King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:11 Mean?

Numbers 34:11 in the King James Version says “And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall rea... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward: side of the sea: Heb. shoulder of the sea

Numbers 34:11 · KJV


Context

9

And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazarenan: this shall be your north border.

10

And ye shall point out your east border from Hazarenan to Shepham:

11

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward: side of the sea: Heb. shoulder of the sea

12

And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

13

And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward—The yam Kinneret (יָם כִּנֶּרֶת, 'Sea of Galilee,' literally 'harp-shaped sea') marks a crucial eastern boundary point. Riblah's identification remains uncertain, but the descent from highlands to the Sea of Galilee (700 feet below sea level) is geographically dramatic. God's boundaries embrace diverse terrain—mountains, valleys, seas.

Galilee later became central to Jesus's ministry. The same waters that bounded tribal inheritance witnessed Christ walking on waves, calming storms, and calling fishermen to be fishers of men. Geography and salvation history intertwine in God's providence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth) was known for abundant fishing and surrounded by fertile land. Its strategic location made it commercially valuable. Later divided between the tribes of Naphtali and Manasseh, this region became prominent during Jesus's Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:13-17). Riblah was later the site of tragic judgment on Judah's King Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:6-7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sea of Galilee's role in both tribal boundaries and Jesus's ministry reveal God's long-term providential planning?
  2. What does God's concern for specific geographical details teach about His involvement in the material world?
  3. How should the fact that Jesus chose 'Galilee of the Gentiles' for His ministry shape your view of God's inclusive grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְיָרַ֣ד1 of 14

shall descend

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַגְּבֻ֔ל2 of 14

And the coast

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מִשְּׁפָ֛ם3 of 14

from Shepham

H8221

shepham, a place in or near palestine

הָֽרִבְלָ֖ה4 of 14

to Riblah

H7247

riblah, a place in syria

קֵֽדְמָה׃5 of 14

eastward

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

לָעָ֑יִן6 of 14

of Ain

H5871

ajin, the name (thus simply) of two places in palestine

וְיָרַ֣ד7 of 14

shall descend

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

הַגְּבֻ֔ל8 of 14

And the coast

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

וּמָחָ֛ה9 of 14

and shall reach

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

עַל10 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֶּ֥תֶף11 of 14

unto the side

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

יָם12 of 14

of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

כִּנֶּ֖רֶת13 of 14

of Chinnereth

H3672

kinneroth or kinnereth, a place in palestine

קֵֽדְמָה׃14 of 14

eastward

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)


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 34:11 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 34:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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