King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:4 Mean?

Numbers 34:4 in the King James Version says “And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof sha... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 34:4 · King James Version


Context

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.

6

And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim (Ma'aleh Aqrabbim, Scorpion Pass)—God defines Promised Land boundaries with geographic precision before Israel enters. The southern border curves from Wilderness of Zin through treacherous Scorpion Pass (steep ascent southeast of Dead Sea) to Kadesh-barnea (where Israel rebelled 38 years prior, 13:26-14:4).

This isn't abstract theology but real estate covenant. The Hebrew gevul (border/boundary) appears repeatedly (34:3-12), showing God's promises are concrete, not merely spiritual. Abraham received general promise (Genesis 15:18-21); now Moses receives surveyor's specifications. The borders mark both gift and limitation—Israel must occupy what God gives, not expand beyond. Obedience has geography.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 34 (ca. 1406 BC) details borders before conquest. Kadesh-barnea was Israel's camping location during 38-year wilderness punishment. Akrabbim Pass (modern Naqb es-Safa) controlled southern access to Judean highlands. These borders defined tribal inheritances Joshua allocated (Joshua 15-19), though Israel never fully occupied all territories.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do specific, limited boundaries challenge 'prosperity gospel' assumptions about unlimited blessing?
  2. What does God's pre-specification of borders teach about divine sovereignty over nations and their territories?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְנָסַ֣ב1 of 18

shall turn

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

לָכֶם֩2 of 18
H0
הַגְּב֨וּל3 of 18

And your border

H1366

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

מִנֶּ֖גֶב4 of 18

from the south

H5045

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

לְמַֽעֲלֵ֤ה5 of 18

to the ascent

H4608

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

עַקְרַבִּים֙6 of 18

of Akrabbim

H4610

steep of scorpions, a place in the desert

וְעָבַ֥ר7 of 18

and pass on

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

צִ֔נָה8 of 18

to Zin

H6790

tsin, a part of the desert

וְהָיָה9 of 18
H1961

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

תּֽוֹצְאֹתָ֔יו10 of 18

and the going forth

H8444

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

מִנֶּ֖גֶב11 of 18

from the south

H5045

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

לְקָדֵ֣שׁ12 of 18
H0
בַּרְנֵ֑עַ13 of 18

to Kadeshbarnea

H6947

kadesh-barnea, a place in the desert

וְיָצָ֥א14 of 18

and shall go on

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

חֲצַר15 of 18
H0
אַדָּ֖ר16 of 18

to Hazaraddar

H2692

chatsar-addar, a place in palestine

וְעָבַ֥ר17 of 18

and pass on

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַצְמֹֽנָה׃18 of 18

to Azmon

H6111

atsmon, a place near palestine


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 34:4 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 34:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study