What number verse is Numbers 33:6 in the Bible?

Numbers 33:6 is the 4,767th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 33:6 sits at position 4,767.

Translation

King James Version

And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And they departed ^H5265 from Succoth ^H5523, and pitched ^H2583 in Etham ^H864, which is in the edge ^H7097 of the wilderness ^H4057.

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Complete Jewish Bible

They moved on from Sukkot and camped at Etam, by the edge of the desert.

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Berean Standard Bible

They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness.

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American Standard Version

And they journeyed from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.

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World English Bible Messianic

They traveled from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wildernesse.

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Young's Literal Translation

And they journey from Succoth, and encamp in Etham, which is in the extremity of the wilderness;

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 33:6 precisely chronicles the second leg of the Israelites' Exodus journey, detailing their departure from Succoth and subsequent encampment in Etham, a strategic location at the very "edge of the wilderness." This verse is a vital entry in the divine itinerary, underscoring God's meticulous, step-by-step guidance of His people through the unknown wilderness, thereby affirming His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over their every movement.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Numbers 33 functions as a divinely inspired travelogue, providing a comprehensive and meticulous record of the forty-two encampments of the Israelites from their miraculous departure from Rameses in Egypt to their eventual arrival on the plains of Moab. This chapter serves as a profound historical and theological summary of the entire wilderness wandering period, emphasizing God's precise oversight and the unwavering fulfillment of His covenant promises. Verse 6 specifically documents the second stage of this monumental journey, immediately following their initial departure from Rameses and their first encampment at Succoth, as detailed in Numbers 33:5. The precise naming of each location, including Etham, reinforces the historical veracity and divine orchestration of the journey, setting the stage for the subsequent challenges, miraculous provisions, and transformative experiences awaiting them in the vast wilderness.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Israelites had just been miraculously delivered from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, a monumental event known as the Exodus, vividly described in Exodus 12. Their journey commenced from Rameses, a significant administrative and storage city in the land of Goshen. Succoth, their initial stop, likely served as a crucial rallying point for the vast and diverse multitude of Israelites and mixed company. The move to Etham, explicitly described as being "in the edge of the wilderness," marked a profound and critical transition. This geographical shift signified a definitive departure from the relatively populated and cultivated lands bordering Egypt, ushering them into the desolate, untamed, and formidable Sinai Peninsula. This entry into the wilderness was not merely a change of scenery; it symbolized a complete reliance on divine provision and guidance, a foundational concept central to the entire wilderness experience depicted throughout the books of Exodus and Numbers.
Key Themes: The meticulous recording of each stage of the journey, particularly the strategic move to Etham, powerfully illustrates the overarching theme of Divine Guidance and Order. God was not merely reacting to Israel's movements but was actively leading His people with unparalleled precision, as evidenced by the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night that began to guide them from this very point (see Exodus 13:21-22). This verse also highlights the theme of Transition and Progression, marking the Israelites' decisive move from the periphery of civilization into the heart of the wilderness—a place divinely appointed for testing, purification, and profound transformation. This pivotal transition further underscores the theme of Dependence on God, as the harsh and unforgiving realities of the desert would necessitate their complete and utter reliance on His miraculous provision for water, food, and protection, echoing the profound lessons taught throughout Deuteronomy 8 regarding humility and trust.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Succoth (Hebrew, Çukkôwth, H5523): Derived from a plural form meaning "booths" or "tents," this place name likely designates an area characterized by temporary shelters or where the Israelites first established their own provisional dwellings after leaving the more permanent structures of Egypt. It symbolically represents the initial phase of their nomadic existence, signifying a deliberate detachment from their former life of slavery and the embrace of a new, mobile identity as God's redeemed people.
Etham (Hebrew, ʼÊthâm, H864): Of Egyptian origin, Etham is consistently understood as a frontier point, serving as a crucial gateway into the vast wilderness. Its strategic geographical position is further emphasized by the fact that it was from this very location that God began to lead them directly by the visible pillar of cloud and fire. This signifies Etham not merely as a stop, but as a point of no return from Egyptian influence and a full commitment to the divinely ordained wilderness journey.
Edge (Hebrew, qâtseh H7097) of the wilderness (Hebrew, midbâr, H7097): This descriptive phrase vividly delineates a boundary, a critical threshold. "Edge" (qâtseh) implies an extremity or border, while "wilderness" (midbâr) refers to an open, uncultivated pasture or desert. Together, they powerfully represent the transition from the known, albeit oppressive, environment near Egypt to the vast, desolate, and untamed unknown. This precise geographical marker underscores a moment of profound spiritual significance, demanding an entirely new level of trust and absolute reliance on divine direction for survival and progression.

