King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:3 Mean?

Numbers 34:3 in the King James Version says “Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be t... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 34:3 · 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:

5

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The southern border beginning at the wilderness of Zin along Edom's border establishes that Israel's inheritance was distinct from their relatives. Edom (Esau's descendants) received different territory. God distinguished between Jacob and Esau in inheritance, though both were Abraham's descendants. This teaches that physical descent doesn't guarantee spiritual inheritance. The Reformed doctrine of election is illustrated—God chooses whom He will bless, not based on genealogy but according to His purpose. Not all Abraham's descendants received the promise; only Isaac's line through Jacob.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The southern boundary separated Israel from Edom, their brother nation descended from Esau. Despite familial connection, the two nations received distinct inheritances and had different relationships with God. Edom would later oppose Israel, demonstrating that shared ancestry doesn't guarantee shared faith or blessing. The border's definition prevented future territorial disputes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does distinguishing between Jacob and Esau teach about election?
  2. How does physical descent's insufficiency for inheritance illustrate spiritual truth?
  3. In what ways does Romans 9's discussion of Jacob and Esau illuminate this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 17
H1961

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

לָכֶ֧ם2 of 17
H0
פְּאַת3 of 17

quarter

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

נֶ֔גֶב4 of 17

Then your south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

מִמִּדְבַּר5 of 17

shall be from the wilderness

H4057

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

צִ֖ן6 of 17

of Zin

H6790

tsin, a part of the desert

עַל7 of 17
H5921

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

יְדֵ֣י8 of 17

along by the coast

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֱד֑וֹם9 of 17

of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וְהָיָ֤ה10 of 17
H1961

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

לָכֶם֙11 of 17
H0
גְּב֣וּל12 of 17

border

H1366

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

נֶ֔גֶב13 of 17

Then your south

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

מִקְצֵ֥ה14 of 17

shall be the outmost coast

H7097

an extremity

יָם15 of 17

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

הַמֶּ֖לַח16 of 17

of the salt

H4417

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

קֵֽדְמָה׃17 of 17

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 34:3 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 34:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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