Numbers 34:4

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָסַ֣ב
shall turn
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#2
לָכֶם֩
H0
#3
הַגְּב֨וּל
And your border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#4
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
from the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#5
לְמַֽעֲלֵ֤ה
to the ascent
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority
#6
עַקְרַבִּים֙
of Akrabbim
steep of scorpions, a place in the desert
#7
וְעָבַ֥ר
and pass on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#8
צִ֔נָה
to Zin
tsin, a part of the desert
#9
וְהָיָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
תּֽוֹצְאֹתָ֔יו
and the going forth
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
#11
מִנֶּ֖גֶב
from the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#12
לְקָדֵ֣שׁ
H0
#13
בַּרְנֵ֑עַ
to Kadeshbarnea
kadesh-barnea, a place in the desert
#14
וְיָצָ֥א
and shall go on
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#15
חֲצַר
H0
#16
אַדָּ֖ר
to Hazaraddar
chatsar-addar, a place in palestine
#17
וְעָבַ֥ר
and pass on
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#18
עַצְמֹֽנָה׃
to Azmon
atsmon, a place near palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Study Resources