Numbers 21:4
New International Version
They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way;

New Living Translation
Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey,

English Standard Version
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way.

Berean Standard Bible
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

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way.

New American Standard Bible
Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey.

NASB 1995
Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey.

NASB 1977
Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient on the way.

Amplified Bible
Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the [branch of the] Red Sea [called the Gulf of Aqabah], to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient, because [of the challenges] of the journey.

Christian Standard Bible
Then they set out from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to bypass the land of Edom, but the people became impatient because of the journey.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they set out from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to bypass the land of Edom, but the people became impatient because of the journey.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
The Israelites had to go around the territory of Edom, so when they left Mount Hor, they headed south toward the Red Sea. But along the way, the people became so impatient

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then they moved from Mount Hor, following the road that goes to the Red Sea, in order to get around Edom. The people became impatient on the trip

Good News Translation
The Israelites left Mount Hor by the road that leads to the Gulf of Aqaba, in order to go around the territory of Edom. But on the way the people lost their patience

International Standard Version
After this, they traveled from Mount Hor along the caravan route by way of the Sea of Reeds and went around the land of Edom. But when the people got impatient because it was a long route,

Majority Standard Bible
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

NET Bible
Then they traveled from Mount Hor by the road to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, but the people became impatient along the way.

New Heart English Bible
They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Lake of Reeds, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they journey from Mount Hor, the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, and the soul of the people is short in the way,

Young's Literal Translation
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,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will remove from mount Hor, the way of the sea of sedge, to encompass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people will be shortened in the way.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then they set out from mount Hor, by the way that leads to the Red Sea, to circle around the land of Edom. And the people began to tire of their journey and hardships.

New American Bible
From Mount Hor they set out by way of the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom, but the people’s patience was worn out by the journey;

New Revised Standard Version
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people were much distressed because of the way.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they picked up from Hor Mountain in the way of the Sea of Reeds to its surrounding land of Adum, and the soul of the people was wearied in the road.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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 became impatient because of the way.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And having departed from mount Or by the way leading to the Red Sea, they compassed the land of Edom, and the people lost courage by the way.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Bronze Serpent
4Then 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 5and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!”…

Cross References
Exodus 16:2-3
And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. / “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!”

Exodus 17:1-3
Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. / So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” / But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.

Deuteronomy 9:22
You continued to provoke the LORD at Taberah, at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah.

Psalm 78:18-19
They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved. / They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness?

Psalm 106:13-14
Yet they soon forgot His works and failed to wait for His counsel. / They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert.

1 Corinthians 10:9-10
We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. / And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

John 3:14-15
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, / that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

Deuteronomy 2:1
Then we turned back and headed for the wilderness by way of the Red Sea, as the LORD had instructed me, and for many days we wandered around Mount Seir.

Deuteronomy 1:40
But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”

Psalm 107:4-6
Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. / They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. / Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.

Hebrews 3:7-9
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, / do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, / where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works.

Numbers 14:22-23
not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times— / not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it.

Numbers 11:4-6
Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? / We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. / But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!”

Numbers 20:2-5
Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. / The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! / Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? ...


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Mount Hor

Numbers 20:22,23,27
And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor…

Numbers 33:41
And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

by the way

Numbers 14:25
(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Deuteronomy 1:40
But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

compass

Numbers 20:18-21
And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword…

Deuteronomy 2:5-8
Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession…

Judges 11:18
Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.

the soul

Numbers 32:7,9
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? …

Exodus 6:9
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

discouraged.

Exodus 6:9
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Jump to Previous
Compass Discouraged Edom Hor Impatient Journey Journeyed Mount Overcome Red Round Route Sea Short Soul Spirit Traveled Way Weariness
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Compass Discouraged Edom Hor Impatient Journey Journeyed Mount Overcome Red Round Route Sea Short Soul Spirit Traveled Way Weariness
Numbers 21
1. Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah
4. The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents
7. They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent
10. Various journeys of the Israelites
21. Sihon is overcome
33. And Og














Then they set out from Mount Hor
Mount Hor is significant in the biblical narrative as the place where Aaron, the brother of Moses, died and was buried (Numbers 20:22-29). This departure marks a transition in leadership and a continuation of the Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) implies a purposeful movement, often used to describe the Israelites' travels under God's guidance. This phrase reminds us of the importance of obedience and trust in God's timing and direction, even when the path is uncertain.

along the route to the Red Sea
The "route to the Red Sea" indicates a detour in the Israelites' journey. Historically, this path was not the most direct route to Canaan, but it was necessary to avoid conflict with Edom. The Red Sea, or "Yam Suph" in Hebrew, is a significant body of water in Israel's history, symbolizing God's deliverance and power, as seen in the parting of the sea during the Exodus. This phrase underscores the theme of divine providence and protection, reminding believers that God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).

to bypass the land of Edom
Edom, the descendants of Esau, had refused passage to the Israelites (Numbers 20:14-21). The decision to bypass Edom reflects a strategic and peaceful approach, avoiding unnecessary conflict. The Hebrew word for "bypass" (סָבַב, sabab) suggests a circular or indirect route, highlighting the patience and perseverance required in following God's plan. This phrase encourages believers to seek peace and trust in God's provision, even when faced with obstacles.

But the people grew impatient on the journey
The phrase "grew impatient" (קָצַר, qatsar) in Hebrew conveys a sense of frustration and weariness. This impatience reflects a recurring theme in the Israelites' wilderness experience, where they often struggled with doubt and discontent. The journey, both physically and spiritually, was a test of faith and endurance. This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder for believers to guard against impatience and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust in God's timing, even when the journey is long and challenging.

(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.

Verse 4. - They journeyed from Mount Hor. It appears from comparison of Numbers 33:38 and Numbers 20:29 that their departure was not earlier than the beginning of the sixth month of the fortieth year. This season would be one of the hottest and most trying for marching. By the way of the Red Sea, i.e., down the Arabah, towards Ezion-geber, at the head of the Elanitic Gulf. Septuagint, ὁδὸν ἐπὶ θά. Not far from this place they would reach the end of the Edomitish territory, and turn eastwards and northwards up the Wady el Ithm towards the steppes of Moab. Discouraged. Literally, "shortened" or "straitened," as in Exodus 6:9. Septuagint, ὡλιγοψύχησεν ὁ λαός. Because of the way. The Ambah is a stony, sandy, almost barren plain shut in by mountain walls on either side, and subject to sand-storms. It was not only, however, merely the heat and drought and ruggedness of the route which depressed them, but the fact that they were marching directly away from Canaan, and knew not how they were ever to reach it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then they set out
וַיִּסְע֞וּ (way·yis·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

from Mount
הָהָר֙ (hā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

Hor
מֵהֹ֤ר (mê·hōr)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2023: Hor -- two mountains in Palestine

along the route
דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to the Red
ס֔וּף (sūp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5488: A reed, the papyrus

Sea,
יַם־ (yam-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

in order to bypass
לִסְבֹ֖ב (lis·ḇōḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

the land
אֶ֣רֶץ (’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Edom.
אֱד֑וֹם (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

But the people
הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

grew impatient
וַתִּקְצַ֥ר (wat·tiq·ṣar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7114: To dock off, curtail, to harvest

on the journey
בַּדָּֽרֶךְ׃ (bad·dā·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action


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OT Law: Numbers 21:4 They traveled from Mount Hor by (Nu Num.)
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