עַצְמוֹן (ats.mon)
ats.mon
Azmon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Atzmon, meaning "strong" or "rocky," refers to a specific location marking the extreme southern boundary of Canaan. It appears in the biblical record as one of the stations where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land (Numbers 33:31). Later, it is listed among the towns allotted to the tribe of Judah, situated near the border with Simeon (Joshua 15:32).
Its etymology suggests a landscape defined by rugged terrain or enduring strength. By placing this site at the edge of the territory, the text highlights the geographical limits of the land promised to Israel. The name serves as a tangible marker in the narrative, anchoring the abstract concept of borders to a real place on the map.
With only three occurrences, Atzmon functions primarily as a geographic signpost rather than a site of major theological events. Its inclusion underscores the precision with which the biblical authors recorded the distribution of land, providing readers with a clear sense of where Israel’s inheritance ended in the south.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Atzmon appears in Scripture as a marker on the southern edge of the land promised to Israel. Its meaning, rooted in strength or rockiness, suggests a place defined by enduring terrain. For readers today, this geographic detail reminds us that God’s promises are specific and grounded in reality. The boundaries were not vague ideas but real places where people lived and traveled.
When we study these ancient borders, we see how carefully the biblical authors recorded history. Azmon stands as a signpost of precision, showing that every part of the inheritance was accounted for. This attention to detail reflects a God who knows His creation intimately and keeps His word with exactness.
In our own lives, we often seek assurance in God’s faithfulness. The mention of such specific locations helps anchor our trust in the tangible nature of divine promises. Just as Azmon marked a real boundary, God’s commitments to His people are firm and reliable, offering stability in uncertain times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Azmon/ towards2×
- from/ Azmon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַצְמֹֽנָ/ה\׃1×
- עַצְמ֗וֹנָ/ה1×
- מֵ/עַצְמ֖וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 34:4
Your border shall turn about southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass along to Zin; and it shall pass southward of Kadesh Barnea; and it shall go from there to Hazar Addar, and pass along to Azmon.
This verse places Azmon within the detailed description of the southern border, highlighting its role as a key turning point in defining the land's extent.
-
Numbers 34:5
The border shall turn about from Azmon to the brook of Egypt, and it shall end at the sea.
Here, the border moves from Azmon to the brook of Egypt, showing how this location served as a transition point toward the final boundary at the sea.
-
Joshua 15:4
and it passed along to Azmon, went out at the brook of Egypt; and the border ended at the sea. This shall be your south border.
In Joshua’s record, Azmon confirms the southern limit of Judah’s inheritance, demonstrating the fulfillment of the earlier border descriptions.