King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:12 Mean?

Numbers 14:12 in the King James Version says “I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than the...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 14:12 · KJV

Context

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;)

14

And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God threatens: 'I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.' This recalls God's earlier threat after the golden calf (Ex 32:10). The Hebrew 'nakah' (smite/strike) and 'yarash' (disinherit/dispossess) indicate total destruction. God's offer to make Moses into a greater nation tested Moses' heart - would he accept personal exaltation if it meant Israel's destruction? Moses' intercessory response (v.13-19) demonstrated his shepherd's heart, preferring Israel's preservation over personal greatness. This foreshadows Christ who could have called legions of angels (Matt 26:53) but chose the cross for our sake. True leaders value those they serve above personal advancement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This crisis followed Israel's rejection of Caleb and Joshua's faithful report, with the congregation ready to stone them and choose new leadership to return to Egypt (v.1-10). God's patience reached its limit - persistent rebellion despite continuous miracles warranted destruction. Moses' intercession appealed to God's reputation among nations (v.13-16) and His revealed character of mercy (v.17-19), successfully averting immediate destruction though not preventing judgment (forty years of wilderness wandering, v.26-35). The incident demonstrates that intercessory prayer based on God's character and promises can change divine actions, though not violating His justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. When offered personal advancement at others' expense, do you choose like Moses to intercede for them instead?
  2. How does Moses' successful intercession encourage you to pray boldly for others based on God's character and promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אַכֶּ֥נּוּ1 of 9

“I will smite”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בַדֶּ֖בֶר2 of 9

“them with the pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

וְאֽוֹרִשֶׁ֑נּוּ3 of 9

“and disinherit”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה֙4 of 9

“them and will make”

H6213

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

אֹֽתְךָ֔5 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְגוֹי6 of 9

“nation”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

גָּד֥וֹל7 of 9

“of thee a greater”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְעָצ֖וּם8 of 9

“and mightier”

H6099

powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃9 of 9
H4480

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

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 14:12 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 14:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 32:10Numbers 16:46-492 Samuel 24:12-152 Samuel 24:1Numbers 25:9Exodus 5:3

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