Verse Breakdown

"And they departed from Succoth": This opening clause marks the commencement of the second leg of Israel's divinely orchestrated journey. The verb "departed" (נָסְעוּ, nas'u, from H5265 nâçaʻ) implies a deliberate, organized, and purposeful movement, rather than a chaotic flight. It signifies the Israelites' obedience to God's command to move forward, leaving behind their initial encampment and the last vestiges of their former life.
"and pitched in Etham": The verb "pitched" (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyachanū, from H2583 chânâh) indicates the establishment of a temporary dwelling place, setting up camp. This was not merely a passing through, but a significant stop, suggesting a period of rest, reorganization, and perhaps preparation before fully entering the deeper wilderness. It powerfully underscores the methodical and orderly nature of God's leading, ensuring His people were ready for the next stage.
"which [is] in the edge of the wilderness": This descriptive phrase provides crucial geographical and theological context for Etham's location. It defines Etham as the very border of the desolate region, emphasizing that the Israelites were now truly at the threshold of their profound wilderness experience. This was the point where the familiar landscape gave way to an untamed environment, poised to enter a challenging period where God would test their faith, provide miraculously for their needs, and ultimately transform them into a covenant nation.

Literary Devices

Numbers 33:6, within the broader context of the chapter, primarily employs Itinerary, a literary device characterized by a meticulous and detailed listing of places or stages in a journey. This precise cataloging underscores the historical reality and divine control over every movement of Israel. The phrase "edge of the wilderness" functions as potent Symbolism, representing a liminal space—a critical threshold between the familiar past (the vicinity of Egypt) and the unknown, challenging future (the vast wilderness and, ultimately, the Promised Land). This pivotal transition point also creates subtle yet powerful Foreshadowing, hinting at the trials, the absolute dependence on God, and the miraculous divine provision that would characterize the subsequent forty years of wandering. The precise, almost bureaucratic, recording of each stop further reinforces the profound theological themes of God's Omniscience and Providence, demonstrating that no step of His people's journey is accidental, unobserved, or outside of His sovereign plan.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 33:6, as an integral part of the detailed wilderness itinerary, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous and unwavering guidance of His covenant people. It profoundly reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the daily, physical, and spiritual journey of His community. The transition from Succoth to Etham, situated at the "edge of the wilderness," marks a crucial theological point: the moment of full and irreversible commitment to a path of complete dependence on God. This journey was not a random wandering but a divinely orchestrated progression, purposefully designed to teach Israel about God's absolute faithfulness, their own inherent sinfulness, and the indispensable necessity of obedience. It underscores the profound truth that God faithfully leads His people through challenging and often unsettling transitions, preparing them for what lies ahead and demonstrating His infinite power to sustain them even in the most desolate and seemingly impossible circumstances.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 33:6 offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers navigating life's inevitable transitions and uncertainties. Just as God meticulously led Israel from one specific point to the next, even to the daunting "edge of the wilderness," He likewise guides us through the various stages, challenges, and unknowns of our own spiritual and physical lives. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our journey of faith is not chaotic or arbitrary but a divinely orchestrated progression, requiring moment-by-moment obedience and unwavering trust. When we find ourselves at our own "edges of the wilderness"—facing new careers, significant relational changes, periods of profound uncertainty, or daunting challenges—this passage calls us to remember God's precise and faithful leadership. His presence, akin to the pillar of cloud and fire, remains constant, leading us safely through the unknown and toward His ultimate, perfect purposes. Our reliance on Him becomes not merely advisable but absolutely paramount when we step beyond the familiar into uncharted spiritual or circumstantial territory, trusting that He is preparing us for the "promised land" of His will.

