוֹג֙1×
- ע֞וֹג1×
- ע֔וֹג1×
- וּ/לְ/ע֥וֹג1×
- וּ/לְ/ע֛וֹג1×
- וּ/לְ/ע֔וֹג1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 3:11
(For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron. Isn’t it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was its length, and four cubits its width, after the cubit of a man.)
This verse highlights Og’s formidable physical legacy through the iron bedstead, emphasizing the magnitude of the victory God granted Israel over such a powerful figure.
-
Deuteronomy 3:3
So Yahweh our God also delivered into our hand Og, the king of Bashan, and all his people. We struck him until no one was left to him remaining.
Here the text underscores that the deliverance was entirely God’s act, striking down Og and his people so completely that no remnant remained to oppose Israel.
-
Psalms 136:20
Og king of Bashan, for his loving kindness endures forever;
This psalm links Og’s defeat to God’s enduring loving kindness, framing the historical battle as a permanent testament to divine mercy and faithfulness.
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Numbers 32:33
Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan; the land, according to its cities and borders, even the cities of the surrounding land.
This passage shows the practical outcome of the victory, as Moses allocated Og’s extensive kingdom to the tribes who had served faithfully in the conquest.