King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:34 Mean?

Numbers 14:34 in the King James Version says “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year , shall ye bear your in... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year , shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. breach: or, altering of my purpose

Numbers 14:34 · KJV


Context

32

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

33

And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. wander: or, feed

34

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year , shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. breach: or, altering of my purpose

35

I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

36

And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fire from the LORD consumed the 250 men who offered incense, the leaders who joined Korah's rebellion. This dual judgment—earth swallowing some, fire consuming others—demonstrated God's comprehensive authority over creation. That fire targeted specifically those who presumed to offer incense showed God's jealousy for proper worship and respect for His appointed priesthood.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These 250 were leaders ('princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown,' 16:2) who claimed all Israel was equally holy. Their destruction vindicated Aaron's exclusive priestly ministry and warned against presumptuous worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's specific judgment on those who presumed priestly ministry teach about approaching God?
  2. How does Christ's high priesthood provide the only legitimate access to God's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
בְּמִסְפַּ֨ר1 of 20

After the number

H4557

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

י֣וֹם2 of 20

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁר3 of 20
H834

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

תַּרְתֶּ֣ם4 of 20

in which ye searched

H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

אֶת5 of 20
H853

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

הָאָרֶץ֮6 of 20

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אַרְבָּעִ֖ים7 of 20

even forty

H705

forty

י֣וֹם8 of 20

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

י֣וֹם9 of 20

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שָׁנָ֑ה10 of 20

for a year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

י֣וֹם11 of 20

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שָׁנָ֑ה12 of 20

for a year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

תִּשְׂאוּ֙13 of 20

shall ye bear

H5375

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

אֶת14 of 20
H853

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

עֲוֹנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם15 of 20

your iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

אַרְבָּעִ֖ים16 of 20

even forty

H705

forty

שָׁנָ֑ה17 of 20

for a year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם18 of 20

and ye shall know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת19 of 20
H853

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

תְּנֽוּאָתִֽי׃20 of 20

my breach of promise

H8569

alienation; by implication, enmity


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 14:34 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 14:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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