King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:29 Mean?

Numbers 14:29 in the King James Version says “Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twe... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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,

Numbers 14:29 · KJV


Context

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

31

But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises an unprecedented sign: 'if the LORD make a new thing' (Hebrew 'beriah', create something new) and the earth swallows the rebels, then Israel will know 'these men have provoked the LORD.' This creative miracle would unmistakably demonstrate divine judgment, removing any doubt about who was truly God's representative. The phrase 'go down quick into the pit' (alive into Sheol) indicates conscious descent into death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

No recorded instance exists of the earth opening to swallow people alive prior to this event. This 'new thing' served as supernatural vindication of Moses' authority and warning against rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God sometimes use unprecedented miracles to vindicate His servants and judge rebellion?
  2. How do divine judgments in Scripture serve as warnings to future generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בַּמִּדְבָּ֣ר1 of 15

in this wilderness

H4057

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

הַ֠זֶּה2 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יִפְּל֨וּ3 of 15

shall fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

פִגְרֵיכֶ֜ם4 of 15

Your carcases

H6297

a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image

וְכָל5 of 15
H3605

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

פְּקֻֽדֵיכֶם֙6 of 15

and all that were numbered

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

לְכָל7 of 15
H3605

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

מִסְפַּרְכֶ֔ם8 of 15

of you according to your whole number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

מִבֶּ֛ן9 of 15

old

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

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים10 of 15

from twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָ֖ה11 of 15

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וָמָ֑עְלָה12 of 15

and upward

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

אֲשֶׁ֥ר13 of 15
H834

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

הֲלִֽינֹתֶ֖ם14 of 15

which have murmured

H3885

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

עָלָֽי׃15 of 15
H5921

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


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 14:29 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 14:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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