Deuteronomy 4:43
Deuteronomy 4:43 in Multiple Translations
Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.
Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites.
The names of the towns were Bezer in the waste land, in the table-land, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan for Manasseh.
Bezer in the desert plain belonging to the tribe of Reuben; Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the tribe of Gad, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the tribe of Manasseh.
That is, Bezer in the wildernesse, in the plaine countrey of the Reubenites: and Ramoth in Gilead among the Gadites: and Golan in Bashan among them of Manasseh.
Bezer, in the wilderness, in the land of the plain, of the Reubenite; and Ramoth, in Gilead, of the Gadite; and Golan, in Bashan, of the Manassahite.
Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites.
Namely , Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
Bosor in the wilderness, which is situate in the plains of the tribe of Ruben: and Ramoth in Galaad, which is in the tribe of Gad: and Golan in Basan, which is in the tribe of Manasses.
For the tribe of Reuben, Moses/I set apart Bezer city in the ◄plateau/high level► area. For the tribe of Gad, Moses/I set apart Ramoth city in the Gilead area. For the tribe of Manasseh, Moses/I set apart Golan city in the Bashan region.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:43
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 4:43 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
בֶּ֧צֶר
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֛ר
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
הַ/מִּישֹׁ֖ר
לָ/רֻֽאוּבֵנִ֑י
וְ/אֶת
רָאמֹ֤ת
בַּ/גִּלְעָד֙
לַ/גָּדִ֔י
וְ/אֶת
גּוֹלָ֥ן
בַּ/בָּשָׁ֖ן
לַֽ/מְנַשִּֽׁי
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֶּ֧צֶר
Betser
H1221
Bezer
N-proper
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֛ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הַ/מִּישֹׁ֖ר
mîyshôwr
H4334
plain
Art | N-ms
לָ/רֻֽאוּבֵנִ֑י
Rᵉʼûwbênîy
H7206
Reubenite
Prep | Ngmsa
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
רָאמֹ֤ת
Râʼmôwth
H7216
Ramoth
N-proper
בַּ/גִּלְעָד֙
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
Prep | N-proper
לַ/גָּדִ֔י
Gâdîy
H1425
Gad
Prep | Ngmsa
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
גּוֹלָ֥ן
Gôwlân
H1474
Golan
N-proper
בַּ/בָּשָׁ֖ן
Bâshân
H1316
Bashan
Prep | N-proper
לַֽ/מְנַשִּֽׁי
Mᵉnashshîy
H4520
Manassite
Prep | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:43
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֶּ֧צֶר
Betser
H1221
"Bezer"
N-proper
Bezer was a man from the tribe of Asher and also the name of a place in Palestine, meaning gold ore or remote fortress. It is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:37.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.37; son of: Zophah (H6690); brother of: Suah (H5477), Harnepher (H2774), Shual (H7777B), Beri (H1275), Imrah (H3236), Hod (H1936), Shamma (H8037H), Shilshah (H8030), Ithran (H3506H) and Beera (H0878) § Bezer = "gold ore" or "remote fortress" 1) son of Zophah, one of the heads of the houses of Asher 2) a city of refuge in Reuben in the downs on the east of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Bezer. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 21:36; 1 Chronicles 7:37.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֛ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | 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.
הַ/מִּישֹׁ֖ר
mîyshôwr
H4334
"plain"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.
Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.
לָ/רֻֽאוּבֵנִ֑י
Rᵉʼûwbênîy
H7206
"Reubenite"
Prep | Ngmsa
A Reubenite is a descendant of Reuben, son of Israel and Leah, first mentioned in Genesis 29:32. Reubenites are part of the tribe of Reuben, living during the time of the Patriarchs. They are named after their ancestor Reuben.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) Group of re.u.ven (רְאוּבֵן "Reuben" H7205) § Reubenite, of Reuben "behold a son" a descendant of Reuben the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: children of Reuben, Reubenites. See also: Numbers 26:7; Joshua 13:8; 1 Chronicles 27:16.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רָאמֹ֤ת
Râʼmôwth
H7216
"Ramoth"
N-proper
Ramoth is a place name in the Bible, meaning heights, and is associated with a city in the region of Issachar. It is mentioned in the books of Joshua and 1 Kings.
