Numbers 21:19

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:

Complete Jewish Bible:

from Mattanah to Nachali'el, from Nachali'el to Bamot,

Berean Standard Bible:

and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth,

American Standard Version:

and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And from Mattanah{H4980} to Nahaliel{H5160}: and from Nahaliel{H5160} to Bamoth{H1120}:

Cross-References (KJV):


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Commentary for Numbers 21:19



Numbers 21:19 is a part of the narrative in the Book of Numbers that details the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This particular verse is situated within the context of the Israelites' wandering in the desert, as they make their way toward the Promised Land. The verse lists a series of place names, indicating the stages of their travel: from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the 40-year period during which the Israelites, due to their disobedience and lack of faith, were condemned to wander in the wilderness until the generation that had left Egypt had died out, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb. The themes present in this verse include the idea of journey and transition, as well as the faithfulness of God in leading His people despite their frequent complaints and rebellion.

In the broader context of Numbers 21, this verse is part of a passage that also includes the famous story of the bronze serpent (verses 4-9), where God provides a means of healing for the Israelites who had been bitten by venomous snakes as a punishment for their grumbling. The mention of travel from one location to another reflects the physical and spiritual journey of the Israelites, emphasizing God's guidance and provision even in the midst of hardship and discipline.

The specific mention of these locations—Mattanah, Nahaliel, and Bamoth—serves to document the actual route taken by the Israelites, providing a historical record of their journey. It also underscores the geographical and topographical challenges they faced, as these place names often denote areas with specific natural features, such as water sources or elevated regions, which would have been significant for a large group of people and their livestock traveling through a harsh desert environment.

In summary, Numbers 21:19 encapsulates the historical journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, highlighting God's continued presence and direction amidst their trials. It reflects the themes of divine guidance, the consequences of disobedience, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His people, even when they are wayward.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H4980
    There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַתָּנָה
    Transliteration: Mattânâh
    Pronunciation: mat-taw-naw'
    Description: the same as מַתָּנָה; Mattanah, a place in the Desert; Mattanah.
  2. Strong's Number: H5160
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נַחֲלִיאֵל
    Transliteration: Nachălîyʼêl
    Pronunciation: nakh-al-ee-ale'
    Description: from נַחַל and אֵל; valley of God; Nachaliel, a place in the Desert; Nahaliel.
  3. Strong's Number: H1120
    There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בָּמוֹת
    Transliteration: Bâmôwth
    Pronunciation: baw-moth'
    Description: plural of בָּמָה; heights; or (fully) בָּמוֹת בַּעַל; from the same and בַּעַל; heights of Baal; Bamoth or Bamoth-Baal, a place East of the Jordan; Bamoth, Bamoth-baal.