King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:17 Mean?

Numbers 11:17 in the King James Version says “And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon th... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

Numbers 11:17 · KJV


Context

15

And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

16

And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

17

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

18

And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

19

Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's promise to 'take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them' reveals that leadership ability is a divine gift, not merely natural talent. The Spirit's distribution did not diminish Moses' portion (as physical division would) but multiplied Spirit-empowerment to others. This demonstrates the Holy Spirit's sufficiency for all God calls to service. The phrase 'they shall bear the burden with thee' shows that Spirit-enabled ministry involves sharing responsibility, preventing burnout and fostering community leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This represents one of the Old Testament's clearest examples of the Holy Spirit distributing gifts for ministry service. The Spirit's coming upon the seventy elders caused prophetic utterance (verse 25), validating their divine calling. This anticipates Pentecost's greater outpouring where the Spirit was given to all believers, not just select leaders. Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-29), cited at Pentecost, promised this broader Spirit distribution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's distribution without diminishing Moses' portion illustrate the Spirit's sufficiency for all believers today?
  2. In what ways can you participate in shared ministry that prevents burnout and utilizes diverse spiritual gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְיָֽרַדְתִּ֗י1 of 19

And I will come down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

וְדִבַּרְתִּ֣י2 of 19

and talk

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עִמְּךָ֮3 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׁם֒4 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְאָֽצַלְתִּ֗י5 of 19

with thee there and I will take

H680

properly, to join; used only as a denominative from h0681; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract

מִן6 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָר֛וּחַ7 of 19

of the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָלֶ֖יךָ9 of 19
H5921

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

וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י10 of 19

which is upon thee and will put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 19
H5921

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

תִשָּׂ֥א12 of 19

it upon them and they shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אִתְּךָ֙13 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּמַשָּׂ֣א14 of 19

the burden

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

הָעָ֔ם15 of 19

of the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְלֹֽא16 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשָּׂ֥א17 of 19

it upon them and they shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אַתָּ֖ה18 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לְבַדֶּֽךָ׃19 of 19
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit


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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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