King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:12 Mean?

Numbers 34:12 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 34:12 · KJV

Context

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:

14

For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea—The Jordan River and yam ha-melach (יָם הַמֶּלַח, 'Salt Sea,' the Dead Sea) form Israel's eastern boundary. At 1,410 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is earth's lowest point—a stark, lifeless body of water whose 34% salinity prevents aquatic life. Yet even this barren boundary belongs to God's ordained land.

Ezekiel prophesied that eschatological waters from the temple would heal the Dead Sea, bringing life where death reigned (Ezekiel 47:8-11). This anticipates Christ's life-giving power transforming spiritual death into abundant life (John 4:14, 7:38).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Dead Sea marked ancient Israel's southeastern border. Its salt was economically valuable, and its asphalt (bitumen) was exported to Egypt for mummification. The region held historical significance: Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction (Genesis 19), David's refuge at En Gedi (1 Samuel 24), and the Qumran community that preserved the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ezekiel's vision of the Dead Sea coming to life illustrate the gospel's power to transform spiritual death?
  2. What does God's inclusion of even a lifeless sea within Israel's boundaries teach about His redemptive purposes for all creation?
  3. In what 'dead' areas of your life do you need Christ's living water to bring transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְיָרַ֤ד1 of 13

“shall go down”

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

הַגְּבוּל֙2 of 13

“And the border”

H1366

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

הַיַּרְדֵּ֔נָה3 of 13

“to Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וְהָי֥וּ4 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו5 of 13

“and the goings out”

H8444

(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source

יָ֣ם6 of 13

“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

הַמֶּ֑לַח7 of 13

“of it shall be at the salt”

H4417

properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)

זֹאת֩8 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תִּֽהְיֶ֨ה9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֥ם10 of 13
H0
הָאָ֛רֶץ11 of 13

“this shall be your land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לִגְבֻֽלֹתֶ֖יהָ12 of 13

“with the coasts”

H1367

a boundary, region

סָבִֽיב׃13 of 13

“thereof round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 34:12 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 34:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 34:3Genesis 13:10Genesis 14:3Genesis 19:24-26

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
Salt SeaBody of Water · Modern: Dead Sea · 31.50°N, 35.50°E21 verses across 11 books
View all places in Numbers 34 →

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