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Numbers 21:4

Numbers 21:4 in Multiple Translations

Then they set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, in order to bypass the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient on the journey

¶ And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

Then they went on from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, going round the land of Edom: and the spirit of the people was overcome with weariness on the way.

The Israelites left Mount Hor by the road leading to the Red Sea so they could avoid traveling through the country of Edom. But the people became bad-tempered on the way

After, they departed from the mount Hor by the way of the red Sea, to compasse the land of Edom: and the people were sore grieued because of the way.

And they journey from mount Hor, the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom, and the soul of the people is short in the way,

They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. The soul of the people was very discouraged because of the journey.

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

And they marched from mount Hor, by the way that leadeth to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom. And the people began to be weary of their journey and labour:

Then the Israelis left Hor Mountain and traveled on the road towards the Red Sea, in order to go around the land of Edom. But the people became impatient along the way,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:4

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 21:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּסְע֞וּ מֵ/הֹ֤ר הָ/הָר֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יַם ס֔וּף לִ/סְבֹ֖ב אֶת אֶ֣רֶץ אֱד֑וֹם וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר נֶֽפֶשׁ הָ/עָ֖ם בַּ/דָּֽרֶךְ
וַ/יִּסְע֞וּ nâçaʻ H5265 to set out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵ/הֹ֤ר Hôr H2023 Hor Prep | N-proper
הָ/הָר֙ har H2022 mountain Art | N-ms
דֶּ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 way N-cs
יַם yâm H3220 West N-ms
ס֔וּף çûwph H5488 reed N-ms
לִ/סְבֹ֖ב çâbab H5437 to turn Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
אֱד֑וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 Edom N-proper
וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר qâtsar H7114 be short Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נֶֽפֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
בַּ/דָּֽרֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:4

וַ/יִּסְע֞וּ nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
מֵ/הֹ֤ר Hôr H2023 "Hor" Prep | N-proper
Hor is a mountain peak in the Bible, mentioned as a boundary mark in the land of Israel. It is located in Idumaea and Syria. The name means mountain.
Definition: § Hor = "mountain" the mountain named as one of the marks of the northern boundary of the land which the children of Israel were about to conquer; located in Lebanon
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Hor. See also: Numbers 20:22; Numbers 33:38; Deuteronomy 32:50.
הָ/הָר֙ har H2022 "mountain" Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יַם yâm H3220 "West" N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
ס֔וּף çûwph H5488 "reed" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a type of reed or water plant, often used to describe the Red Sea. It appears in Exodus as the body of water the Israelites crossed. The word is also translated as flag or weed in some versions.
Definition: 1) reed, rush, water plant 1a) rushes 1b) sea of rushes - used of Red Sea
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: flag, Red (sea), weed. Compare H5489 (סוּף). See also: Exodus 2:3; Joshua 2:10; Psalms 106:7.
לִ/סְבֹ֖ב çâbab H5437 "to turn" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
אֱד֑וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 "Edom" N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/תִּקְצַ֥ר qâtsar H7114 "be short" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
נֶֽפֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בַּ/דָּֽרֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

Study Notes — Numbers 21:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 6:9 Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him.
2 Judges 11:18 Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.
3 Numbers 32:7 Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them?
4 Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
5 Numbers 33:41 And the Israelites set out from Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah.
6 1 Thessalonians 3:3–4 so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.
7 Numbers 32:9 For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them.
8 Deuteronomy 2:5–8 Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession. You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’” Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab.
9 Numbers 20:18–23 But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” “We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.” But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand. So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. After they had set out from Kadesh, the whole congregation of Israel came to Mount Hor. And at Mount Hor, near the border of the land of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
10 Numbers 20:27 So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation.

Numbers 21:4 Summary

This verse tells us that the Israelites were on a journey and got frustrated because they didn't like where they were going. They wanted to take a shortcut, but God had other plans. This reminds us to trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it, and to be patient, just like it says in Psalm 37:7. We can also learn from the Israelites' mistake by remembering that God is always with us, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that He has a good plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites want to bypass the land of Edom?

The Israelites wanted to bypass the land of Edom because they did not want to provoke conflict with the Edomites, as they were related to them through their ancestor Esau, as seen in Genesis 25:30 and Genesis 36:1.

What does it mean for the people to have grown impatient on the journey?

The people's impatience on the journey, as seen in Numbers 21:4, indicates a lack of trust in God's plan and provision, similar to their previous complaints in Exodus 16:2-3 and Exodus 17:1-3.