Questions for Reflection

What "edges of the wilderness" are you currently facing in your life, where familiar territory gives way to the unknown and demands greater trust?
How does the meticulous record of God's guidance in Numbers 33 encourage you to surrender control and trust Him more deeply in your own life's transitions?
In what specific ways might God be using your current "wilderness" experience to cultivate deeper dependence on Him and reveal new aspects of His character?

FAQ

Why is this itinerary in Numbers 33 so detailed?

Answer: The detailed itinerary in Numbers 33 serves several crucial and multifaceted purposes. First, it powerfully affirms the historical veracity and authenticity of the Exodus and the subsequent wilderness wanderings, providing a tangible, verifiable record of God's mighty acts. Second, it profoundly underscores God's meticulous and sovereign control over every single step of Israel's journey, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness in leading His chosen people. Third, it functions as a profound theological reminder that God's plans are precise, purposeful, and perfectly executed, even when His people find themselves in a seemingly chaotic or desolate wilderness. It highlights His constant presence, unerring guidance, and covenant-keeping nature, ensuring that the entire journey was not random but divinely orchestrated, a powerful testament to His providential care.

What is the significance of "the edge of the wilderness"?

Answer: "The edge of the wilderness" signifies a critical and transformative threshold. It represents the precise point where the Israelites decisively left behind the last vestiges of familiar, settled life near Egypt and fully entered the desolate, untamed, and often hostile environment of the Sinai desert. Theologically, it marks a profound transition from a place where some degree of human self-sufficiency might still be imagined to a place of absolute and total dependence on God for every fundamental need—food, water, and protection. It was from this strategic point that God's visible and unmistakable guidance, manifested as the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, became their primary and indispensable guide, as vividly described in Exodus 13:21. This "edge" was, therefore, a point of no return, compelling them to commit fully to the challenging yet ultimately redemptive path God had set before them.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The wilderness journey of Israel, meticulously recorded in passages like Numbers 33:6, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several transformative ways. Just as ancient Israel was led by God's visible presence through the wilderness, so too is the new covenant community, the church, led by Christ Himself, who is God incarnate—the ultimate guide, provision, and destination. Jesus Himself entered His own "wilderness" for forty days, mirroring Israel's forty years, where He was tempted and fully relied on God's Word, demonstrating perfect obedience where Israel often failed (see Matthew 4:1-11). Christ is the true and perfect "Lamb of God" who leads His people through a new and greater exodus, not from physical slavery to an earthly land, but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death into the glorious spiritual promised land of eternal life and rest in Him (compare John 1:29 with Hebrews 4:1-11). The meticulous guidance of God for Israel foreshadows the precise, unfailing, and intimate leading of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent to indwell and guide all believers through the "wilderness" of this present age, ensuring their safe passage and ultimate arrival at the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem (see John 16:13 and Revelation 21:1-4). Thus, Numbers 33:6 is not merely ancient history but a powerful testament to the faithful God who, in Christ, continues to lead His redeemed people through every "edge of the wilderness" to their ultimate, glorious, and eternal destination.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.

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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253

HOMILIES ON NUMBERS 27:9

Then when the soul thinks it is ready, it sets out from Succoth and camps at Buthan [Etham]. Buthan means “valley.” Now we have said that the stages refer to progress in the virtues. And a virtue is not acquired without training and hard work, nor is it tested as much in prosperity as in adversity. So the soul comes to a valley. For in valleys and in low places the struggle against the devil and the opposing powers takes place.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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