1316. Bashan
Lexical Summary
Bashan: Bashan

Original Word: בָּשָׁן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Bashan
Pronunciation: bah-SHAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (baw-shawn')
KJV: Bashan
NASB: Bashan
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Bashan

Of uncertain derivation; Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan -- Bashan.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
"smooth," a region E. of the Jordan
NASB Translation
Bashan (60).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
בָּשָׁן60 proper name, of a territory, masculineDeuteronomy 3:3 (smooth (& fertile) land) Bashan, first mentioned as kingdom of Og, east of Jordan, stretching from stream Jabbok (thus including northern Gilead) northward to Hermon, between Gennesaret (west) and mountains of Hauran (east); compare Di Numbers 21:33 WetzstHauran 82; later a type of fertility; — usually with article ׳הַבּ Numbers 21:33 (twice in verse); Numbers 32:33; Deuteronomy 1:4 30t. Deuteronomy, Joshua; 1 Kings 4:13,19; 2 Kings 10:33; 1 Chronicles 5:11,12,16,23; 1 Chronicles 6:47; 1 Chronicles 6:56; Nehemiah 9:22; Psalm 68:23; Psalm 135:11; Psalm 136:20; Jeremiah 22:20; Jeremiah 50:19 ("" הַכַּרְמֶל), Micah 7:14 ("" id.), Nahum 1:4 ("" id.; personified, subject of אֻמְלַל), Isaiah 33:9 ("" id.; personified subject of נֹעֵר); הַרבָּֿשָׁן (i.e. range of Hauran) Psalm 68:16 (twice in verse) (called הַראֿלהים, — from a sanctuary there? — & הַרגַּֿבְנֻנִּים many-peaked mountain); of stately trees ׳אַלּוֺנֵי הַבּ Isaiah 2:13 (still seen on western slope of mountains of Hauran, WetzstHauran 88); ׳אַלּוֺנֵי ב Zechariah 11:2 (figurative of prominent men); ׳אַלּוֺנִים מִבּ Ezekiel 27:6; of bulls ׳אַבִּידֵי ב Psalm 22:13 ("" מָּרִים figurative); so ׳בְּנֵיבֿ Deuteronomy 32:14 (+ כָּרִים וְאֵילִים also עַתּוּדִים, compare בָּקָר & צאֹן va; see בֵּן 1. j. (ν)); apparently more General is ׳מְרִיאֵי ב Ezekiel 39:18 (reference to אֵילִים כָּרִים וְעַתּוּדִים מָּרִים ֗֗֗ כֻּלָּם); once of kine (feminine, figurative of luxurious and haughty women of Samaria) Amos 4:1 ׳מָּרוֺת הַבּ.

Topical Lexicon
Geographical Setting

Bashan designates the high fertile plateau east of the Jordan River between Mount Hermon to the north and the Wadi Yarmuk to the south. Bounded on the west by the Sea of Galilee and on the east by the Arabian Desert, its rich volcanic soil, rolling pasturelands, and prominent oak forests distinguished it from neighboring Gilead and Moab. Modern geography places the heart of ancient Bashan in the Golan Heights and the Hauran region of southern Syria.

Historical Overview

• Patriarchal Period – Genesis 14:5 already hints at a land inhabited by the Rephaim, a race of formidable giants.
• Conquest under Moses – Israel’s first large‐scale victory in the Transjordan came when “King Og of Bashan came out against us with his whole army” and the LORD delivered him into Israel’s hand (Deuteronomy 3:3-4). Sixty fortified cities, including Ashtaroth and Edrei, fell to Israel.
• Tribal Allotment – Moses gave Bashan to the half-tribe of Manasseh, with Jair controlling “sixty cities in all the region of Argob” (Joshua 13:29-31). Golan in Bashan became a Levitical city of refuge (Joshua 21:27).
• United Monarchy – Solomon organized Bashan into one of his twelve administrative districts under Ben-Gever (1 Kings 4:13).
• Divided Monarchy and Exile – Aramean and later Assyrian pressures eroded Israelite control until Tiglath-Pileser III deported the population in 732 BC (2 Kings 15:29).
• Post-Exilic and New Testament Era – Although not named in the New Testament, the region’s identity survived; Josephus mentions it, and early church writers associate it with the Decapolis.

Richness of Flora and Fauna

Bashan was proverbial for luxuriant pastures, stately oaks, and well-fed livestock:
• “the curds of the herd and milk of the flock, with fattened lambs and goats of Bashan” (Deuteronomy 32:14).
• “I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land… in Bashan and Gilead” (Ezekiel 34:13-14).

The phrase “cows of Bashan” (Amos 4:1) evokes pampered ease, while “strong bulls of Bashan” (Psalm 22:12) connotes intimidating power.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

Prophets employ Bashan as a literary device in three primary ways:

1. Prosperity and Pride – Amos indicts the luxurious women of Samaria as “cows of Bashan.”
2. Judgment – Zechariah portrays cosmic desolation: “Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the stately forest has been felled!” (Zechariah 11:2).
3. Restoration – Micah 7:14 prays, “Shepherd Your people… Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead as in days of old.”

