King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:11 Mean?

Numbers 14:11 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Numbers 14:11 · KJV


Context

9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. defence: Heb. shadow

10

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

11

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

12

I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

13

And Moses said unto the LORD, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;)


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God asks Moses rhetorically, 'How long will this people provoke me?' and 'how long will it be ere they believe me?' These questions reveal divine patience wearing thin after repeated rebellions. The word 'provoke' (Hebrew 'na'ats') means to despise or spurn, indicating willful rejection. Despite 'all the signs which I have done among them'—ten plagues, Red Sea, Sinai theophany, daily manna—they refuse faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This represents approximately the tenth major rebellion since leaving Egypt (Exodus 14:11-12, 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3, 32:1-6, etc.). Each instance revealed hardened unbelief despite escalating demonstrations of God's power and faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does repeated exposure to God's truth without belief harden rather than soften hearts?
  2. What signs and wonders has God shown you that should produce greater faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 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

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 19

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַד5 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אָ֥נָה6 of 19
H579

to approach; hence, to meet in various senses

יְנַֽאֲצֻ֖נִי7 of 19

provoke

H5006

to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom

הָעָ֣ם8 of 19

How long will this people

H5971

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

הַזֶּ֑ה9 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְעַד10 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אָ֙נָה֙11 of 19
H579

to approach; hence, to meet in various senses

לֹֽא12 of 19

me and how long will it be ere

H3808

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

יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ13 of 19

they believe

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

בִ֔י14 of 19
H0
בְּכֹל֙15 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֹת֔וֹת16 of 19

me for all the signs

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 19
H834

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

עָשִׂ֖יתִי18 of 19

which I have shewed

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃19 of 19

among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)


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 14:11 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 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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