King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:11 Mean?

Numbers 21:11 in the King James Version says “And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising . ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising . Ijeabarim: or, heaps of Abarim”

Numbers 21:11 · KJV

Context

9

And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

10

And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.

11

And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising . Ijeabarim: or, heaps of Abarim

12

From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared.

13

From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

Read Numbers 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ije-abarim (עִיֵּי הָעֲבָרִים, iyye ha-abarim, "ruins of the regions beyond")—Israel's encampment names marked their progress toward Canaan. In the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising locates them east of the Dead Sea, approaching Transjordan from the southern route. Each encampment testified to God's faithfulness through decades of wandering.

The geographic precision reflects Moses' firsthand account—these weren't mythic wanderings but historical movements through real terrain. Deuteronomy 2:1-8 expands this narrative, showing God's sovereign direction even through seemingly aimless desert circuits.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred in the 40th year after the Exodus (c. 1406 BC), as Israel circumnavigated Edom and Moab to approach Canaan from the east. Ije-abarim was in the mountain range overlooking Moab's plateau, marking the final phase of wilderness wandering.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's detailed preservation of Israel's journey encourage you in seasons that feel aimless or directionless?
  2. What 'encampments' in your spiritual journey mark God's faithfulness through difficult transitions?
  3. How does the geographic precision of Scripture validate its historical trustworthiness for you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 12

“And they journeyed”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מֵֽאֹבֹ֑ת2 of 12

“from Oboth”

H88

oboth, a place in the desert

וַֽיַּחֲנ֞וּ3 of 12

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְּעִיֵּ֣י4 of 12
H0
הָֽעֲבָרִ֗ים5 of 12

“at Ijeabarim”

H5863

ije-ha-abarim, a place near palestine

בַּמִּדְבָּר֙6 of 12

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

אֲשֶׁר֙7 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עַל8 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֣י9 of 12

“which is before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מוֹאָ֔ב10 of 12

“Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

מִמִּזְרַ֖ח11 of 12

“toward the sunrising”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃12 of 12
H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 21:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

Iye-abarimCampsite · Modern: Medeineh · 30.96°N, 35.78°E3 verses across 1 book
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
ObothCampsite · Modern: Ein Weibeh · 30.62°N, 35.19°E4 verses across 1 book
View all places in Numbers 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 21 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes