King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:29 Mean?

Numbers 33:29 in the King James Version says “And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.”

Numbers 33:29 · KJV

Context

27

And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah.

28

And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah.

29

And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.

30

And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth.

31

And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Benejaakan.

Read Numbers 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah—The Hebrew מִתְקָה (Mithqah, 'sweetness') to חַשְׁמֹנָה (Hashmōnāh, possibly 'fruitful'). These wilderness stations between Sinai and Kadesh represent the interim period of Israel's wandering, when they were neither at the mountain of God nor yet approaching Canaan.

The bare recitation of movement verbs—went (נָסַע, nasa') and pitched (חָנָה, chanah)—emphasizes the transient nature of pilgrimage. God's people lived in tents, not cities, learning dependence on divine provision. Hebrews 11:13-16 celebrates this nomadic faith: 'strangers and pilgrims on the earth.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This itinerary section (vv. 16-36) covers the 38 years of wandering between departing Sinai and returning to Kadesh. Many of these place names appear nowhere else in Scripture, suggesting the original audience knew the geography intimately even though later generations lost the specific locations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the repetitive nature of these journey notices mirror seasons of 'waiting' in your spiritual life?
  2. What does Israel's nomadic existence teach about holding earthly possessions lightly?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 4

“And they went”

H5265

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

מִמִּתְקָ֑ה2 of 4

“from Mithcah”

H4989

mithkah, a place in the desert

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ3 of 4

“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

בְּחַשְׁמֹנָֽה׃4 of 4

“in Hashmonah”

H2832

chasmonah, a place in the desert

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 33:29 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

HashmonahCampsite · Modern: Tell es Saqati · 31.31°N, 34.91°E2 verses across 1 book
MithkahCampsite · Modern: Wadi Umm Hashim · 30.64°N, 34.41°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Numbers 33 →

Test Your Knowledge

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