Christological Connections

Psalm 22, the Messianic psalm echoed at the crucifixion, pictures hostile onlookers as “strong bulls of Bashan.” The imagery intensifies the scene, portraying Christ surrounded by earthly power yet ultimately triumphant. Psalm 68:22 links God’s victory with Bashan: “I will bring them back from Bashan; I will retrieve them from the depths of the sea,” foreshadowing resurrection power.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty – The defeat of Og demonstrates that no earthly might, not even giants and fortified cities, can resist the LORD.
2. Covenant Faithfulness – The rich land given to Manasseh displays God’s provision; its later loss under Assyria warns against covenant breach.
3. Eschatological Hope – Prophetic mention of Bashan in restoration oracles affirms the future re-gathering and blessing of Israel.

Ministry Applications

• Victory over Strongholds – Og’s fall encourages believers facing daunting spiritual opposition.
• Stewardship – Bashan’s abundance calls for gratitude and responsible use of God’s gifts.
• Warning against Complacency – Like the “cows of Bashan,” unchecked luxury can dull spiritual sensitivity.
• Christ-Centered Preaching – Psalm 22 invites proclamation of the suffering and exaltation of Jesus Christ, with Bashan’s imagery enriching exposition.

Key References

Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-11; Deuteronomy 32:14; Joshua 13:29-31; Psalm 22:12; Psalm 68:15-22; Amos 4:1; Ezekiel 27:6; Ezekiel 39:18; Micah 7:14; Zechariah 11:2.

Forms and Transliterations
בַּבָּשָֽׁן׃ בַּבָּשָׁ֑ן בַּבָּשָׁ֔ן בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן בַּבָּשָׁן֒ בַּבָּשָׁן֙ בַבָּשָׁן֙ בָּשָֽׁן׃ בָּשָׁ֑ן בָּשָׁ֖ן בָּשָׁן֙ בָשָׁ֔ן בָשָׁ֖ן בָשָׁ֛ן בָשָׁ֣ן בָשָׁן֙ בבשן בבשן׃ בשן בשן׃ הַבָּשָֽׁן׃ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן הַבָּשָׁ֔ן הַבָּשָׁ֖ן הַבָּשָׁ֗ן הַבָּשָׁ֜ן הַבָּשָׁ֧ן הַבָּשָׁ֨ן הַבָּשָׁן֙ הבשן הבשן׃ וְהַבָּשָֽׁן׃ וְהַבָּשָׁ֑ן וְהַבָּשָׁ֔ן וּבַבָּשָׁ֖ן ובבשן והבשן והבשן׃ מִבָּ֔שָׁן מִבָּשָׁ֞ן מִבָּשָׁ֣ן מבשן bā·šān ḇā·šān bab·bā·šān ḇab·bā·šān babbāšān ḇabbāšān babbaShan bāšān ḇāšān baShan hab·bā·šān habbāšān habbaShan mib·bā·šān mibbāšān mibbaShan mibBashon ū·ḇab·bā·šān ūḇabbāšān uvabbaShan vabbaShan vaShan vehabbaShan wə·hab·bā·šān wəhabbāšān
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Numbers 21:33
HEB: וַֽיַּעֲל֔וּ דֶּ֖רֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן וַיֵּצֵ֣א עוֹג֩
NAS: up by the way of Bashan, and Og
KJV: by the way of Bashan: and Og
INT: and went the way of Bashan went and Og

Numbers 21:33
HEB: עוֹג֩ מֶֽלֶךְ־ הַבָּשָׁ֨ן לִקְרָאתָ֜ם ה֧וּא
NAS: the king of Bashan went
KJV: the king of Bashan went out
INT: and Og the king of Bashan against he

Numbers 32:33
HEB: ע֖וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן הָאָ֗רֶץ לְעָרֶ֙יהָ֙
NAS: the king of Bashan, the land
KJV: king of Bashan, the land,
INT: of Og the king of Bashan the land cities

Deuteronomy 1:4
HEB: ע֚וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן אֲשֶׁר־ יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
NAS: and Og the king of Bashan, who lived
KJV: the king of Bashan, which dwelt
INT: and Og the king of Bashan who lived

Deuteronomy 3:1
HEB: וַנַּ֔עַל דֶּ֖רֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֑ן וַיֵּצֵ֣א עוֹג֩
NAS: up the road to Bashan, and Og,
KJV: the way to Bashan: and Og
INT: and went the road to Bashan came and Og

Deuteronomy 3:1
HEB: עוֹג֩ מֶֽלֶךְ־ הַבָּשָׁ֨ן לִקְרָאתֵ֜נוּ ה֧וּא
NAS: king of Bashan, with all
KJV: the king of Bashan came out
INT: and Og king of Bashan against he

Deuteronomy 3:3
HEB: ע֥וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־ הַבָּשָׁ֖ן וְאֶת־ כָּל־
NAS: king of Bashan, with all
KJV: also, the king of Bashan, and all his people:
INT: Og king of Bashan all his people

Deuteronomy 3:4
HEB: מַמְלֶ֥כֶת ע֖וֹג בַּבָּשָֽׁן׃
NAS: the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
KJV: the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
INT: the kingdom of Og Bashan

