Deuteronomy 3:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel completely destroys Og's kingdom, repeating the pattern used against Sihon.
The Context of Deuteronomy 3:6
The population is completely eliminated in a pattern-repeat.
What Does Deuteronomy 3:6 Mean?
The total destruction of Bashan's population parallels the destruction of Sihon's kingdom. The repeated phrase 'utterly destroying' emphasizes the completeness of the action. Men, women, and children all perish—there is no partial conquest or negotiation, but wholesale destruction of the population.
This harsh reality reflects ancient Near Eastern conquest practices and God's judgment on the inhabitants. From Israel's theological perspective, the land is being given to them as their inheritance, and the existing population must be removed to make way for Israel's settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 3:6
What does Deuteronomy 3:6 mean?
Israel completely destroys Og's kingdom, repeating the pattern used against Sihon.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 3:6?
The population is completely eliminated in a pattern-repeat.