Deuteronomy 2:20
Deuteronomy 2:20 in Multiple Translations
(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;
(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,
(That land is said to have been a land of the Rephaim, for Rephaim had been living there in earlier times, but they were named Zamzummim by the Ammonites;
(This land was previously considered as the country of the Rephaim who used to live there. However, the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.
That also was taken for a land of gyants: for gyants dwelt therein afore time, whome the Ammonites called Zamzummims:
'A land of Rephaim it is reckoned, even it; Rephaim dwelt in it formerly, and the Ammonites call them Zamzummim;
(That also is considered a land of Rephaim. Rephaim lived there in the past, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt in it in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;
It was accounted a land of giants: and giants formerly dwelt in it, whom the Ammonites call Zomzommims,
That region is also called the land of the Repha giants, who formerly lived there. The Ammon people-group call them the Zamzum group.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 2:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶֽרֶץ
רְפָאִ֥ים
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב
אַף
הִ֑וא
רְפָאִ֤ים
יָֽשְׁבוּ
בָ/הּ֙
לְ/פָנִ֔ים
וְ/הָֽ/עַמֹּנִ֔ים
יִקְרְא֥וּ
לָ/הֶ֖ם
זַמְזֻמִּֽים
אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
רְפָאִ֥ים
râphâʼ
H7497
Rapha
N-proper
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
אַף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
רְפָאִ֤ים
râphâʼ
H7497
Rapha
N-proper
יָֽשְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ/הּ֙
Prep | Suff
לְ/פָנִ֔ים
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
וְ/הָֽ/עַמֹּנִ֔ים
ʻAmmôwnîy
H5984
Ammon
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
יִקְרְא֥וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
זַמְזֻמִּֽים
Zamzôm
H2157
Zamzummin
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 2:20
אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
רְפָאִ֥ים
râphâʼ
H7497
"Rapha"
N-proper
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16; father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant"; Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H) § giant, Rephah
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also H1051 (בֵּית רָפָא). See also: Genesis 14:5; 2 Samuel 5:22; Isaiah 17:5.
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
אַף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
רְפָאִ֤ים
râphâʼ
H7497
"Rapha"
N-proper
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16; father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant"; Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H) § giant, Rephah
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also H1051 (בֵּית רָפָא). See also: Genesis 14:5; 2 Samuel 5:22; Isaiah 17:5.
יָֽשְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָ/הּ֙
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/פָנִ֔ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/הָֽ/עַמֹּנִ֔ים
ʻAmmôwnîy
H5984
"Ammon"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
An Ammonite is someone from the land of Ammon, descended from Lot. The term is used in the Bible to describe the people and their culture. The Ammonites are mentioned in the books of Judges and Samuel.
Definition: Someone from Ammon, Ammonite, of Ammon "tribal" descendants of Ammon and inhabitants of Ammon Another name of am.mon (עַמּוֹן "Ammon" H5983)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Ammonite(-s). See also: Deuteronomy 2:20; 2 Chronicles 20:1; Nehemiah 13:23.
יִקְרְא֥וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
זַמְזֻמִּֽים
Zamzôm
H2157
"Zamzummin"
N-proper
The Zamzummin were a native tribe of Palestine, descended from Repha, first mentioned in Genesis 14:5 as a numerous nation of giants. They were also called Rephaim. The Ammonites referred to them as plotters. In the Bible, they are described as a strong and powerful people.
Definition: People descended from Repha(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.5 Another name of re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Rephaim" H7497B) § Zamzummims = "plotters" the Ammonite name for the people who by others were called Rephaim, and were described as a numerous nation of giants; perhaps the same as 'Zuzim'
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Zamzummim. See also: Deuteronomy 2:20.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 2:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
Context — Wanderings in the Wilderness
18“Today you are going to cross the border of Moab at Ar.
19But when you get close to the Ammonites, do not harass them or provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the Ammonites. I have given it to the descendants of Lot as their possession.”
20(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.
21They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, 22just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 14:5 | In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, |
Deuteronomy 2:20 Summary
Deuteronomy 2:20 tells us about a group of people called the Rephaim, who used to live in the land that the Ammonites later inhabited. The Ammonites called them Zamzummites, and they were known for being very tall and powerful, similar to the Anakites mentioned in Numbers 13:33. This verse reminds us that God has been at work in the lives of nations and peoples for a long time, and that He is the one who gives and takes away land and territories, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:8-9 and Psalm 24:1-2. As we reflect on this verse, we can be reminded of God's power and sovereignty, and trust in His plan for our own lives, just as the Israelites were reminded of God's promises in Deuteronomy 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Rephaim and Zamzummites mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:20?
The Rephaim and Zamzummites were ancient peoples who lived in the land that the Ammonites later inhabited, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:20, and were known for their great size, similar to the Anakites mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:21 and Numbers 13:33.
Why did the Ammonites call the Rephaim by a different name, Zamzummites?
