And Nebo, and Baalmeon,(their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

NUMBERS 32:38KJV
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Numbers 32:38 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:38 mean?

Numbers 32:38 describes how the descendants of Reuben rebuilt the towns of Nebo, Baalmeon (whose names they changed), and Shibmah, and gave new names to the cities they rebuilt. This verse records the practical steps the Reubenites took to settle in the land east of the Jordan River.

In context, Moses is recording how the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested to settle outside the main territory of Israel, in the land already conquered from other peoples. The verse highlights that the Reubenites not only rebuilt these towns but also renamed them, which often signified new ownership or a fresh start in ancient times.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 32:38

  • שֵׁמוֹת (shemot, "names"): This word appears twice in the verse, emphasizing the act of renaming. In the ancient world, changing a city's name often meant asserting control or marking a new chapter for the community.
  • הָפַךְ (haphakh, "changed"): This word means "changed" or "turned." Its use here underlines that the Reubenites did not simply take over existing towns but deliberately altered their identities.
  • בָּנוּ (banu, "builded"): This verb means "built" or "rebuilt." It shows that the towns needed restoration or reconstruction, not just occupation.

Why Numbers 32:38 matters

  • Numbers 32:38 clarifies that the Reubenites were not just inheriting towns but actively shaping their new homeland, both physically and culturally, by rebuilding and renaming the cities.
  • The act of renaming towns like Baalmeon suggests a break from previous associations, possibly with pagan worship, and an assertion of a new Israelite identity.
  • This verse connects to the broader narrative of Numbers 32, where the eastern tribes secure their inheritance by agreeing to help the rest of Israel conquer Canaan, showing their commitment to both their new land and the wider community.

Where else these words appear

“Baalmeontheir” Hebrew H1186 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:
  • Ezekiel 25:9 Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities which are on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

“changed” Hebrew H4142 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • Exodus 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

“Shibmah” Hebrew H7643 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
  • Joshua 13:19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,
  • Isaiah 16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

“Nebo” Hebrew H5015 · used in 13 verses

  • Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
  • 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:
  • Isaiah 15:2 He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.