King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:26 Mean?

Numbers 14:26 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Numbers 14:26 · KJV


Context

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.

26

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

27

How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

28

Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses and Aaron to separate from the congregation 'that I may consume them in a moment.' This echoes God's threat after the golden calf (Exodus 32:10), testing Moses' heart and providing opportunity for intercession. God's justice demands judgment, yet His mercy delights in finding reasons to spare.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This threat came as the people gathered to stone Moses and Aaron (v. 10), showing the congregation's violent rejection of God's appointed leaders. Divine protection required separation between faithful and faithless.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's call to 'come out from among them' (2 Corinthians 6:17) protect believers from judgment on the wicked?
  2. What role does intercessory prayer play in averting God's judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 7

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 7

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 7

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֖ן6 of 7

and unto Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 14:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study