Deuteronomy 2:20
New International Version
(That too was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

New Living Translation
(That area was once considered the land of the Rephaites, who had lived there, though the Ammonites call them Zamzummites.

English Standard Version
(It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim—

Berean Standard Bible
(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

King James Bible
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

New King James Version
(That was also regarded as a land of giants; giants formerly dwelt there. But the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

New American Standard Bible
(It is also regarded as the land of the Rephaim, because the Rephaim previously lived in it, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummin,

NASB 1995
(It is also regarded as the land of the Rephaim, for Rephaim formerly lived in it, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummin,

NASB 1977
(It is also regarded as the land of the Rephaim, for Rephaim formerly lived in it, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummin,

Legacy Standard Bible
(It is also regarded as the land of the Rephaim, for Rephaim formerly lived in it, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummin,

Amplified Bible
(It is also regarded as the land of the Rephaim [of giant stature], for Rephaim used to live there, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummin,

Christian Standard Bible
This too used to be regarded as the land of the Rephaim. The Rephaim lived there previously, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummim,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This too used to be regarded as the land of the Rephaim. The Rephaim lived there previously, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummim,

American Standard Version
(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

Contemporary English Version
Before the Ammonites conquered the land that the LORD had given them, some of the Rephaim used to live there, although the Ammonites called them Zamzummim.

English Revised Version
(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This land was thought of as the land of the Rephaim who used to live there, but the Ammonites called them Zamzummim.

Good News Translation
This territory is also known as the land of the Rephaim, the name of the people who used to live there; the Ammonites called them Zamzummim.

International Standard Version
"'(Indeed, it was considered Rephaim territory, since the Rephaim used to lived there. The Ammonites called them Zamzummites,

Majority Standard Bible
(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites.

NET Bible
(That also is considered to be a land of the Rephaites. The Rephaites lived there originally; the Ammonites call them Zamzummites.

New Heart English Bible
(That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim lived in it before; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

Webster's Bible Translation
(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt in it in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

World English Bible
(That also is considered a land of Rephaim. Rephaim lived there in the past, but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
It is reckoned [as] a land of Rephaim, even it; Rephaim formerly dwelt in it, and the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

Young's Literal Translation
'A land of Rephaim it is reckoned, even it; Rephaim dwelt in it formerly, and the Ammonites call them Zamzummim;

Smith's Literal Translation
It also shall be reckoned the land of the Rephaims; the Rephaims dwelt in it before them, and the Ammonites called them Zamzummims;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It was accounted a land of giants: and giants formerly dwelt in it, whom the Ammonites call Zomzommims,

Catholic Public Domain Version
It was reputed to be a land of giants. And giants lived there in times past, those whom the Ammonites call the Zamzummim.

New American Bible
(This also is considered a country of the Rephaim; formerly the Rephaim dwelt there. The Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

New Revised Standard Version
(It also is usually reckoned as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly inhabited it, though the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
(That also was accounted a land of giants; giants dwelt in it formerly; and the Ammonites call them Zamzumins;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
That was considered also a land of the giants; giants dwelt in it from the first, and the Ammonites call them Zamzemin;
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
It shall be accounted a land of Raphain, for the Raphain dwelt there before, and the Ammanites call them Zochommin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Wanderings in the Wilderness
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,…

Cross References
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,

Genesis 15:18-21
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— / the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, / Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, ...

Numbers 13:33
We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”

Numbers 21:24
And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified.

Numbers 21:34-35
But the LORD said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land. Do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon.” / So they struck down Og, along with his sons and his whole army, until no remnant was left. And they took possession of his land.

Deuteronomy 3:11
(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)

Deuteronomy 9:2
The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”

Joshua 12:4
And Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived in Ashtaroth and Edrei.

Joshua 13:12
the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them,

1 Samuel 17:4-7
Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, / and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, / and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. ...

2 Samuel 21:16-22
Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” / Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha. ...

1 Chronicles 20:4-8
Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ...

Amos 2:9
Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below.

Matthew 11:23
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.

Matthew 17:20
“Because you have so little faith,” He answered. “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”


Treasury of Scripture

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelled therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

Zamzummims

Genesis 14:5
And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

Zuzims

Jump to Previous
Accounted Aforetime Ammonites Considered Dwelt Earlier Live Past Reckoned Regarded Rephaim Reph'aim Rephaites Therein Time Times Used
Jump to Next
Accounted Aforetime Ammonites Considered Dwelt Earlier Live Past Reckoned Regarded Rephaim Reph'aim Rephaites Therein Time Times Used
Deuteronomy 2
1. The story is continued, that they were not to meddle with the Edomites
9. nor with the Moabites
16. nor with the Ammonites
24. but Sihon the Amorite was subdued by them














