King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:22 Mean?

Numbers 14:22 in the King James Version says “Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have te... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

Numbers 14:22 · KJV


Context

20

And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:

21

But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.

22

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;

23

Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: Surely: Heb. If they see the land

24

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declares that those who 'have seen my glory, and my miracles' in Egypt and wilderness yet 'have tempted me now these ten times' will not see the Promised Land. The number 'ten times' may be literal or idiomatic for completeness, indicating exhaustive testing of God's patience. Seeing miracles without believing brings greater judgment than never seeing them (Matthew 11:21-24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The adult generation (except Caleb and Joshua) witnessed unprecedented miracles: plagues, Red Sea crossing, Sinai revelation, daily manna, water from rock, cloud guidance. Despite this overwhelming evidence, they refused persistent faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does greater spiritual light bring greater accountability when rejected?
  2. How can you ensure that exposure to God's truth produces faith rather than hardened unbelief?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּ֣י1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָל2 of 20
H3605

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

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֗ים3 of 20

Because all those men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָֽרֹאִ֤ים4 of 20

which have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

כְּבֹדִי֙6 of 20

my glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

וְאֶת7 of 20
H853

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

אֹ֣תֹתַ֔י8 of 20

and my miracles

H226

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

אֲשֶׁר9 of 20
H834

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

עָשִׂ֥יתִי10 of 20

which I did

H6213

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

בְמִצְרַ֖יִם11 of 20

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וּבַמִּדְבָּ֑ר12 of 20

and in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וַיְנַסּ֣וּ13 of 20

and have tempted

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

אֹתִ֗י14 of 20
H853

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

זֶ֚ה15 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עֶ֣שֶׂר16 of 20

me now these ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

פְּעָמִ֔ים17 of 20

times

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וְלֹ֥א18 of 20
H3808

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

שָֽׁמְע֖וּ19 of 20

and have not hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקוֹלִֽי׃20 of 20

to my voice

H6963

a voice or sound


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 14:22 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 14:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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