And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.

NUMBERS 32:36KJV
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Numbers 32:36 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:36 mean?

Numbers 32:36 lists two towns, Bethnimrah and Bethharan, describing them as fortified cities with sheepfolds. This verse records part of the land and settlements that the tribes of Reuben and Gad built up east of the Jordan River for their families and livestock.

In the broader story, Moses is recounting how these tribes requested to settle outside the Promised Land proper because the territory was good for raising animals. The verse highlights their efforts to make secure homes ("fenced cities") and provide for their herds ("folds for sheep"), showing practical preparations for their new life.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 32:36

  • בֵּית נִמְרָה (Bethnimrah, beth-nimrah): This is the name of a town, meaning "house of pure water" or "house of leopard." Its mention shows the specific places the tribes settled.
  • בֵּית הָרָן (Bethharan, beth-haran): Another town name, meaning "house of the joyful song" or "house of the mount." Naming these towns anchors the story in real geography.
  • מִבְצָר (fenced, mivtzar): This word means "fortified" or "walled." It emphasizes that these cities were made secure, not just simple villages.
  • גְּדֵרוֹת (folds, gederot): This word means "enclosures" or "pens," specifically for livestock. It shows the tribes' focus on caring for their animals, which was central to their way of life.

Why Numbers 32:36 matters

  • Numbers 32:36 helps clarify that the tribes of Reuben and Gad were not abandoning their responsibilities but were thoughtfully preparing secure places for their families and flocks.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of how some tribes settled outside Canaan, showing their practical needs and choices rather than just a spiritual or military decision.
  • By naming specific towns and describing their fortification, the verse grounds the narrative in real locations and daily concerns, reminding readers that biblical stories often involve ordinary, practical matters.

Where else these words appear

“Bethnimrah” Hebrew H1039 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 13:27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

“folds” Hebrew H1448 · used in 10 verses

  • Numbers 32:16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
  • 1 Chronicles 4:23 These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.
  • Ezekiel 42:12 And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.

“fenced” Hebrew H4013 · used in 37 verses

  • Numbers 13:19 And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
  • 2 Chronicles 17:19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.
  • Jeremiah 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.