אֹבֹת (o.vot)
o.vot
Oboth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Oboth, meaning “waterskins,” marks a specific station where the Israelites camped during their journey through the wilderness. Listed in Numbers 33:40 as part of the itinerary from Mount Hor toward Moab, this location serves as a geographical marker rather than a site of major theological events. Its simple, practical name reflects the harsh reality of desert travel, where carrying water was essential for survival.
Modern scholarship generally agrees that Oboth was situated near the eastern boundary of Moab, though its exact archaeological site remains undetermined. The term appears only four times in Scripture, all within the context of listing the tribes’ encampments. By naming a camp after such a mundane necessity, the biblical text grounds the spiritual journey in the physical hardships faced by the people.
While Oboth lacks the dramatic narrative weight of places like Sinai or Jericho, it highlights the steady, step-by-step nature of the Exodus. It reminds readers that the path to the Promised Land involved long stretches of travel through difficult terrain. The name stands as a quiet testament to the daily reliance on God’s provision for basic needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Oboth means “waterskins,” a practical reminder that ancient travel depended on carrying water through dry lands. In Numbers 21:10, the Israelites encamped here during their long journey to the Promised Land. This simple detail shows how God guided His people through everyday hardships.
Even in places without dramatic miracles, God provided for basic needs like water and rest. The wilderness was harsh, but each stop marked progress toward God’s promises. We can trust that He cares about our daily struggles too.
When life feels like a long desert walk, remember that God is with you in every step. His provision meets us where we are, just as He did for Israel at Oboth. May you find peace in knowing He guides your journey too.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Oboth2×
- in/ Oboth1×
- at/ Oboth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/אֹבֹ֑ת2×
- בְּ/אֹבֹֽת\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:10
The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in Oboth.
This verse marks the Israelites’ arrival at Oboth, showing how God led them through specific locations during their wilderness wanderings.
-
Numbers 21:11
They traveled from Oboth, and encamped at Iyeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrise.
It highlights the transition from Oboth to Iyeabarim, emphasizing the steady movement toward Moab as part of God’s plan.
-
Numbers 33:43
They traveled from Punon, and encamped in Oboth.
This repetition in Numbers 33 reinforces the itinerary’s accuracy, reminding readers of God’s faithful guidance through each stage of their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Oboth mean in the Bible?
Why is Oboth mentioned in Scripture?
Where was Oboth located?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Numbers 4 verses
The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in Oboth.
Numbers 21:11They traveled from Oboth, and encamped at Iyeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrise.
Numbers 33:43They traveled from Punon, and encamped in Oboth.
Numbers 33:44They traveled from Oboth, and encamped in Iye Abarim, in the border of Moab.