The reason for the different name is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but it may be due to the Ammonites' own language or cultural preferences, similar to how different peoples are referred to by different names in other parts of the Bible, such as in Genesis 14:1-16.
What can we learn from the fact that the Lord destroyed the Rephaim and other nations before the Ammonites and Israelites?
This demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over all nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:21 and Isaiah 40:15-17, and reminds us that He is the one who gives and takes away land and territories, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:8-9.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Deuteronomy 2?
Deuteronomy 2:20 provides background information on the land that the Israelites are about to encounter, and serves as a reminder of God's past actions and His promises to the descendants of Lot and other nations, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:19 and Psalm 1:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the fact that God has been at work in the lives of nations and peoples long before I was born, and how can I apply this to my own life, as seen in Psalm 90:1-2 and Isaiah 46:10?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty over all nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:20-22, impact my trust in Him and my prayers for my own country and its leaders, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
- What are some ways that I can remember and reflect on God's past actions and promises in my own life, just as the Israelites were reminded of God's actions in Deuteronomy 2, and how can I apply this to my daily walk with God, as seen in Psalm 77:10-12 and Lamentations 3:21-23?
- How can I balance my understanding of God's power and sovereignty with my own responsibilities and actions as a believer, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:20 and Romans 12:1-2, and what are some practical ways that I can live out this balance in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 2:20
That also was accounted a land of giants,.... Ammon was so reckoned as well as Moab, Deuteronomy 2:10 giants dwelt therein in old time; the Rephaim dwelt there, as they did also in Ashteroth Karnaim,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 2:20
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims; No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
Which signifies men most wicked and abominable, or most presumptuous, or most crafty.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
Deuteronomy 2:20 (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;Ver. 20. Zamzummims.] Big and boisterous, bearing down all before them; presumptuous wicked ones they were, and yet they called themselves Rephaims, that is, physicians or preservers: such, indeed, rulers ought to be. The Greeks, therefore, call a king Aναξ, ab ακος, medela, because he is to be ligator vulnerum, chirurgus, et Reip. medicus - the commonwealth’ s surgeon and physician. But such were not these Zamzummims, more than in name: τομενονομαβιος, &c., as he said of his bow, Thy name is life, but thy use is present death. Cornel. a Lapid., in Isaiah 3:7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
(20) In old time.—See Genesis 14 Zamzummims = Zuzims (Genesis 14:5).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
Verse 20. That also was accounted a land of giants] That was accounted the land or territory of the Rephaim. Zamzummims] Supposed to be the same as the Zuzim, Genesis 14:5. Of these ancient people we know very little; they were probably inconsiderable tribes or clans, "pursuing and pursued, each other's prey," till at length a stronger totally destroyed or subdued them, and their name became either extinct or absorbed in that of their conquerors. From the 10th to the 12th, and from the 20th to the 23d verse inclusive, we have certain historical remarks introduced which do not seem to have been made by Moses, but rather by Joshua or Ezra. By the introduction of these verses the thread of the narrative suffers considerable interruption. Dr. Kennicott considers both these passages to be interpolations. That they could not have made a part of the speech of Moses originally, needs little proof.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 2:20
16–25. Approach to the ‘Ammonites and Amorites The adult generation having died out (Deuteronomy 2:16), Jehovah charged Moses that, being about to pass the border or cross the territory of Mo’ab (Deuteronomy 2:17 f.) and to approach ‘Ammôn, Israel (Sg. address) must not fight the latter, for Jehovah gave that land to the sons of Lot (Deuteronomy 2:19). Follows an archaeological note on the predecessors of ‘Ammôn (Deuteronomy 2:20-23); and then the command, in the Pl. address, to cross the Arnon (Deuteronomy 2:24 a); then, in the Sg., an assurance that Sîḥ ?ôn should be given into Israel’s hands, they must fight him (Deuteronomy 2:24 b); for the dread of Israel would Jehovah put on all peoples at the mere report of Israel’s approach (Deuteronomy 2:25). This section is perplexing, because of the apparently proleptic mention of ‘Ammôn, the use of the Pl. address only in Deuteronomy 2:24 a, and the discrepancy between Deuteronomy 2:24 b, Deuteronomy 2:25 and the next section, especially Deuteronomy 2:27-30. On these grounds, combined with the fact that there are no parallels in JE, on which document the rest of this discourse is based, there is a strong case for the opinion that this section is for the most part from another hand than the rest of the discourse. Steuern. indeed takes only Deuteronomy 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 2:24 a as original. For details see notes.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 2:20
These verses, like Deuteronomy 2:10-12, are in all likelihood an addition made by a later reviser. Deuteronomy 2:20 Zamzummims - A giant race usually identified with the Zuzims of Gen 14:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 2:20
20. Zamzummim — The name is supposed to be derived from a root meaning to hum: the noisy people; probably the same as the Zuzim of Gen 14:5.