King James Version

What Does Numbers 32:38 Mean?

Numbers 32:38 in the King James Version says “And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builde... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. gave: Heb. they called by names the names of the cities

Numbers 32:38 · KJV


Context

36

And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.

37

And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

38

And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. gave: Heb. they called by names the names of the cities

39

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.

40

And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verse 38 continues the geographical details of tribal settlements—These verses enumerate specific cities and territories assigned to Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh in Transjordan. The detailed place names (many now archaeologically identified) demonstrate historical reliability of biblical records and emphasize that spiritual inheritance has concrete, real-world manifestation.

The extensive geographical detail teaches that God's covenant faithfulness operates in space-time history, not mythological abstraction. Christianity is fundamentally historical religion—God acts in real places at real times among real people. Luka's Gospel emphasizes this: 'In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came to John' (Luke 3:1-2)—biblical faith is anchored in datable, locatable historical events.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These Transjordan cities became important in later Israelite history—some served as Levitical cities, others as refuge cities. Ramoth-gilead (v.{v}) became significant battleground where King Ahab died (1 Kings 22). Archaeological excavations at sites like Heshbon, Dibon, and others confirm occupation during this period, validating biblical historical claims.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Scripture's detailed geographical precision demonstrate that biblical faith is historical and verifiable, not mythological or abstract?
  2. What does the real-world, place-specific nature of biblical narrative teach about God's involvement in actual history rather than mere spiritual ideas?
  3. How can you cultivate confidence in Christianity as historical religion based on events that actually occurred in space and time?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֶת1 of 16
H853

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

נְב֞וֹ2 of 16

And Nebo

H5015

nebo, the name of a babylonian deity

וְאֶת3 of 16
H853

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

בַּ֧עַל4 of 16
H0
מְע֛וֹן5 of 16

and Baalmeon

H1186

baal-meon, a place east of the jordan

מֽוּסַבֹּ֥ת6 of 16
H5437

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

שְׁמ֥וֹת7 of 16

their names

H8034

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

וְאֶת8 of 16
H853

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

שִׂבְמָ֑ה9 of 16

and Shibmah

H7643

sebam or sibmah, a place in moab

וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ10 of 16

and gave

H7121

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

שְׁמ֥וֹת11 of 16

their names

H8034

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

אֶת12 of 16
H853

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

שְׁמ֥וֹת13 of 16

their names

H8034

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

הֶֽעָרִ֖ים14 of 16

unto the cities

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834

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

בָּנֽוּ׃16 of 16

which they builded

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)


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 32:38 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 32:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study