King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:13 Mean?

Numbers 21:13 in the King James Version says “From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coas...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 21:13 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, What: or, Vaheb in Suphah

15

And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab. lieth: Heb. leaneth

Read Numbers 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Pitched on the other side of Arnon (אַרְנוֹן, Arnon)—This gorge, cut 1,700 feet deep into Moab's plateau, formed the border between Moab and the Amorites. Israel carefully avoided Moabite territory (Deuteronomy 2:9) but camped in no-man's-land north of Arnon. Which cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites clarifies that this wilderness belonged to neither kingdom—Israel could traverse it without violating kinship obligations to Lot's descendants.

God's instructions respected tribal boundaries while advancing His purpose. The specificity demonstrates covenant faithfulness: Israel honored Moab's heritage while claiming only what God designated for conquest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) empties into the Dead Sea's east shore. In the late Bronze Age, this region was contested between Moab and Amorite kingdoms. Israel's route navigated complex geopolitics under divine direction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Israel's respect for boundaries God established for others inform Christian engagement with secular authority?
  2. Where might God be calling you to advance His purposes while honoring legitimate claims of others?
  3. What does this passage teach about navigating 'no-man's-land' situations ethically and faithfully?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
מִשָּׁם֮1 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נָסָעוּ֒2 of 18

“From thence they removed”

H5265

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

וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּ3 of 18

“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

מֵעֵ֤בֶר4 of 18

“on the other side”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

אַרְנוֹן֙5 of 18

“for Arnon”

H769

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 18
H834

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

בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר7 of 18

“which is in the wilderness”

H4057

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

הַיֹּצֵ֖א8 of 18

“that cometh out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

גְּב֣וּל9 of 18

“is the border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

הָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃10 of 18

“and the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

כִּ֤י11 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַרְנוֹן֙12 of 18

“for Arnon”

H769

the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory

גְּב֣וּל13 of 18

“is the border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מוֹאָ֖ב14 of 18

“between Moab”

H4124

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

בֵּ֥ין15 of 18
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

מוֹאָ֖ב16 of 18

“between Moab”

H4124

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

וּבֵ֥ין17 of 18
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃18 of 18

“and the Amorites”

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

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 21:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 21:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 11:18Numbers 22:36Numbers 21:14Deuteronomy 2:24Isaiah 16:2Jeremiah 48:20

Places in This Verse

ArnonRiver · Modern: Wadi Mujib · 31.47°N, 35.57°E12 verses across 4 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Numbers 21 →

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