King James Version

What Does Numbers 10:31 Mean?

Numbers 10:31 in the King James Version says “And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayes...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.”

Numbers 10:31 · KJV

Prayer

Context

29

And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.

30

And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.

31

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

32

And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.

33

And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness—Moses appeals to Hobab's practical knowledge: thou mayest be to us instead of eyes (וְהָיִ֥יתָ לָּ֖נוּ לְעֵינָ֑יִם, wəhāyîṯā lānū ləʿênayim). This phrase acknowledges human instrumentality within divine guidance—the pillar of cloud led Israel, yet human wisdom remained valuable.

This challenges both hyper-spiritualism (ignoring practical wisdom) and rationalism (trusting only human knowledge). God often provides direction through consecrated human expertise. Moses' humility in seeking help, despite having direct divine revelation, models leadership that honors others' gifts while maintaining ultimate dependence on God's guidance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'wilderness' (מִדְבָּר, miḏbār) between Sinai and Canaan was Hobab's native territory. His Midianite knowledge of water sources, safe routes, and camping sites would prove invaluable. This occurred circa 1446-1406 BC during Israel's wilderness wandering. Moses' request shows the value of local expertise in unfamiliar terrain.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you been tempted to rely solely on 'spiritual guidance' while ignoring practical wisdom God has provided through others?
  2. How can you be 'eyes' for others in areas where God has given you specialized knowledge or experience?
  3. What does Moses' humble request teach about leadership—even when you have divine authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 14

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַל2 of 14
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

נָ֖א3 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

תַּֽעֲזֹ֣ב4 of 14

“Leave”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֹתָ֑נוּ5 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כִּ֣י׀6 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עַל7 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֣ן8 of 14

“us not I pray thee forasmuch as thou knowest”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יָדַ֗עְתָּ9 of 14
H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

חֲנֹתֵ֙נוּ֙10 of 14

“how we are to encamp”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר11 of 14

“in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וְהָיִ֥יתָ12 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָּ֖נוּ13 of 14
H0
לְעֵינָֽיִם׃14 of 14

“and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 10:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 10:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 29:151 Corinthians 12:14-21Psalms 32:8Galatians 6:2

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