King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:23 Mean?

Numbers 14:23 in the King James Version says “Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 14:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God swears that the faithless generation 'shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers.' The irony is profound: they refused to enter when commanded, now they cannot enter when willing (v. 40-45). This illustrates the tragedy of missed opportunity when God's patience expires. Yet He remains faithful to covenant promises—their children would enter (v. 31).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:7, 26:3, 28:13) would be inherited not by the Exodus generation but by their children. God's faithfulness spans generations even when individuals fail.

Reflection Questions

  1. What opportunities to obey God might you forfeit by delay and unbelief?
  2. How does God's faithfulness to His promises comfort you even when individuals fail?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אִם1 of 11

Surely they shall not

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִרְאֽוּהָ׃2 of 11

me see

H7200

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

אֶת3 of 11
H853

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

הָאָ֔רֶץ4 of 11

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 11
H834

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

נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי6 of 11

which I sware

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַֽאֲבֹתָ֑ם7 of 11

unto their fathers

H1

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

וְכָל8 of 11
H3605

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

מְנַֽאֲצַ֖י9 of 11

neither shall any of them that provoked

H5006

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

לֹ֥א10 of 11
H3808

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

יִרְאֽוּהָ׃11 of 11

me see

H7200

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


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 14:23 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 14:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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