That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim
The Rephaim were a group of ancient people known for their great size and strength, often associated with giants in biblical texts. The term "Rephaim" is used in various parts of the Old Testament to describe formidable warriors or inhabitants of the land before the Israelites. This phrase indicates that the land in question was once inhabited by these mighty people, suggesting a history of powerful and possibly intimidating occupants. The Rephaim are mentioned in other scriptures, such as Genesis 14:5 and Joshua 12:4, where they are depicted as significant adversaries. Their presence in the land underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to claim the territories promised to them by God.

who used to live there
This phrase indicates that the Rephaim were no longer present in the land at the time of the narrative. Their absence could be attributed to various factors, such as displacement by other groups, divine intervention, or natural decline. The past tense suggests a change in the region's demographic and power dynamics, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God preparing the land for His chosen people. The removal or defeat of such formidable inhabitants would have been seen as a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His promises.

though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites
The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, had their own name for the Rephaim, calling them Zamzummites. This name might reflect a cultural or linguistic difference in how these people were perceived or remembered by neighboring groups. The term "Zamzummites" could imply a particular characteristic or reputation, possibly related to their strength or the fear they inspired. The distinction in names highlights the diverse perspectives and interactions among ancient Near Eastern peoples. It also illustrates the complexity of the region's history, where various tribes and nations had their own narratives and terminologies for the same groups. This diversity is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 3:11, where different names and descriptions are used for similar peoples.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rephaim
An ancient group of people often described as giants in the Old Testament. They were known for their great size and strength and were considered formidable opponents.

2. Ammonites
A Semitic people descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew. They inhabited the region east of the Jordan River and had their own distinct culture and language.

3. Zamzummim
Another name for the Rephaim used by the Ammonites. This term highlights the cultural and linguistic differences in how various groups referred to the same people.

4. Land of the Rephaim
A region known for being inhabited by the Rephaim. It was considered a land of giants and was part of the territories that Israel encountered during their journey to the Promised Land.

5. Israel's Journey
The context of this verse is part of the account of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, detailing the lands they passed through and the peoples they encountered.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The passage highlights God's control over the nations and their histories. Despite the formidable nature of the Rephaim, God had a plan for Israel that included overcoming these giants.

Cultural Perspectives
The different names for the Rephaim (Zamzummim by the Ammonites) remind us of the importance of understanding cultural perspectives and language differences in biblical interpretation.

Faith in God's Promises
Just as Israel was called to trust God in the face of giants, believers today are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, even when facing daunting challenges.

Historical Context
Understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of Scripture and God's unfolding plan.

Spiritual Warfare
The physical battles against giants in the Old Testament can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual battles believers face, emphasizing reliance on God's strength.(20) In old time.--See Genesis 14

Zamzummims = Zuzims (Genesis 14:5).

Verses 20-23. - Another parenthetical insertion, containing some ethnographical notices, intended, probably, to confirm the assertion that to the children of Ammon God had given their land for a possession. There is no sufficient reason for supposing that this paragraph is an interpolation, or gloss, inserted by some later writer. It lay as much in the way of Moses to introduce such ethnographical notices as in that of any writer of a later age. Verse 20. - Before the Ammonites, the laud was occupied by a gigantic race, called by them, Zamzummim (probably noisy ones, from זָמַם to hum, mutter; or, as the verb also signifies, to muse or meditate, perhaps moody ones; whether the same as the Zuzim of Genesis 14:5 - LXX., ἔθνη ἰσχυρά, as if from זוּז, to overflow, to abound - is uncertain). The colossal stone monuments, resembling what in Europe are known by the Celtic names of dolmen, menhir, and cromlech, still to be found in the land of Moab, are supposed to be the work of these aboriginal inhabitants of the country, the gigantic Emim and Zamzummim. This giant tribe the Lord had destroyed before the Ammonites, just as he had destroyed the Horim before the children of Esau in Seir.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
(That too
אַף־ (’ap̄-)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

was regarded
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב (tê·ḥā·šêḇ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2803: To think, account

as the land
אֶֽרֶץ־ (’e·reṣ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of the Rephaim,
רְפָאִ֥ים (rə·p̄ā·’îm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 7497: Rephaim -- inhabitants of an area East of the Jordan

[who]
רְפָאִ֤ים (rə·p̄ā·’îm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 7497: Rephaim -- inhabitants of an area East of the Jordan

used to live there,
יָֽשְׁבוּ־ (yā·šə·ḇū-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

though the Ammonites
וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔ים (wə·hā·‘am·mō·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 5984: Ammonite -- descendants of Ammon

called
יִקְרְא֥וּ (yiq·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

them Zamzummites.
זַמְזֻמִּֽים׃ (zam·zum·mîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 2157: Zamzummin -- another name for the Rephaim


Links
Deuteronomy 2:20 NIV
Deuteronomy 2:20 NLT
Deuteronomy 2:20 ESV
Deuteronomy 2:20 NASB
Deuteronomy 2:20 KJV

Deuteronomy 2:20 BibleApps.com
Deuteronomy 2:20 Biblia Paralela
Deuteronomy 2:20 Chinese Bible
Deuteronomy 2:20 French Bible
Deuteronomy 2:20 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 2:19
Top of Page
Top of Page