King James Version

What Does Numbers 34:9 Mean?

Numbers 34:9 in the King James Version says “And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazarenan: this shall be your north border.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 34:9 · KJV

Context

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:

11

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward: side of the sea: Heb. shoulder of the sea

Read Numbers 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazar-enan: this shall be your north border—The Hebrew gebul (גְּבוּל, 'border/boundary') appears repeatedly in Numbers 34, establishing Israel's Promised Land boundaries. Hazar-enan (חֲצַר עֵינָן, 'village of springs') marked the northeastern limit—approximately 50 miles northeast of Damascus. God's meticulous boundary delineation demonstrates His sovereignty over geography and nations.

These borders weren't arbitrary but divinely ordained allotments (Acts 17:26). Yet Israel never fully possessed these boundaries until Solomon's reign (1 Kings 4:21-24), and even then incompletely. The ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's kingdom when He rules 'from sea to sea' (Psalm 72:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

These boundaries were given circa 1406 BC as Israel prepared to cross the Jordan. The northern border described here encompasses territory beyond what Israel historically controlled, suggesting God's ideal rather than merely attainable goals. Ziphron and Hazar-enan were likely in modern Syria near the Lebanese border.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's precise boundary-setting for Israel inform your understanding of His sovereignty over nations today?
  2. What does Israel's incomplete possession of promised territory teach about the 'already but not yet' nature of God's promises?
  3. In what ways does the Promised Land foreshadow the eternal inheritance believers receive in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְיָצָ֤א1 of 12

“shall go on”

H3318

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

גְּב֥וּל2 of 12

“And the border”

H1366

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

זִפְרֹ֔נָה3 of 12

“to Ziphron”

H2202

ziphron, a place in palestine

וְהָי֥וּ4 of 12
H1961

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

תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו5 of 12

“and the goings out”

H8444

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

חֲצַ֣ר6 of 12
H0
עֵינָ֑ן7 of 12

“of it shall be at Hazarenan”

H2704

chatsar-enan, a place in palestine

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

“And the border”

H1366

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

צָפֽוֹן׃12 of 12

“this shall be your north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 34:9 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 34:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 47:17

Places in This Verse

Hazar-enanSettlement · Modern: Al Qaryatayn · 34.23°N, 37.24°E4 verses across 2 books
ZiphronSettlement · Modern: Huwwarin · 34.27°N, 37.07°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Numbers 34 →

Test Your Knowledge

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