King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:3 Mean?

Numbers 21:3 in the King James Version says “And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and thei... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah. Hormah: that is, Utter destruction

Numbers 21:3 · KJV


Context

1

And when king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies; then he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners.

2

And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.

3

And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah. Hormah: that is, Utter destruction

4

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. discouraged: or, grieved: Heb. shortened

5

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD 'delivered up the Canaanites' in response to Israel's vow. Divine intervention secured victory they couldn't achieve alone. The place was named 'Hormah' (destruction/devotion), memorializing God's faithfulness. Naming places after God's acts creates permanent testimony to His intervention. Our lives should be marked by memorial experiences of divine faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ironically, an earlier generation had attacked this region presumptuously and been defeated at Hormah (14:45). The same location witnessed both judgment for presumption and victory through faith. Geography carried theological meaning: places of past defeat could become, through faith, locations of triumph.

Reflection Questions

  1. What places or experiences in your life mark transitions from defeat to victory through faith?
  2. How do you memorialize God's faithfulness so future generations know what He has done?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע1 of 15

hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 15

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּק֣וֹל3 of 15

to the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל4 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיִּתֵּן֙5 of 15

and delivered up

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת6 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י7 of 15

the Canaanites

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

וַיַּֽחֲרֵ֥ם8 of 15

and they utterly destroyed

H2763

to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose

אֶתְהֶ֖ם9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָֽרֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 15

them and their cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּקְרָ֥א12 of 15

and he called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵׁם13 of 15

the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמָּק֖וֹם14 of 15

of the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

חָרְמָֽה׃15 of 15

Hormah

H2767

chormah, a place in palestine


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 21:3 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 21:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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