Definition: Ramoth = "heights" a Levitical city in Issachar Another spelling of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Ramoth. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; 1 Chronicles 6:58; 1 Chronicles 6:65.
בַּ/גִּלְעָד֙
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
Prep | N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
לַ/גָּדִ֔י
Gâdîy
H1425
"Gad"
Prep | Ngmsa
The term Gad refers to the descendants of Gad, one of the twelve sons of Israel. The Gadites were a tribe that lived during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 30:11. They were part of the Israelite community.
Definition: Spomeone from the tribe of Gad living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.11; son of: Israel (H3478) and Zilpah (H2153); brother of: Asher (H0836); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Ziphion (H6837), Haggi (H2291), Shuni (H7764), Ezbon (H0675), Eri (H6179), Arod (H0720) and Areli (H0692) Another name of gad (גָּד "Gad" H1410G) § Gadite = "an invader: a troop: fortune" one of the tribe descended from Gad
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Gadites, children of Gad. See also: Numbers 34:14; Joshua 22:1; 1 Chronicles 26:32.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גּוֹלָ֥ן
Gôwlân
H1474
"Golan"
N-proper
Golan is a place east of the Jordan River, mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:43 as a city of refuge. It was part of the land given to the tribe of Manasseh.
Definition: § Golan = "their captivity: their rejoicing" a town of Manasseh in the heights of Bashan east of the Jordan; a city of refuge
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Golan. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 21:27; 1 Chronicles 6:56.
בַּ/בָּשָׁ֖ן
Bâshân
H1316
"Bashan"
Prep | N-proper
Bashan was a fertile region east of the Jordan River, given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was known for its fruitfulness and is mentioned in the Bible as a significant area.
Definition: § Bashan = "fruitful" a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Bashan. See also: Numbers 21:33; Joshua 21:27; Psalms 22:13.
לַֽ/מְנַשִּֽׁי
Mᵉnashshîy
H4520
"Manassite"
Prep | Ngmsa
A Manassite is a descendant of Manasseh, a son of Joseph and Asenath. The Manassites were a tribe living during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 41:51. They were part of the Israelites who received land from God.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.51; son of: Joseph (H3130) and Asenath (H0621); brother of: Ephraim (H0669); married to Aramitess (H0761); father of: Machir (H4353) and Asriel (H0844H) Group of me.nash.sheh (מְנַשֶּׁה "Manasseh" H4519) § Manassites = Manasseh "causing to forget" 1) descendants of Manasseh, son of Joseph and grandson of Jacob 1a) specifically used only of that half that lived east of the Jordan
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: of Manasseh, Manassites. See also: Deuteronomy 4:43; 2 Kings 10:33; 1 Chronicles 26:32.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:43
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 4:43 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:43
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:43
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:43
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:43
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:43
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:43
Context — Cities of Refuge
41Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east
42to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities:
43Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.
44This is the law that Moses set before the Israelites. 45These are the testimonies, statutes, and ordinances that Moses proclaimed to them after they had come out of Egypt,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 20:8 | And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 4:13 | Ben-geber in Ramoth-gilead (the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead belonged to him, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); |
| 3 | Joshua 21:27 | This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 22:3–4 | who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?” So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of Israel, “I am like you, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 6:71 | The Gershomites received the following: From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 6:80 | And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, |
| 7 | Joshua 21:38 | And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, |
Deuteronomy 4:43 Summary
This verse talks about three special cities in the wilderness where people could run to if they accidentally hurt someone. These cities, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan, were like safe havens where people could go to be protected. Just like these cities, God is our safe haven and our refuge, where we can run to when we are in trouble or need help, as seen in Psalm 46:1 and Jeremiah 29:11-13. He wants us to know that we can always come to him for safety and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the cities mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:43?
The cities of Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan were designated as cities of refuge, where someone who had unintentionally killed another person could flee to save their own life, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:42 and also in Joshua 20:1-9.
Why were these specific cities chosen?
The cities were chosen based on their locations, with one city in each of the main regions where the Israelites had settled, to provide easy access for those who needed to flee, as described in Deuteronomy 4:41-43 and Numbers 35:6-34.
How does this concept of cities of refuge relate to our lives today?
The idea of a safe haven is still relevant today, and as believers, we can find refuge in God, who is our rock and our salvation, as stated in Psalm 18:2 and 46:1.
