King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:47 Mean?

Numbers 33:47 in the King James Version says “And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

Numbers 33:47 · KJV


Context

45

And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibongad.

46

And they removed from Dibongad, and encamped in Almondiblathaim.

47

And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

48

And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

49

And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab. Abelshittim: or, the plains of Shittim


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo (וַיִּסְעוּ מֵעַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּהָרֵי הָעֲבָרִים לִפְנֵי נְבוֹ)—The Abarim range (הָעֲבָרִים, "regions beyond" or "passages") represents the final physical barrier before Jordan. Mount Nebo (נְבוֹ, possibly meaning "prophet" or from Babylonian god Nabu) is where Moses will view Canaan and die (Deuteronomy 34:1-5), making this camp laden with bittersweet significance.

The phrase lifnei Nevo (לִפְנֵי נְבוֹ, "before Nebo") can mean both "in front of" geographically and "in the presence of" theologically. Israel camps in the shadow of the mountain where their greatest leader will breathe his last, unable to enter the land he'd pursued for forty years. Nebo symbolizes the tension between God's discipline (Moses excluded for striking the rock, Numbers 20:12) and God's grace (Moses shown the land, given honorable death, Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Leadership transitions here from Moses to Joshua, from law-giver to land-taker.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Nebo (modern Jebel en-Neba in Jordan) rises 2,740 feet above the Dead Sea, offering panoramic views of Canaan from Dan to the Negev. Moses ascended from these plains (Deuteronomy 34:1) shortly after delivering his final sermons (Deuteronomy). From Nebo's summit, Moses saw what faith envisions: the inheritance his eyes beheld but his feet never touched.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses's death at Nebo—seeing but not entering—challenge your assumptions about how God defines "successful" ministry?
  2. What promised lands might you be called to glimpse and prepare for others to possess, even if you don't personally enter them?
  3. How does the proximity of Nebo's judgment and grace illustrate that God's discipline of His leaders doesn't negate His love for them?

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

מֵֽעַלְמֹ֣ן2 of 8
H0
דִּבְלָתָ֑יְמָה3 of 8

from Almondiblathaim

H5963

almon-diblathajemah, a place in moab

וַֽיַּחֲנ֛וּ4 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

בְּהָרֵ֥י5 of 8

in the mountains

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הָֽעֲבָרִ֖ים6 of 8

of Abarim

H5682

abarim, a place in palestine

לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 8

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

נְבֽוֹ׃8 of 8

Nebo

H5015

nebo, the name of a babylonian deity


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 33:47 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 33:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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