King James Version

What Does Numbers 12:10 Mean?

Numbers 12:10 in the King James Version says “And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.”

Numbers 12:10 · KJV

Context

8

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

9

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.

10

And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

11

And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

12

Let her not be as one dead , of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.

Read Numbers 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Miriam's leprosy appeared instantly as judgment for her rebellion, making her 'white as snow'—the distinctive appearance of advanced leprosy. The disease's immediacy demonstrated divine origin of the punishment. Aaron's cry 'alas, my lord' shows immediate recognition of their sin's severity. That Miriam alone received leprosy (though Aaron participated in rebellion) may indicate she instigated the challenge, as she's named first in verse 1.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean and required isolation outside the camp (Leviticus 13). For a prophetess and Moses' sister to suffer this public humiliation powerfully demonstrated God's defense of His servant Moses.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why might God's judgment sometimes fall more heavily on instigators of rebellion?
  2. How does swift divine discipline protect the community from spreading rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהֶֽעָנָ֗ן1 of 14

“And the cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

סָ֚ר2 of 14

“departed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֣ל3 of 14
H5921

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

הָאֹ֔הֶל4 of 14

“from off the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה5 of 14
H2009

lo!

מִרְיָ֖ם6 of 14

“and behold Miriam”

H4813

mirjam, the name of two israelitesses

מְצֹרָֽעַת׃7 of 14

“and behold she was leprous”

H6879

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

כַּשָּׁ֑לֶג8 of 14

“white as snow”

H7950

snow (probably from its whiteness)

וַיִּ֧פֶן9 of 14

“looked”

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן10 of 14

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל11 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִרְיָ֖ם12 of 14

“and behold Miriam”

H4813

mirjam, the name of two israelitesses

וְהִנֵּ֥ה13 of 14
H2009

lo!

מְצֹרָֽעַת׃14 of 14

“and behold she was leprous”

H6879

to scourge, i.e., (intransitive and figurative) to be stricken with leprosy

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 12:10 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 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:92 Kings 5:272 Chronicles 26:19-21Exodus 4:62 Kings 15:5Matthew 25:41

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