King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:8 Mean?

Numbers 34:8 in the King James Version says “From mount Hor ye shall point out your border unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be t... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 34:8 · KJV


Context

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:

9

And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazarenan: this shall be your north border.

10

And ye shall point out your east border from Hazarenan to Shepham:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
From mount Hor ye shall point out your border unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings out of the border shall be at Zedad—The northern boundary continues from Mount Hor inland to Lebo-Hamath (entrance/approach to Hamath), a strategic pass between Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges, then to Zedad (possibly modern Sadad, northeast of Damascus).

Hamath was Aramean/Syrian kingdom; 'entrance of Hamath' marked where Israelite territory ended and foreign kingdoms began. David and Solomon both reached this boundary (2 Samuel 8:9; 1 Kings 8:65), representing Israel's fullest extent. The precision shows God's covenant specificity: not vague 'from sea to sea,' but exact landmarks. This teaches that God's promises, while certain, have defined scope. We must neither diminish them through unbelief nor inflate them through presumption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Lebo-Hamath (modern Lebweh or the Beqaa Valley entrance) controlled access between Mesopotamia and Egypt/Palestine. It appears throughout OT as Israel's ideal northern limit (Numbers 13:21; Joshua 13:5; Judges 3:3; 1 Kings 8:65). During divided kingdom era, northern border rarely reached this far, showing incomplete conquest fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do unfulfilled aspects of God's promises (like Israel's incomplete conquest) inform expectations of NT promises' fulfillment?
  2. What does the 'entrance of Hamath' as boundary marker teach about strategic thinking in spiritual warfare and territory claiming?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מֵהֹ֣ר1 of 9

Hor

H2023

hor, the name of a peak in idumaea and of one in syria

הָהָ֔ר2 of 9

From mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

תְּתָא֖וּ3 of 9

ye shall point out

H8376

to mark off, i.e., (intensively) designate

לְבֹ֣א4 of 9

your border unto the entrance

H935

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

חֲמָ֑ת5 of 9

of Hamath

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

וְהָי֛וּ6 of 9
H1961

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

תּֽוֹצְאֹ֥ת7 of 9

and the goings forth

H8444

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

הַגְּבֻ֖ל8 of 9

of the border

H1366

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

צְדָֽדָה׃9 of 9

shall be to Zedad

H6657

tsedad, 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 34:8 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 34:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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