(It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 2:20
What does Deuteronomy 2:20 mean?
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Deuteronomy 2:20
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It's fascinating how the text highlights not just that giants lived here, but that the Ammonites had their own distinct name, "Zamzummim," for them, suggesting a rich local history and folklore woven into the land's story. This emphasis on naming shows how even ancient peoples distinguished between generic "giants" and specific inhabitants, giving them their own identity and place in history.
(It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The narrative here is shifting to explain how the land the Israelites are now approaching, inhabited by the Ammonites, came to be theirs. Before this verse, Moses has been recounting God's instructions to avoid conflict with Moab and Ammon, explaining that these lands were given to the descendants of Lot. This verse clarifies that the Ammonites conquered a land previously occupied by a powerful, giant-like people known as the Rephaim, whom the Ammonites called Zamzummim.
Ever wonder if the people mentioned in the Bible had different names or identities? This verse hints at that complexity.
Deuteronomy 2:20 introduces us to a land once inhabited by a people known as the Rephaim. However, the Ammonites, who later occupied this region, called them by a different name: the Zamzummim. This highlights a fascinating aspect of ancient history and how populations and their identities could shift over time.
Why does the Bible mention these ancient, 'giant' peoples? It's a reminder of God's ultimate authority.
While this verse focuses on the historical names and inhabitants of the land, the broader context of Deuteronomy reveals a crucial theological point: God is the one who grants and removes land.
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Understand the original words
Rephaim · Hebrew Noun
A term used in the Bible to describe an ancient race of people often characterized by their great stature or strength, sometimes associated with giants. They represent the inhabitants of the land that existed before the current occupants and often possess a mythic or fearful quality in historical accounts.
This verse highlights that the land the Ammonites claimed was once inhabited by formidable, ancient peoples. It reminds the Israelites that God gives land, and He can dispossess one people to give it to another, even if the current inhabitants have a history of strength or conquest.
c. 1800 BC
Rephaim inhabit the land
Ancient, often tall peoples like the Rephaim (and related groups like the Zuzim, Zamzummim, and Anakim) are known to have inhabited Canaan and its surrounding regions.
c. 1700 BC— this verse
Ammonites displace Zamzummim
The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, conquer and settle the land previously held by the Zamzummim, whom they called giants.
c. 1400 BC
Abrahamic Patriarchs encounter Rephaim
Abraham and later figures like Jacob encounter remnants or related peoples of the Rephaim in the land of Canaan, as recorded in Genesis.
c. 13th century BC
Israelites prepare to enter Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites are on the verge of conquering the Promised Land, which is inhabited by various peoples, including descendants of these ancient giants.
This passage directly links the Rephaim with the Zuzim, whom the Ammonites called Zamzummim, showing an ancient lineage of these peoples.
Genesis 14:20This verse mentions that Abram gave a tenth of all to Melchizedek, implying a divine order even before the conquest of lands occupied by giants, echoing God's sovereign right to give land.
Numbers 21:24This verse mentions Sihon king of the Amorites, who had driven out the Moabites from their original land, illustrating how nations displaced earlier inhabitants, similar to what happened with the Zamzummim.
Joshua 13:12This passage describes Og king of Bashan, another giant king whose territory was in the land of the Rephaim, reinforcing the theme of God dispossessing powerful giants for His people.
Amos 9:7This prophetic verse states that Israel is like the children of Ethiopia (Cushites), suggesting that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel, and has a plan for them all, including those who were once giants or displaced others.
gillDeuteronomy 2:20: "(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;"
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, Genesis 14:5. and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims; they are thought to be the same with the Zuzims in Genesis 14:5 who had their name, as Hillerus (c) thinks…
clarkeDeuteronomy 2:20: "(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;"
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 the…
It's fascinating how the text highlights not just that giants lived here, but that the Ammonites had their own distinct name, "Zamzummim," for them, suggesting a rich local history and folklore woven into the land's story. This emphasis on naming shows how even ancient peoples distinguished between generic "giants" and specific inhabitants, giving them their own identity and place in history.
The narrative here is shifting to explain how the land the Israelites are now approaching, inhabited by the Ammonites, came to be theirs. Before this verse, Moses has been recounting God's instructions to avoid conflict with Moab and Ammon, explaining that these lands were given to the descendants of Lot. This verse clarifies that the Ammonites conquered a land previously occupied by a powerful, giant-like people known as the Rephaim, whom the Ammonites called Zamzummim.
The narrative here is shifting to explain how the land the Israelites are now approaching, inhabited by the Ammonites, came to be theirs. Before this verse, Moses has been recounting God's instructions to avoid conflict with Moab and Ammon, explaining that these lands were given to the descendants of Lot. This verse clarifies that the Ammonites conquered a land previously occupied by a powerful, giant-like people known as the Rephaim, whom the Ammonites called Zamzummim.
"(It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim—" — It's fascinating how the text highlights not just that giants lived here, but that the Ammonites had their own distinct name, "Zamzummim," for them, suggesting a rich local history and folklore woven…
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Last reviewed October 2026