How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the Israelites' journey?

This verse marks a turning point in the Israelites' journey, as they are transitioning from a period of conquest to a period of wilderness wandering, and their impatience sets the stage for the challenges they will face in Numbers 21:5-6.

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting in God's plan and provision, even when the journey is difficult or uncertain, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I can cultivate patience and trust in God's plan for my life, even when the journey is difficult?
  2. How do I respond when faced with uncertainty or hardship, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in this verse?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, to my own life and circumstances?
  4. What are some common pitfalls or temptations that can lead to impatience and dissatisfaction, and how can I guard against them in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:4

And they journeyed from Mount Hor,.... After the battle with the king of Arad, and the defeat of him: by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom; which lay by it, and from whence it had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:4

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. They journeyed from mount Hor.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:4

By the way of the Red Sea, i.e. which leadeth to the Red Sea, as they must needs do to compass the land of Edom. Because of the way; by reason of this journey, which was long, and troublesome, and preposterous, (for they were now going towards Egypt,) and unexpected, either because they doubted not but their brethren the Edomites would grant them their reasonable request of passing through their land, which disappointment made it worse; or because the successful entrance and victorious progress which some of them had made in the borders of Canaan, made them think they might have speedily gone in and taken possession of it, and so have saved their tedious travels and further difficulties into which Moses had again brought them.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:4

Numbers 21:4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.Ver. 4. Discouraged because of the way.] So are many in their voyage towards heaven, which is an afflicted way, τεθλιμμενηηοδος, strawed with crosses. Indeed, if men could go to heaven in a feather bed, or pass e coeno in coelum, a deliciis ad delicias, feed on manchet, tread on roses, fly to heaven with pleasant wings, none should be so forward as they. But to go "through fire and through water," to "run with patience the race that is set before them," and "through many tribulations to enter into heaven," this they like not. Theotimus in Ambrose, would rather lose his sight than his sin: Vale lumen amicum, said he, when forbidden wine, as naught for his eyes. Beetles love dunghills better than ointments, and swine love mud better than a garden; so do swinish epicures prefer earth to heaven, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:4

(4) Because of the way.—Better, in (or, on) the way. In addition to all the hardships and dangers of the journey, they were conscious that they were turning their backs upon the land of Canaan, instead of marching by a direct course into it.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:4

4–9. The bronze serpent. God did not at once take away the plague. Each individual received healing only when he performed an act of faith, by looking at the serpent. An early Jewish writer says that it was not the serpent that brought the Israelites healing, but the fact that they ‘lifted up their eyes and directed their heart towards their heavenly Father.’ This is one of the most familiar and famous of Biblical narratives, owing to our Lord’s reference to it, in John 3:14, as typical of the ‘lifting up’ of the Son of Man. The close connexion between the plague and the instrument of healing is, to the Christian, symbolical of the fact that ‘Him who knew no sin he [God] made to be sin on our behalf’ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It was traditionally believed that the bronze serpent which Moses erected was the same which existed in Hezekiah’s day. He destroyed it because it had long been an object of worship (2 Kings 18:4).

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:4

The direct route to Moab through the valleys of Edom being closed against them Numbers 20:20-21, they were compelled to turn southward.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:4

EDOM VIA RED SEA, Numbers 21:4-5.A glance at the map will reveal the necessity of this countermarch down the Arabah to the head of the eastern arm of the Red Sea, called the Elanitic Gulf.

Sermons on Numbers 21:4

SermonDescription
Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith Nature of the New Birth by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the serpent on the pole from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of explaining this story to children in a way they can under
Roy Hession The Exodus - From Egypt to Canaan - Sermon 3 of 5 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a time when he was on a tour abroad and longed to be back home with his family. He emphasizes the danger of lusting after things for a long
Oswald J. Smith The Story of My Life by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he was inspired by his teacher to consider becoming a minister. He initially felt unsure and unprepared, but when he was
Robert F. Adcock Numbers 21 by Robert F. Adcock In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that looking and believing are synonymous terms, and that by believin
Alan Redpath Let Jesus Christ Be Lord by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how he was inspired by his teacher to consider becoming a minister. He initially felt unsure and unprepared, but when he
Roy Hession How Revival May Continue by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and how it can continue in our Christian lives. He refers to a story in Numbers chapter 21 where the Lord Jesus himself
Duane Troyer Anabaptist Idolatry by Duane Troyer This sermon delves into the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21, highlighting how a miraculous work of God turned into an idol over time. It discusses the danger of idolizing

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