The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 34:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And the west side shall begin from the great sea, and the same shall be the end thereof.

Douay-Rheims

וּגְב֣וּל יָ֔ם וְהָיָ֥ה לָכֶ֛ם הַיָּ֥ם הַגָּד֖וֹל וּגְב֑וּל זֶֽה־יִהְיֶ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם גְּב֥וּל יָֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

This refers to the territory extending from sea to sea, specifically from the stream of Rinokurura, which flows into the ocean, to the region opposite the Syrian city of Emath, as previously mentioned in our discussion. In allegorical terms, the West represents the vast ocean, where treacherous waters lead to shipwrecks and the misfortunes of those who suffer loss of wealth and possessions on a daily basis. However, by demonstrating perseverance through these trials, we can reach Emath, which symbolizes the truth of the Lord, who has assured eternal rewards for those of us who emerge triumphant from adversity.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.