King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:36 Mean?

Numbers 33:36 in the King James Version says “And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh.

Numbers 33:36 · KJV


Context

34

And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.

35

And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.

36

And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh.

37

And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.

38

And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh—מִדְבַּר צִן (midbar Ṣin) at קָדֵשׁ (Qādēsh, 'holy' or 'sanctuary'). This verse records Israel's return to Kadesh-barnea, where they had rebelled 38 years earlier (13:26-14:45). The second generation now stood where their fathers fell into unbelief.

Kadesh was both judgment site (where the wilderness sentence was pronounced) and boundary of promise (on the edge of Canaan). Israel's circular route brought them back to square one—yet not unchanged. The old generation had died; new leadership and new faith would carry them forward. God's discipline is never merely punitive but always redemptive, preparing His people for inheritance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Kadesh-barnea (possibly modern Ain el-Qudeirat) was a major oasis in the northern Sinai, serving as Israel's base of operations during much of the wilderness period. This return to Kadesh (around year 40) sets the stage for the events of chapter 20, including Miriam's death and Moses' striking the rock.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's bringing Israel back to Kadesh after 38 years demonstrate both justice and mercy?
  2. Have you experienced 'returning' to a place of past failure, but this time with greater faith and maturity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 8

And they removed

H5265

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

מֵֽעֶצְיֹ֣ן2 of 8
H0
גָּ֑בֶר3 of 8

from Eziongaber

H6100

etsjon-geber, a place on the red sea

וַיַּֽחֲנ֥וּ4 of 8

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

בְמִדְבַּר5 of 8

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

צִ֖ן6 of 8

of Zin

H6790

tsin, a part of the desert

הִ֥וא7 of 8
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

קָדֵֽשׁ׃8 of 8

which is Kadesh

H6946

kadesh, 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 33:36 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 33:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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