Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the boundary will go down along the Jordan and end at the Dead Sea. “’This will be your land, with its boundaries on every side.’” New Living Translation and then along the Jordan River to the Dead Sea. These are the boundaries of your land.” English Standard Version And the border shall go down to the Jordan, and its limit shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land as defined by its borders all around.” Berean Standard Bible Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” King James Bible And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about. New King James Version the border shall go down along the Jordan, and it shall end at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land with its surrounding boundaries.’ ” New American Standard Bible And the border shall go down to the Jordan, and its termination shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders on all sides.’” NASB 1995 ‘And the border shall go down to the Jordan and its termination shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders all around.’” NASB 1977 ‘And the border shall go down to the Jordan and its termination shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders all around.’” Legacy Standard Bible And the border shall go down to the Jordan, and its termination shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders all around.’” Amplified Bible and the [eastern] boundary shall go down to the Jordan [River], and its limit shall be at the Salt (Dead) Sea. This shall be your land according to its boundaries all around.’” Christian Standard Bible Then the border will go down to the Jordan and end at the Dead Sea. This will be your land defined by its borders on all sides.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the border will go down to the Jordan and end at the Dead Sea. This will be your land defined by its borders on all sides.” American Standard Version and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out thereof shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to the borders thereof round about. Contemporary English Version then follow the Jordan River down to the north end of the Dead Sea. The land within those four borders will belong to you. English Revised Version and the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out thereof shall be at the Salt Sea: this shall be your land according to the borders thereof round about. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the border goes along the Jordan River so that it ends at the Dead Sea. "This will be your land and the borders around it." Good News Translation then south along the Jordan River to the Dead Sea. "These will be the four borders of your land." International Standard Version The border is to continue along the Jordan River all the way to the Dead Sea. This is to be your land, as measured by its boundaries.'" NET Bible Then the border will continue down the Jordan River and its direction will be to the Salt Sea. This will be your land by its borders that surround it.'" New Heart English Bible and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders around it.'" Webster's Bible Translation And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the limits of it shall be at the salt sea: This shall be your land with its limits on all sides. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” World English Bible The border shall go down to the Jordan, and end at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders around it.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the border has gone down to the Jordan, and its outgoings have been at the Salt Sea; this is the land for you by its borders all around.” Young's Literal Translation and the border hath gone down to the Jordan, and its outgoings have been at the Salt Sea; this is for you the land by its borders round about.' Smith's Literal Translation And the boundary went down to Jordan, and its goings out were to the salt sea. This shall be to you the land according to the boundaries round about. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd shall reach as far as the Jordan, and at the last shall be closed in by the most salt sea. This shall be your land with its borders round about. Catholic Public Domain Version and shall extend as far as the Jordan, and, at the furthest extent, shall be enclosed by the Sea of Salt. You shall have this land, with its borders all around.” New American Bible then the boundary will descend along the Jordan and terminate with the Salt Sea. This will be your land, with the boundaries that surround it. New Revised Standard Version and the boundary shall go down to the Jordan, and its end shall be at the Dead Sea. This shall be your land with its boundaries all around. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the border shall go down to the Jordan, and its limits shall be at the salt sea; this shall be your land with the borders thereof round about. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the border will be going down to the Jordan and its limits shall be to the Salt Sea; this will be your land with its borders all around.’” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out thereof shall be at the Salt Sea; this shall be your land according to the borders thereof round about.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the termination shall be the salt sea; this shall be your land and its borders round about. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Boundaries of Canaan…11then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. 12Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” 13So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes.… Cross References Joshua 15:5 The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan, Joshua 18:19 The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border. Ezekiel 47:18 On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary. Genesis 15:18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— Deuteronomy 3:17 The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east. Joshua 13:23 And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages. Joshua 13:27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, with the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon (the territory on the east side of the Jordan up to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth). Joshua 13:32 These were the portions Moses had given them on the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho. 1 Kings 4:21 And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 2 Kings 14:25 This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. Ezekiel 48:28 The southern border of Gad will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt and out to the Great Sea. Matthew 4:15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— Mark 7:31 Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region. John 6:1 After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). Treasury of Scripture And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about. the salt sea Numbers 34:3 Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward: Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea. Jump to Previous Borders Boundaries Boundary Coasts End Jordan Limits Outgoings Round Salt Sea Side Sides Stretching Termination ThereofJump to Next Borders Boundaries Boundary Coasts End Jordan Limits Outgoings Round Salt Sea Side Sides Stretching Termination ThereofNumbers 34 1. The borders of the land16. The names of the men who shall divide the land Then the border will go down along the Jordan The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible. It served as a natural boundary for the Promised Land. Historically, the Jordan was a barrier that the Israelites had to cross to enter Canaan, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness into the land of promise. This crossing is reminiscent of baptism, representing a passage from old to new life, and is later echoed in the New Testament when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan, marking the beginning of His public ministry. and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being given specific instructions regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land. 2. The Jordan River A significant geographical landmark in Israel's history, serving as a boundary marker for the land. 3. The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) The endpoint of the boundary described, known for its high salinity and as a geographical marker in biblical times. 4. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving and conveying God's instructions about the land's boundaries. 5. The Promised Land The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, now being defined with specific borders for the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in PromisesGod's detailed instructions about the land's boundaries demonstrate His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well. The Importance of Boundaries Just as God set physical boundaries for the Israelites, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for believers today. Understanding and respecting these boundaries is crucial for living a life that honors God. The Role of Leadership Moses' role in conveying God's instructions highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders in the church are called to guide their congregations according to God's Word. The Significance of Land in God's Plan The land was not just a physical inheritance but a part of God's redemptive plan. Believers are reminded of their spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is eternal and secure. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 34:12?2. How does Numbers 34:12 define Israel's eastern boundary, and why is it significant? 3. What role does the Jordan River play in God's land promise to Israel? 4. How does Numbers 34:12 connect with God's covenant promises in Genesis 15:18? 5. How can we trust God's promises in our lives, as seen in Numbers 34:12? 6. What does setting boundaries in Numbers 34:12 teach about God's order and provision? 7. How does Numbers 34:12 define the eastern boundary of the Promised Land? 8. What is the significance of the Jordan River in Numbers 34:12? 9. Why is the Dead Sea mentioned as a boundary in Numbers 34:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 34? 11. How do skeptics address the scientific plausibility of defining such precise borders in a largely nomadic context described elsewhere in the Pentateuch? 12. What is the Dead Sea's biblical significance? 13. Do the territorial descriptions in Joshua 15:1-12 conflict with other biblical texts or known ancient boundaries, suggesting an editorial or historical inconsistency? 14. Ezekiel 47:10: How could there be an abundance of fish and thriving fishing activity in the Dead Sea if its environment is inhospitable for most marine life? What Does Numbers 34:12 Mean Then the border will go downGod is giving Israel a precise, top-to-bottom description of the southern edge of the Promised Land. • “Go down” pictures a descent from the higher plateaus toward the lower Jordan Valley, tying this verse to earlier directions that began “from the Great Sea toward Mount Hor” (Numbers 34:7–9). • The Lord’s detail confirms that He, not Israel, determines the territory (cf. Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 1:7-8). • Such clarity protects the tribes from later disputes, just as Joshua later distributed allotments “according to their territories” (Joshua 18:10). along the Jordan The Jordan River forms a natural eastern boundary. • This is the same river Israel will miraculously cross under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 3:14-17), marking their transition from wandering to possessing. • By choosing a recognizable landmark, God removes ambiguity—echoing His earlier use of rivers to mark Eden’s borders (Genesis 2:10-14). • The Jordan also represented cleansing and new beginnings (2 Kings 5:10-14; Matthew 3:13-17), so its role as a boundary underscores the idea of entering holy ground set apart for God’s people. and end at the Salt Sea The Salt Sea (Dead Sea) anchors the southeastern corner. • Genesis 14:3 already identified this body of water as the “Salt Sea,” linking the patriarchal era to Moses’ day. • Its lifeless, mineral-laden waters form a vivid contrast to the fertile land God is giving—an object lesson that life and blessing lie inside God’s borders (Deuteronomy 30:15-16). • Joshua 15:1-5 later cites the same sea when Judah’s inheritance is recorded, showing Moses’ words came to pass exactly. This will be your land God stakes His claim: the land belongs to Him, yet He grants it to Israel. • The promise stretches back to Abraham—“All the land that you see I will give you” (Genesis 13:14-17). • Possessing the land is tied to covenant faithfulness (Leviticus 26:3-5). Blessing and security flow from obedience within God-given space, a principle Jesus echoed spiritually—“Abide in Me” (John 15:4-5). defined by its borders on all sides Clear borders foster stewardship, unity, and justice. • Proverbs 22:28 warns against moving boundary stones; God values ordered possession. • Acts 17:26 notes that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,” showing His ongoing sovereign right to assign territory. • The boundaries also cultivate peace with neighbors (Numbers 34:13; Deuteronomy 2:4-5), demonstrating that God’s people respect limits while trusting Him for provision inside them. summary Numbers 34:12 finalizes the southern and eastern outline of Israel’s inheritance. By tracing the descent toward the Jordan, following the river, and terminating at the Salt Sea, God grants a tangible, unmistakable border. The wording affirms His covenant faithfulness, underscores the safety of living within His appointed limits, and foreshadows Israel’s entry under Joshua. The verse calls believers today to recognize God-given boundaries in life and to rest confidently in His precise, dependable promises. Hebrew Then the borderהַגְּבוּל֙ (hag·gə·ḇūl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed will go down וְיָרַ֤ד (wə·yā·raḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend along the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּ֔נָה (hay·yar·dê·nāh) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine and end וְהָי֥וּ (wə·hā·yū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be at the Salt הַמֶּ֑לַח (ham·me·laḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4417: Powder, salt Sea. יָ֣ם (yām) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin This זֹאת֩ (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, will be תִּהְיֶ֨ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be your land, הָאָ֛רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land defined by its borders לִגְבֻלֹתֶ֖יהָ (liḡ·ḇu·lō·ṯe·hā) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 1367: A boundary, region on all sides.” סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ) Adverb Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around Links Numbers 34:12 NIVNumbers 34:12 NLT Numbers 34:12 ESV Numbers 34:12 NASB Numbers 34:12 KJV Numbers 34:12 BibleApps.com Numbers 34:12 Biblia Paralela Numbers 34:12 Chinese Bible Numbers 34:12 French Bible Numbers 34:12 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 34:12 And the border shall go down (Nu Num.) |
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