King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:28 Mean?

Numbers 14:28 in the King James Version says “Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 14:28 · KJV


Context

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,

30

Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. sware: Heb. lifted up my hand


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God accepts Moses' intercession and commands the people to separate from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The call to 'Get you up from about the tabernacle' and 'depart from the tents of these wicked men' gave the congregation opportunity to distance themselves from rebellion. God's judgment would target the ringleaders while sparing those who repented and separated.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Korah's rebellion (chapter 16) involved 250 leaders who challenged Moses and Aaron's authority, claiming all Israel was equally holy. God's judgment would vindicate His appointed leaders through supernatural demonstration.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to separate from wickedness rather than participate in corporate sin?
  2. How does God provide escape from judgment for those who repent and separate from rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֱמֹ֣ר1 of 14

Say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֗ם2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חַי3 of 14

I live

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אָ֙נִי֙4 of 14
H589

i

נְאֻם5 of 14

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 14

the LORD

H3068

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

אִם7 of 14
H518

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

לֹ֕א8 of 14

unto them As truly as

H3808

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 14
H834

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

דִּבַּרְתֶּ֖ם10 of 14

as ye have spoken

H1696

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

בְּאָזְנָ֑י11 of 14

in mine ears

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

כֵּ֖ן12 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה13 of 14

so will I do

H6213

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

לָכֶֽם׃14 of 14
H0

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 14:28 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 14:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study