King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:4 Mean?

Numbers 21:4 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 21:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Read Numbers 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel journeyed 'by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom' because Edom refused passage (20:14-21). This detour tested patience, prompting the complaint that follows. The phrase 'the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way' reveals how circumstantial difficulty can erode faith, especially when God's path seems indirect or unnecessarily hard.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The southern route around Edom added significant time and distance to reach Canaan. This detour through difficult terrain came near the 40 years' end, when entry to the Promised Land seemed tantalizingly close yet frustratingly delayed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do unexpected detours in your spiritual journey test your trust in God's wisdom?
  2. What practices help you maintain faith when God's path seems unnecessarily difficult?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיִּסְע֞וּ1 of 14

“And they journeyed”

H5265

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

מֵהֹ֤ר2 of 14

“Hor”

H2023

hor, the name of a peak in idumaea and of one in syria

הָהָר֙3 of 14

“from mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃4 of 14

“because of the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יַם5 of 14

“sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

ס֔וּף6 of 14

“of the Red”

H5488

a reed, especially the papyrus

לִסְבֹ֖ב7 of 14

“to compass”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת8 of 14
H853

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

אֶ֣רֶץ9 of 14

“the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֱד֑וֹם10 of 14

“of Edom”

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וַתִּקְצַ֥ר11 of 14

“was much discouraged”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

נֶֽפֶשׁ12 of 14

“and the soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הָעָ֖ם13 of 14

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃14 of 14

“because of the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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 21:4 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 21:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 6:9Judges 11:18Numbers 32:7Acts 14:22Numbers 33:41Numbers 32:9

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
Mount Hor 1Mountain · Modern: Har Zin · 30.83°N, 35.06°E10 verses across 2 books
Way of the Red SeaRoad · Modern: road between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba · 29.73°N, 35.00°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Numbers 21 →

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