Deuteronomy 2:20-21
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This verse highlights how different peoples remembered their history – the Ammonites called these ancient inhabitants "Zamzummim," a name that might suggest their loud, perhaps frightening, presence or even their supposed cunning. It’s a subtle reminder that history isn't always a single story, but a collection of names and interpretations passed down through generations.
(It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim— a people great and many, and tall as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before the Ammonites, and they dispossessed them and settled in their place,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The chapter is explaining that the land the Israelites are about to enter, specifically the territory east of the Jordan River, has already been given to the descendants of Lot, and God explicitly forbids the Israelites from attacking or taking it. These verses provide historical background on the peoples who previously inhabited these lands, like the Emim and Rephaim, noting that they were often giants and that the Ammonites called a specific giant group the Zamzummim. This information serves to justify why the Israelites must go around the lands of Ammon and Moab, as God had already settled these nations in their territories.
Ever wonder about the ancient peoples who lived in the lands before Israel? This verse mentions a group known as the Rephaim, and their name carries a weighty meaning.
The Bible often describes certain ancient inhabitants of Canaan and surrounding lands as 'giants.' The Hebrew word often translated as 'giant' is 'Rephaim.'
Meaning and Mystery
The exact meaning of 'Rephaim' is debated, but some scholars connect it to words meaning 'shades,' 'the dead,' or even 'the long-lived.' This suggests they were seen as a formidable, perhaps even fearsome, people from a bygone era. They are mentioned in other ancient texts, sometimes alongside other groups like the Anakim (known for their great stature).
More Than Just Size
While 'giants' often makes us think of physical size, the descriptions in Scripture hint at something more. These were peoples who occupied significant territories, and their presence was notable enough to be remembered and recorded centuries later. They represent a history and a people that God addressed and, in His sovereign will, displaced for Israel's inheritance.
Did you know that different cultures had different names for the same people? This verse reveals a fascinating detail about how the Ammonites referred to these ancient inhabitants.
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This verse highlights a linguistic and cultural detail: the Ammonites called the Rephaim by a different name – the Zamzummim.
A Name's Significance
Like 'Rephaim,' the meaning of 'Zamzummim' is not entirely clear, but some interpretations suggest it relates to 'muttering,' 'contriving,' or 'making a buzzing noise.' This could imply a sense of mystery, confusion, or perhaps even wickedness associated with them by the Ammonites.
Echoes of History
The fact that the Ammonites had their own name for this group shows that these peoples had a long history in the region. The writer of Deuteronomy is carefully tracing the lineage of who possessed the land, noting both the ancient inhabitants and the more recent occupants like the Ammonites. This detail serves to underscore that the land had a past, a history of its own before Israel arrived.
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.
ʿam · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a people or group, often emphasizing their physical stature, numerical strength, or status as a nation distinct from Israel. In the Old Testament, it is frequently used to describe inhabitants of Canaan or surrounding territories.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and relationship with His people. He is the sovereign Actor in history, executing justice and fulfilling His promises.
yarash · Hebrew Verb
To drive out, cast out, or cause to leave. In the biblical context, it often refers to God's act of clearing the land of nations to make room for His people or others, emphasizing His sovereign control over nations and territories.
c. 1800 BC
Rephaim inhabit Canaan
Ancient texts mention the Rephaim, a group of peoples considered giants, inhabiting various regions including areas that would later become Ammon and Moab.
c. 1400 BC
Genesis records Zuzim and Emim
The book of Genesis mentions the Zuzim and Emim, peoples who likely represent or are related to the Rephaim, inhabiting territories east of the Jordan River.
c. 1300 BC— this verse
Ammonites conquer Zamzummim
The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, dispossess the Zamzummim (also known as Rephaim or Zuzim), a tall, powerful people, and settle in their land.
c. 1400-1300 BC
Esau displaces Horites in Seir
The descendants of Esau conquer and displace the Horites from Mount Seir, a parallel event to the Ammonites taking over land previously held by giants.
c. 1300 BC
Israel journeys towards the Promised Land
During their wilderness wanderings, the Israelites approach the borders of Ammon and Moab, recalling the history of these lands and their previous inhabitants.
This passage names the Zuzim, who are strongly suggested by scholars to be the same people as the Zamzummim mentioned here, providing a connection to an earlier mention of these ancient peoples.
Deuteronomy 2:10-11These verses immediately precede the passage in question and describe the Emim, another giant-like people who occupied land formerly held by giants, creating a thematic parallel of ancient, powerful inhabitants being displaced.
Numbers 13:33This verse describes the descendants of Anak (the Anakim) as giants, paralleling the description of the Rephaim and Zamzummim as a formidable, tall people who instilled fear.
Joshua 13:12This verse mentions the land of the giants (Rephaim) being given to the children of Israel, reflecting how territories previously inhabited by powerful, ancient peoples were later claimed by 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…
This verse highlights how different peoples remembered their history – the Ammonites called these ancient inhabitants "Zamzummim," a name that might suggest their loud, perhaps frightening, presence or even their supposed cunning. It’s a subtle reminder that history isn't always a single story, but a collection of names and interpretations passed down through generations.
The chapter is explaining that the land the Israelites are about to enter, specifically the territory east of the Jordan River, has already been given to the descendants of Lot, and God explicitly forbids the Israelites from attacking or taking it. These verses provide historical background on the peoples who previously inhabited these lands, like the Emim and Rephaim, noting that they were often giants and that the Ammonites called a specific giant group the Zamzummim. This information serves to justify why the Israelites must go around the lands of Ammon and Moab, as God had already settled these nations in their territories.
The chapter is explaining that the land the Israelites are about to enter, specifically the territory east of the Jordan River, has already been given to the descendants of Lot, and God explicitly forbids the Israelites from attacking or taking it. These verses provide historical background on the peoples who previously inhabited these lands, like the Emim and Rephaim, noting that they were often giants and that the Ammonites called a specific giant group the Zamzummim. This information serves to justify why the Israelites must go around the lands of Ammon and Moab, as God had already settled these nations in their territories.
"(It is also counted as a land of Rephaim. Rephaim formerly lived there—but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim— a people great and many, and tall as the Anakim; but the LORD destroyed them before the Ammonites, and they dispossessed them and…" — This verse highlights how different peoples remembered their history – the Ammonites called these ancient inhabitants "Zamzummim," a name that might suggest their loud, perhaps frightening, presence…
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Last reviewed October 2026
