King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:6 Mean?

Numbers 34:6 in the King James Version says “And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 34:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And this shall be your north border: from the great sea ye shall point out for you mount Hor:

8

From mount Hor ye shall point out your border unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border—The Mediterranean Sea (yam ha-gadol, the great sea) forms Israel's western boundary. Unlike other borders requiring detailed landmarks, the sea provides natural, unambiguous limit. God uses geography—mountains, seas, rivers—to define covenant space.

The western boundary is simplest, yet Israel struggled to occupy Philistine coastal plain (Joshua 13:2-3; Judges 1:19, 3:3). The sea represents both blessing (trade, ports, fishing) and limitation (Israel wasn't called to be naval empire like Phoenicia). Each nation receives distinct calling; comparing breeds discontent. Israel's genius lay inland—agriculture, law, temple worship—not seafaring. Know your borders; thrive within them.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Mediterranean coast featured Phoenician cities (Tyre, Sidon) to the north and Philistine cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod) to the south. Israel never controlled the entire coastline, though Solomon allied with Phoenicia for maritime trade (1 Kings 5:1-12). The coastal plain's fertility made it contested territory throughout Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's assignment of natural boundaries teach contentment with His specific calling for your life?
  2. Why might Israel's failure to fully occupy coastal regions reflect spiritual compromise rather than geographic impossibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
גְּב֥וּל1 of 12

border

H1366

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

יָֽם׃2 of 12

And as for the western

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

וְהָיָ֥ה3 of 12
H1961

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

לָכֶ֛ם4 of 12
H0
יָֽם׃5 of 12

And as for the western

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

הַגָּד֖וֹל6 of 12

ye shall even have the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

גְּב֥וּל7 of 12

border

H1366

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

זֶֽה8 of 12
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יִהְיֶ֥ה9 of 12
H1961

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

לָכֶ֖ם10 of 12
H0
גְּב֥וּל11 of 12

border

H1366

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

יָֽם׃12 of 12

And as for the western

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


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 34:6 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 34:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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