Exodus 13:20
Exodus 13:20 in Multiple Translations
They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.
¶ And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
Then they went on their journey from Succoth, and put up their tents in Etham at the edge of the waste land.
They traveled on from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.
So they tooke their iourney from Succoth, and camped in Etham in the edge of the wildernesse.
And they journey from Succoth, and encamp in Etham at the extremity of the wilderness,
They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
And marching from Socoth they encamped in Etham in the utmost coasts of the wilderness.
The Israeli people left Succoth and traveled to Etham, at the edge of the desert, and they set up their tents there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 13:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 13:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּסְע֖וּ
מִ/סֻּכֹּ֑ת
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
בְ/אֵתָ֔ם
בִּ/קְצֵ֖ה
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
וַ/יִּסְע֖וּ
nâçaʻ
H5265
to set out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/סֻּכֹּ֑ת
Çukkôwth
H5523
Succoth
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְ/אֵתָ֔ם
ʼÊthâm
H864
Etham
Prep | N-proper
בִּ/קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
Prep | N-cs
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 13:20
וַ/יִּסְע֖וּ
nâçaʻ
H5265
"to set out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
מִ/סֻּכֹּ֑ת
Çukkôwth
H5523
"Succoth"
Prep | N-proper
Succoth means booths, the first stop for Israelites leaving Egypt. It appears in the Bible as a place in Egypt and Palestine.
Definition: § Succoth = "booths" the first stopping place of the Israelites when they left Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Succoth. See also: Genesis 33:17; Judges 8:8; Psalms 60:8.
וַ/יַּחֲנ֣וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בְ/אֵתָ֔ם
ʼÊthâm
H864
"Etham"
Prep | N-proper
Etham was a stopping place for the Israelites during the Exodus from Egypt. It is mentioned in Exodus and Numbers as a location where the people camped before continuing their journey. This place is significant in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Etham = "with them: their plowshare" a stopping place for Israel during the Exodus
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Etham. See also: Exodus 13:20; Numbers 33:7; Numbers 33:8.
בִּ/קְצֵ֖ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הַ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Art | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 13:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 13:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 13:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 13:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 13:20
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 13:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
- Sermons on Exodus 13:20
Context — The Pillars of Cloud and Fire
18So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle.
19Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear a solemn oath when he said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from this place.”
20They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.
21And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. 22Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 33:5–6 | The Israelites set out from Rameses and camped at Succoth. They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. |
| 2 | Exodus 12:37 | The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children. |
Exodus 13:20 Summary
This verse tells us that the Israelites moved from Succoth and set up camp at Etham, which was on the edge of the wilderness. This was a part of their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, and it shows how God was guiding and providing for them every step of the way, as seen in Exodus 13:21-22. Just like the Israelites, we can trust God to guide us through the difficult times in our lives, and we can look to scripture, such as Psalm 23:4, for comfort and reassurance. By trusting in God's plan and provision, we can have confidence that He will lead us to our own 'Promised Land', just as He did for the Israelites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites camp at Etham on the edge of the wilderness?
The Israelites camped at Etham as they were being led by God through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, as seen in Exodus 13:18, and this stopping point was a part of God's plan to guide them to their destination, similar to how God guides us today as mentioned in Psalm 32:8.
What is the significance of the wilderness in this verse?
The wilderness represents a place of testing and refinement for the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2, where God tested them to know what was in their hearts, and it serves as a reminder that our journeys through difficult times are also opportunities for spiritual growth and trust in God, as mentioned in James 1:2-4.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites' journey?
This verse is a part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, as outlined in the book of Exodus, and it highlights God's guidance and provision for His people, as seen in Exodus 13:21-22, where God goes before them in a pillar of cloud and fire.
What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in this verse?
The Israelites' obedience to God's leading, as seen in Exodus 13:20, demonstrates their trust in His plan and provision, and we can learn from their example by trusting God and following His guidance in our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'wilderness' experiences in my life where I have felt God's guidance and provision, and how can I trust Him more in those times?