What can we learn from the fact that these cities were given to specific tribes?
The allocation of the cities to the Reubenites, Gadites, and Manassites demonstrates God's attention to detail and his desire to provide for the needs of his people, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:43 and Joshua 13:15-32.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of a city of refuge reveal about God's heart for those who are seeking safety and protection?
- How can I apply the principle of providing a safe haven for others in my own life and community?
- What are some ways that I can be a source of refuge and comfort for those around me, just as God is our refuge and comfort?
- How does the idea of a city of refuge relate to the concept of God's mercy and grace, as seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103:8-14?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:43
[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness,.... In Joshua 20:8, it is added "upon the plain"; this perhaps was the wilderness of Moab, in the plains of it, the same with Bozrah, see Jeremiah 48:24 and in the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:43
Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan - (see the notes at Numbers 35:6-8; Joshua 20:7-8).
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:43
THE OF THREE CITIES OF REFUGE.(41) Then Moses severed.—The word “then” appears to be a note of time. It would seem that the appointment of the three cities of refuge on the eastern side of Jordan actually followed this discourse. On this side Jordan.—Heb., b’ ’êber hay-yardên. The expression is here defined by the words that follow, “toward the sun-rising,” and it need not, therefore, be taken to fix the writer’s point of view. By itself, the expression would naturally mean, on the other side of Jordan. (43) Bezer is as yet unidentified. Ramoth in Gilead, though famous in the history of Israel as the scene of Ahab’s death and of the anointing of Jehu (1 Kings 21 and 2 Kings 9), is also as yet unknown. Golan has given a name to the district of Gaulonitis. But it is as yet also unknown. We may hope that when the survey of Eastern Palestine is concluded, these ancient sites will be recovered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:43
Verse 43. Bezer in the wilderness] As the cities of refuge are generally understood to be types of the salvation provided by Christ for sinners; so their names have been thought to express some attribute of the Redeemer of mankind. See them explained Joshua 20:7-8. I SUPPOSE the last nine verses of this chapter to have been added by either Joshua or Ezra.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:43
43. Bezer] Beṣ ?er; described, as here, in Joshua 20:8; and in Joshua 21:36 along with Yahaṣ ?, Ḳ ?edemoth, and Mepha‘ath. The name also occurs on the Moabite stone, line 27. No modern equivalent has been recovered. The meaning of the name is the general one of wall or fence. Ramoth in Gilead] Joshua 20:8; Joshua 21:38 (with Maḥ ?anaim), Ramoth of Gilead, 1 Kings 4:13, etc. It has been variously identified with Es-Salṭ ? (because of the military and administrative importance of this site, and the statement of Eusebius and Jerome that Ramoth Gilead lay 15 Roman miles W. of Philadelphia = Rabbath-‘Ammon), and with the ruins called el-Jal‘ϋd, 6 miles N. of es-Salṭ ?. The Biblical data, however, imply a site N. of the Jabboḳ ?. Some have fixed on Jerash, but a site still further N. seems necessary.
There Gadara (because it must always have been a fortress of importance, debateable between Israel and Aram, and because it is not otherwise mentioned in the O.T.) and Remtheh (both because of its position and its name) seem most suitable. Salḥ ?ad has been suggested, but it lies too far E., and its own name was too well known. See further HGHL 587 f., G. A. Cooke in Driver’s Deuteronomy (3rd ed.), Add. p. xx; Cheyne, E. B. 4014 ff. Golan] Joshua 20:8; Joshua 21:27. The Γαυλάνη of Josephus (XIII. Ant. xv. 3; 1 B.J. iv. 4, 8) was in Eusebius’ time ‘a very large village in Batanea.’ To-day the name Jaulβn corresponds to the Γαυλανῖτις of the Greek period, E. of the Lake of Galilee and between the Yarmϋk and Ḥ ?ermon. Schumacher identifies the town with the modern Saḥ ?em-el-Jaulan, 17 miles E. of the Lake.
See HGHL 444 n. 2, 536, 553.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:43
43. Bezer — This city is mentioned in Joshua 20:8; Joshua 21:36, and 1 Chronicles 6:63. By some it is thought to be the same as Bosor. 1Ma 5:36. It may possibly be the modern Berza of Robinson.