Deuteronomy 3:5 Meaning and Explanation
“All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Og's cities were fortified with walls, gates, and bars, plus many unfortified towns.
The Context of Deuteronomy 3:5
The cities were well-fortified, showing Og's strength.
What Does Deuteronomy 3:5 Mean?
The description of Bashan's cities emphasizes their defensive strength. High walls, gates, and bars represent substantial fortifications—not simple villages but well-defended military strongholds. Yet Israel takes them all. The addition of 'unwalled towns a great many' shows the region's prosperity and population density.
This detail underscores the magnitude of Israel's conquest. The taking of defended fortifications requires military skill and divine aid. The abundance of both walled and unwalled settlements demonstrates that Bashan was an economically prosperous and densely populated kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 3:5
What does Deuteronomy 3:5 mean?
Og's cities were fortified with walls, gates, and bars, plus many unfortified towns.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 3:5?
The cities were well-fortified, showing Og's strength.