Numbers 33:42 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:42 mean?

Numbers 33:42 records that the Israelites left a place called Zalmonah and set up camp at a new location named Punon during their journey through the wilderness. This verse is part of a larger list that tracks each stop the Israelites made as they traveled from Egypt toward the Promised Land.

In this section of Numbers, Moses is recounting the stages of Israel’s journey to the new generation preparing to enter Canaan. The verse is a simple travel note, showing the movement of the whole community as they followed God’s leading. Each place name marks a real stop along their route, emphasizing the detailed record of their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:42

• נָסַע (nasa‘, H5265) — “departed”: This word often means to pull up tent pegs or break camp, highlighting that the Israelites were living in tents and moving as a group, not just traveling casually.
• חָנָה (chanah, H2583) — “pitched”: This word is used for setting up camp, again pointing to the temporary, mobile life of the Israelites in the wilderness.

Why Numbers 33:42 matters

• Numbers 33:42 helps readers see that every stage of the Israelites’ journey was recorded, showing the care taken to remember each step of God’s guidance.
• The verse connects to the larger passage, which lists all the encampments, reminding the people of their long journey and God’s faithfulness throughout.
• By naming specific places, the verse grounds the story in real geography and history, making the journey more tangible to later generations.