King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:27 Mean?

Numbers 14:27 in the King James Version says “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 14:27 · KJV


Context

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:

29

Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses and Aaron 'fell upon their faces' before the congregation, assuming the posture of intercessory prayer. They addressed God as 'the God of the spirits of all flesh,' acknowledging His sovereignty over life and death for all humanity. Their question 'shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?' appeals to God's justice, asking Him to distinguish individual guilt from corporate punishment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This intercession demonstrates Moses and Aaron's shepherd-hearts, willing to risk divine wrath to plead for the people who just threatened to stone them. Their selfless mediation prefigures Christ's intercession for enemies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' intercession for rebels demonstrate Christlike love for enemies?
  2. What does it mean to appeal to God's character and justice in prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
עַד1 of 18
H5704

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

מָתַ֗י2 of 18
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

לָֽעֵדָ֤ה3 of 18

congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

הָֽרָעָה֙4 of 18

How long shall I bear with this evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הַזֹּ֔את5 of 18
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲשֶׁ֛ר6 of 18
H834

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

הֵ֥מָּה7 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מַלִּינִ֛ים8 of 18

which murmur

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

עָלָ֑י9 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת10 of 18
H853

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

תְּלֻנּ֞וֹת11 of 18

the murmurings

H8519

a grumbling

בְּנֵ֣י12 of 18

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל13 of 18

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 18
H834

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

הֵ֧מָּה15 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מַלִּינִ֛ים16 of 18

which murmur

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

עָלַ֖י17 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שָׁמָֽעְתִּי׃18 of 18

against me I have heard

H8085

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


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 14:27 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 14:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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