King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:28 Mean?

Numbers 11:28 in the King James Version says “And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.”

Numbers 11:28 · KJV

Context

26

But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

27

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

28

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

29

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

30

And Moses gat him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joshua's response 'My lord Moses, forbid them' reveals the mindset of zealous but misguided loyalty. The title 'My lord Moses' shows respect and deference, but Joshua's request was wrong. His statement 'forbid them' (Hebrew kela'em, כְּלָאֵם—restrain, shut up, stop) sought to suppress Eldad and Medad's prophesying. Joshua perceived their irregular prophesying as threat to Moses' authority or proper order, yet Moses saw it as evidence of God's blessing that should be celebrated, not suppressed.

The description of Joshua as 'the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men' provides context: Joshua had been Moses' assistant from Egypt onward (Exodus 24:13; 33:11), developing deep loyalty to Moses personally. This personal devotion, though admirable, clouded Joshua's judgment here—he mistook irregular for wrong, different for threatening. His concern for Moses' authority was sincere but misplaced. Moses' authority didn't depend on controlling all ministry but on faithfully delivering God's word. Joshua would later learn this lesson and lead Israel with similar humility.

This incident teaches important lessons about authority and ministry. First, godly leaders don't view others' ministry as threat but as blessing. Second, loyalty to human leaders must never supersede recognition of God's sovereign work. Third, concern for order is good but can become excessive when it suppresses genuine Spirit-work. Joshua's error was natural—most people prefer predictable, controlled ministry to Spirit-led spontaneity—but Moses' response (verse 29) models the better way.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joshua's long service as Moses' assistant had begun in Egypt and continued throughout the wilderness period. He had accompanied Moses partway up Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:13), remained in the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:11), and served as military commander (Exodus 17:9-14). This close relationship explains Joshua's protective concern for Moses' position. Yet Joshua still had lessons to learn about leadership—this incident taught that godly authority welcomes rather than suppresses others' ministry. Later, as Israel's leader, Joshua would demonstrate this lesson learned, working through tribal leaders and distributing responsibility rather than concentrating all authority in himself.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joshua's well-intentioned but mistaken desire to suppress Eldad and Medad warn against confusing loyalty to human leaders with faithfulness to God?
  2. What does this incident teach about the danger of viewing others' Spirit-empowered ministry as threat rather than blessing when it occurs outside our organizational control?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיַּ֜עַן1 of 11

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ2 of 11

“And Joshua”

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בִּן3 of 11

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נ֗וּן4 of 11

“of Nun”

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua

מְשָׁרֵ֥ת5 of 11

“the servant”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

מֹשֶׁ֖ה6 of 11

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מִבְּחֻרָ֖יו7 of 11

“one of his young men”

H979

youth (collectively and abstractly)

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר8 of 11

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנִ֥י9 of 11

“My lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

מֹשֶׁ֖ה10 of 11

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כְּלָאֵֽם׃11 of 11

“forbid”

H3607

to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)

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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 9:49-50John 3:26Mark 9:38-40Joshua 1:1Exodus 17:9Exodus 33:11

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