King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:2 Mean?

Numbers 34:2 in the King James Version says “Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fa... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)

Numbers 34:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)

3

Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:

4

And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God precisely defines Canaan's borders before Israel crosses Jordan, demonstrating His sovereign gift of specific territory. The phrase 'This is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance' uses the Hebrew 'naphal' (fall), indicating distribution by lot under divine providence. God's detailed geographical boundaries show He cares about specifics, not just generalities. The land inheritance foreshadows believers' eternal inheritance - specific, certain, and sovereignly granted (1 Pet 1:4, Eph 1:11). The borders extended beyond what Israel fully possessed, pointing to promises yet unfulfilled until Messiah's kingdom (Gen 15:18-21).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Given on Moab's plains as Israel prepared to enter Canaan, these boundaries defined the land originally promised to Abraham (Gen 15:18). The borders extended from the wilderness of Zin southward to Lebanon northward, from the Mediterranean westward to beyond Jordan eastward. Historical Israel never fully possessed all this territory, with complete fulfillment awaiting the Messianic kingdom (Ezek 47:13-20 provides similar boundaries for millennial distribution). Archaeological evidence confirms these geographical markers existed in ancient times.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's specific promises give you confidence that He has determined the exact boundaries of your life's calling?
  2. Are you trusting God's sovereign 'lot' for your life, or striving for territory He hasn't assigned?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
צַ֞ו1 of 21

Command

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֤י3 of 21

the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣5 of 21

and say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֔ם6 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּֽי7 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתֶּ֥ם8 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בָּאִ֖ים9 of 21

unto them When ye come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל10 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֥רֶץ11 of 21

this is the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנַ֖עַן12 of 21

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

זֹ֣את13 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֶ֥רֶץ14 of 21

this is the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר15 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּפֹּ֤ל16 of 21

that shall fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

לָכֶם֙17 of 21
H0
בְּֽנַחֲלָ֔ה18 of 21

unto you for an inheritance

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אֶ֥רֶץ19 of 21

this is the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנַ֖עַן20 of 21

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

לִגְבֻֽלֹתֶֽיהָ׃21 of 21

with the coasts

H1367

a boundary, region


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 34:2 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 34:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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