- How can I, like the Israelites, be obedient to God's leading even when the path ahead is uncertain, and what role does faith play in my decision-making process?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting God's guidance, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and relationships, and what scripture can I use to support me in this journey?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God more, and how can I, like Moses, take steps of faith and obedience to follow God's plan, as seen in Hebrews 11:24-27?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 13:20
And they took their journey from Succoth,.... On the second day, as Jarchi observes, from their coming out of Egypt, which was the sixteenth of Nisan: and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 13:20
And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. They took their journey from Succoth - (see the notes at Exodus 12:37; also at Leviticus 23:43; Numbers 33:5-6).
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
Exodus 13:20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.Ver. 20. From Succoth.] Their first rendezvous.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
THE JOURNEY RESUMED.(20) They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham.—The exact positions of both Succoth and Etham are uncertain, and can only be conjectured; but they probably lay to the southeast of Tanis, between that city and the Bitter Lakes. Succoth may have been at or near Tel Dafneh, about fifteen miles from Tanis, and Etham near the modern Ismailia, on the verge of the desert. Dr. Brugsch’s identification of Etham with the Egyptian Khetam is highly improbable, since the Hebrew aleph never replaces the Egyptian kh, which is a very strong guttural. E-tham would mean “the house of Turn,” and point to a temple of the Sun-god, who was specially worshipped in the Eastern Delta, at Heliopolis, Patumus, and elsewhere.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
Verse 20. Encamped in Etham.] As for the reasons assigned on Exodus 13:17, God would not lead the Israelites by the way of the Philistines' country, he directed them towards the wilderness of Shur, Exodus 15:22, upon the edge or extremity of which, next to Egypt, at the bottom of the Arabian Gulf, lay Etham, which is the second place of encampment mentioned. See the extracts from Dr. Shaw at the end of Exodus. See Clarke on Exodus 40:38.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 13:20
20. The form of the verse is that usual in P’s itineraries: cf. Exodus 17:1, Exodus 19:2, Numbers 21:10 f., Exodus 22:1, and esp. Exodus 33:5-23. Etham] On the ‘edge (lit. end) of the wilderness,’ i.e. of the wilderness on the East of the Isthmus of Suez (in Numbers 33:8 [P] called the ‘wilderness of Etham,’ in which the Israelites journeyed for three days after the passage of the Red Sea); the ‘edge’ of this wilderness here meant will be the N. part of what we call the Isthmus of Suez. The precise site of Etham on this ‘edge’ is, however, quite uncertain, as the name has not been satisfactorily identified. Khetem in Egyptian means a ‘closed place, fortress, castle’; and there was a ‘Castle (Khetem) in Zaru (or Zalu),’ corresponding to the Selle of the Roman itineraries, often mentioned in the Inscriptions as passed by the Eg. kings on their expeditions into, or return from, Asia (see Maspero, ii. 122, 123, 370; and cf. the writer’s essay, with citation of inscriptions, in Hogarth’s Authority and Archaeology, pp. 58–61), which has been supposed to be the place meant. Selle is the modern Tell Abu-Sêfeh, at the N. end of L. Ballâḥ ?, 18 miles N. of L. Timsâḥ ?
(Masp. i. 75, 201 n. 4: see further reff. in DB. s.v. Shur). This however seems to be too far to the N.: a stronger guttural than à would also have been expected at the beginning of ‘’ Etham,’ if it had been the transcription of the Eg. khetem. A site more to the S. seems to be more probable: Di. suggests the E. end of the sand-ridge el-Gisr, 3 miles N. of L. Timsaḥ ? (see p. 126); Dawson and Naville the N. end of L. Timsâḥ ?.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 13:20
Etham - The house or “sanctuary of Tum” (the Sun God worshipped especially by that name in Lower Egypt), was in the immediate vicinity of Heliopolis, called by the Egyptians the fortress of Zar, or Zalu (i. e.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 13:20
20. Etham, in the edge of the wilderness — The Wady et Tumey-lat, through which the Israelites commenced their march, leads to the ancient Bitter Lakes, (now a swampy basin, which, except at the
Sermons on Exodus 13:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 13:20-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The speaker emphasizes how God provided for them by leading them wit |
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The Eternal Spirit Walking in the Spirit by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance from God. He encourages listeners to start by humbling themselves before God and asking Him what H |