King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:32 Mean?

Numbers 33:32 in the King James Version says “And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.

Numbers 33:32 · KJV


Context

30

And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth.

31

And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Benejaakan.

32

And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.

33

And they went from Horhagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah.

34

And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad—חֹר הַגִּדְגָּד (Ḥōr haggidgād, 'cavern of Gidgad' or 'hole of clefts'). Deuteronomy 10:7 calls this Gudgodah, possibly referring to rocky gorges or wadis in the desert terrain.

The geographic precision—cavern (חֹר, ḥōr) suggests a particular gorge—demonstrates that God cares about the specific details of His people's journey. No encampment was accidental; each was divinely ordained. Romans 8:28 applies this principle: 'All things work together for good' because God superintends every step.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The wilderness of Paran and the Arabah region contained numerous rocky wadis that provided some shelter from desert winds. Israel's survival in such inhospitable terrain was a standing miracle of divine preservation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to the specific geographic details of Israel's journey encourage you about His providence in your life?
  2. What does it mean that even desolate places like 'cavern of clefts' were part of God's perfect plan?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 6

And they removed

H5265

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

מִבְּנֵ֣י2 of 6
H0
יַֽעֲקָ֑ן3 of 6

from Benejaakan

H1142

bene-jaakan, a place in the desert

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ4 of 6

and encamped

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

בְּחֹ֥ר5 of 6
H0
הַגִּדְגָּֽד׃6 of 6

at Horhagidgad

H2735

chor-hag-gidgad, 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 33:32 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 33:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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