King James Version

What Does Numbers 12:14 Mean?

Numbers 12:14 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be s... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

Numbers 12:14 · KJV


Context

12

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

13

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.

14

And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.

15

And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

16

And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response establishes that even Moses' intercession could not eliminate consequences: 'let her be shut out from the camp seven days.' The Hebrew tisager (let her be shut out) indicates quarantine for purification. Divine mercy reduced the penalty (she was healed), but discipline remained necessary. This teaches that forgiveness does not always eliminate consequences. God's character requires both mercy and justice. The seven-day period fulfilled the law's requirement for cleansing (Leviticus 13-14), showing that even grace operates within holy standards.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The seven-day quarantine period was standard for assessing and cleansing skin diseases (Leviticus 13:4-5). Miriam received no harsher treatment than any Israelite with similar symptoms, demonstrating equality before the law despite her prophetic status. Her public discipline served as warning to others about challenging God's appointed leadership (Jude 11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we reconcile divine forgiveness with remaining consequences of sin?
  2. What purposes do church discipline serve even for repentant offenders?
  3. How does God's justice within mercy shape our understanding of His character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֗ה4 of 19

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאָבִ֙יהָ֙5 of 19

If her father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

יָרַק֙6 of 19

had but

H3417

to spit

יָרַק֙7 of 19

had but

H3417

to spit

בְּפָנֶ֔יהָ8 of 19

in her face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הֲלֹ֥א9 of 19
H3808

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

תִכָּלֵ֖ם10 of 19

should she not be ashamed

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

שִׁבְעַ֤ת11 of 19

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִים֙12 of 19

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תִּסָּגֵ֞ר13 of 19

let her be shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

שִׁבְעַ֤ת14 of 19

seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִים֙15 of 19

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מִח֣וּץ16 of 19

out

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

לַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה17 of 19

from the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

וְאַחַ֖ר18 of 19

and after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

תֵּֽאָסֵֽף׃19 of 19

that let her be received

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)


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 12:14 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 12:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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