King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:30 Mean?

Numbers 14:30 in the King James Version says “Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jep... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 14:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Immediately upon Moses finishing speaking, 'the ground clave asunder that was under them'—dramatic fulfillment of the prophesied 'new thing.' The timing's precision demonstrated God's sovereign control and Moses' prophetic authority. The verb 'clave' (Hebrew 'baqa') means to split or cleave, indicating violent rupture of the earth's surface.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This judgment occurred before the assembled congregation, providing incontrovertible evidence of God's power and displeasure with rebellion against His appointed leadership. The event became a perpetual warning (26:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's judgments vindicate His servants who are falsely accused?
  2. What does immediate fulfillment of prophecy demonstrate about God's word and power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אִם1 of 20

Doubtless ye shall not

H518

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

אַתֶּם֙2 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תָּבֹ֣אוּ3 of 20

come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל4 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֔רֶץ5 of 20

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 20
H834

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

נָשָׂ֙אתִי֙7 of 20
H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת8 of 20
H853

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

יָדִ֔י9 of 20

concerning which I sware

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן10 of 20

to make you dwell

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

אֶתְכֶ֖ם11 of 20
H853

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

בָּ֑הּ12 of 20
H0
כִּ֚י13 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם14 of 20

Doubtless ye shall not

H518

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

כָּלֵ֣ב15 of 20

therein save Caleb

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

בִּן16 of 20

the son

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

יְפֻנֶּ֔ה17 of 20

of Jephunneh

H3312

jephunneh, the name of two israelites

וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ18 of 20

and Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בִּן19 of 20

the son

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

נֽוּן׃20 of 20

of Nun

H5126

nun or non, the father of joshua


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 14:30 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 14:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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