Deuteronomy 3:10
HEB: הַגִּלְעָד֙ וְכָל־ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן עַד־ סַלְכָ֖ה
NAS: and all Bashan, as far
KJV: and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah
INT: Gilead and all Bashan far Salecah

Deuteronomy 3:10
HEB: מַמְלֶ֥כֶת ע֖וֹג בַּבָּשָֽׁן׃
NAS: of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
KJV: of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
INT: of the kingdom of Og Bashan

Deuteronomy 3:11
HEB: ע֞וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֗ן נִשְׁאַר֮ מִיֶּ֣תֶר
NAS: king of Bashan was left
KJV: king of Bashan remained
INT: Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant

Deuteronomy 3:13
HEB: הַגִּלְעָ֤ד וְכָל־ הַבָּשָׁן֙ מַמְלֶ֣כֶת ע֔וֹג
NAS: and all Bashan, the kingdom
KJV: of Gilead, and all Bashan, [being] the kingdom
INT: of Gilead and all Bashan the kingdom of Og

Deuteronomy 3:13
HEB: הָֽאַרְגֹּב֙ לְכָל־ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן הַה֥וּא יִקָּרֵ֖א
NAS: (concerning all Bashan, it is called
KJV: of Argob, with all Bashan, which
INT: of Argob all Bashan which is called

Deuteronomy 3:14
HEB: שְׁמ֤וֹ אֶת־ הַבָּשָׁן֙ חַוֹּ֣ת יָאִ֔יר
NAS: and called it, [that is], Bashan, after
INT: after name Bashan Havvoth-jair far

Deuteronomy 4:43
HEB: וְאֶת־ גּוֹלָ֥ן בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן לַֽמְנַשִּֽׁי׃
NAS: and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites.
KJV: and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
INT: the Gadites and Golan Bashan the Manassites

Deuteronomy 4:47
HEB: ע֣וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־ הַבָּשָׁ֗ן שְׁנֵי֙ מַלְכֵ֣י
NAS: of Og king of Bashan, the two kings
KJV: of Og king of Bashan, two kings
INT: of Og king of Bashan the two kings

Deuteronomy 29:7
HEB: וְע֨וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־ הַבָּשָׁ֧ן לִקְרָאתֵ֛נוּ לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה
NAS: the king of Bashan came
KJV: the king of Bashan, came out
INT: and Og the king of Bashan against battle

Deuteronomy 32:14
HEB: וְאֵילִ֤ים בְּנֵֽי־ בָשָׁן֙ וְעַתּוּדִ֔ים עִם־
NAS: the breed of Bashan, and goats,
KJV: of the breed of Bashan, and goats,
INT: and rams the breed of Bashan and goats With

Deuteronomy 33:22
HEB: יְזַנֵּ֖ק מִן־ הַבָּשָֽׁן׃
NAS: whelp, That leaps forth from Bashan.
KJV: whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
INT: leaps from Bashan

Joshua 9:10
HEB: וּלְע֥וֹג מֶֽלֶךְ־ הַבָּשָׁ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּעַשְׁתָּרֽוֹת׃
NAS: king of Bashan who
KJV: king of Bashan, which [was] at Ashtaroth.
INT: Og king of Bashan who Ashtaroth

Joshua 12:4
HEB: ע֚וֹג מֶ֣לֶךְ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן מִיֶּ֖תֶר הָרְפָאִ֑ים
NAS: king of Bashan, one of the remnant
KJV: king of Bashan, [which was] of the remnant
INT: of Og king of Bashan of the remnant of Rephaim

Joshua 12:5
HEB: וּבְסַלְכָה֙ וּבְכָל־ הַבָּשָׁ֔ן עַד־ גְּב֥וּל
NAS: and all Bashan, as far
KJV: and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border
INT: and Salecah and all Bashan far as the border

Joshua 13:11
HEB: חֶרְמ֛וֹן וְכָל־ הַבָּשָׁ֖ן עַד־ סַלְכָֽה׃
NAS: and all Bashan as far
KJV: Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
INT: Hermon and all Bashan far Salecah

Joshua 13:12
HEB: מַמְלְכ֥וּת עוֹג֙ בַּבָּשָׁ֔ן אֲשֶׁר־ מָלַ֥ךְ
NAS: of Og in Bashan, who
KJV: of Og in Bashan, which reigned
INT: the kingdom of Og Bashan who reigned

Joshua 13:30
HEB: מִמַּחֲנַ֨יִם כָּֽל־ הַבָּשָׁ֜ן כָּֽל־ מַמְלְכ֣וּת ׀
NAS: all Bashan, all
KJV: was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom
INT: Mahanaim all Bashan all the kingdom

60 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 1316
60 Occurrences


bab·bā·šān — 14 Occ.
bā·šān — 4 Occ.
hab·bā·šān — 28 Occ.
mib·bā·šān — 2 Occ.
mib·bā·šān — 1 Occ.
ū·ḇab·bā·šān — 1 Occ.
ḇab·bā·šān — 1 Occ.
ḇā·šān — 5 Occ.
wə·hab·bā·šān — 4 Occ.

1315
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