Numbers 34:4
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 Kadesh-barnea, and shall go on to Hazar-addar, and pass on to Azmon:
Original Language Analysis
וְנָסַ֣ב
shall turn
H5437
וְנָסַ֣ב
shall turn
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
1 of 18
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
הַגְּב֨וּל
And your border
H1366
הַגְּב֨וּל
And your border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
from the south
H5045
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
from the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
4 of 18
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
לְמַֽעֲלֵ֤ה
to the ascent
H4608
לְמַֽעֲלֵ֤ה
to the ascent
Strong's:
H4608
Word #:
5 of 18
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority
וְעָבַ֥ר
and pass on
H5674
וְעָבַ֥ר
and pass on
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
7 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וְהָיָה
H1961
וְהָיָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תּֽוֹצְאֹתָ֔יו
and the going forth
H8444
תּֽוֹצְאֹתָ֔יו
and the going forth
Strong's:
H8444
Word #:
10 of 18
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
from the south
H5045
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
from the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
11 of 18
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וְיָצָ֥א
and shall go on
H3318
וְיָצָ֥א
and shall go on
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
14 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do specific, limited boundaries challenge 'prosperity gospel' assumptions about unlimited blessing?
- What does God's pre-specification of borders teach about divine sovereignty over nations and their territories?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.